Fueling Innovation in STEAM Education

The Trumbull County Educational Service Center (TCESC) extends thanks to Howmet Aerospace for its steadfast commitment to advancing education in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). Through grant funding provided by Howmet, the TCESC has launched an exciting initiative to enhance student learning with four new Career Carts from Vista AST. These innovative carts expose students in the TCESC Steam program to real-world applications in fields such as advanced manufacturing, welding, automotive technology, and medical sciences.

What Are Career Carts?

Career Carts are interactive tools designed to introduce students to various careers through hands-on activities and simulations. Each cart provides students with unique learning experiences tailored to a specific field, bridging classroom learning with industry skills. Here's a closer look at the new Career Carts at TCESC:

1. Medical Cart

Description: This cart familiarizes students with equipment and procedures commonly used in healthcare.

Project Challenge:

• Explore careers in medical and home health care.

• Use health monitoring devices to assess wellness metrics.

Key Student Activities:

• Measure blood pressure, lung capacity, body temperature, blood oxygen levels, and heart pulse rate.

• Learn to use a stethoscope to listen to the heart and lungs.

• Understand the importance of these parameters in health and wellness.

2. Automotive Cart

Description: This cart allows students to explore the duties of an auto mechanic, emphasizing basic vehicle maintenance.

Project Challenge:

• Gain hands-on experience at a simulated auto repair garage.

• Learn to diagnose and address common automotive issues.

Key Student Activities:

• Safely change a model car’s tire.

• Use an OBD-II scanner to diagnose engine issues.

• Participate in interactive games, such as changing an air filter.

3. Welding Cart

Description: This cart demonstrates welding processes through an augmented reality simulator, emphasizing precision and skill.

Project Challenge:

• Develop proficiency in welding techniques using virtual tools.

• Compete to achieve the highest accuracy and speed scores.

Key Student Activities:

• Simulate MIG welding on groove, tee, and lap joints.

• Track performance scores to improve skills with each attempt.

4. Advanced Manufacturing & Machining Cart

Description: This cart highlights the role of robotics in modern manufacturing.

Project Challenge:

• Use a robotic arm to streamline operations in a simulated machine shop.

• Program the arm to execute tasks such as sorting and placing parts.

Key Student Activities:

• Program the robotic arm in “teach” mode to pick and place objects.

• Sort objects by color and load them onto a conveyor belt.