By Theresa-Marie Wilson
Students tinkering away in a trailer in the parking lot at Arroyo Grande High School recently were actually doing schoolwork.
The 20 or so students are part of the new Maker Class started at the high school this school year and the trailer, a 40’ x 85’ unit that opens out into a 900 square-foot walk-in space, contained the wave of the future.
Technology manufacturer Atmel recently brought its Tech on Tour trailer to campus to host a introduction to microcomputer Arduino-based robotic, touch technology and 3D modeling.
“The students are going to assemble the robot and also code it,” said Mel Cozby, Maker Class teacher at Arroyo Grande High School. “They are going to put sensors on it so that when the robot goes, if it runs into an object, it will change direction.”
Atmel donated the robot kits, valued at $2,300. The company brings hands-on training, hack-a-thons, key technology demonstrations and more based on its microcontrollers, microprocessors, wireless, touch solutions and easy-to-use software tools to showcase the company’s latest innovations.
Sophomore Daniel Rangelov said the Tech on Tour experience would be helpful with pursuing his career goals.
“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “I’ve never done anything like this before. We can program it (the robot) to go forward, back, right, left or spin a full circle as long as it doesn’t hit the wall. I’m looking into going into the architectural engineering field, and this really helped because of the designing and putting it together. It’s hands-on.”
The Tech on Tour trailer was also equipped with a 3D printer where students created green plastic whistles or small figurines.
The Maker Class, for which students receive science credits, involves everything from woodworking to making robots and is also equipped with a similar printer where students can hone their 3D modeling chops, a foundational component of engineering and design.
“We do a little of everything,” Cozby said. “It is a way for kids to get hands-on, project-based experience. Even if the kids go straight into work outside of high school, they will have some skills. Some might go to college and become an engineer. A lot of engineers are graduating college without any practical experience. We are giving them practical experience. They will know how to safely use tools, do some electronics and be able to do a little bit of coding. When they walk away from the class, they will have all those skills.”
