Hamilton Tech’s electronics instructors, Craig Wright, Lyle Andersen, and Larry Bradley, as well as Mark Christy, Director, participated in the first day of PLTW summer camp by providing a basis introduction to electronics. Twenty four 8th grade students arrived at St. Ambrose University campus at 12:15 following a tour of the Eastern Iowa Community College John Blong Technology Center. The first day of camp was to give the students an opportunity to participate in some type of engineering or engineering technology education. The Blong Center exposed the students to to the machining and industrial technology programs. The students were also given an introduction to the “green technology” programs that are now a part of EICC.
The students traveled to St. Ambrose University campus where they were divided into two groups of twelve. Half of the students went with Dr. Jodi Prosise to create an object using the SolidWorks 3-D drawing program and printing the 3-D object they had created. The other half of the group came to the Hamilton Tech lab, set up in teh St. Ambrose Engineering Department. The students got an introduction to basic electronic components and schematic symbols that are used to represent these components on an electronics circuit drawing. The students were working in teams of two; each team had a basic electronics trainer with a “breadboard” area.
Following the introduction, each team of students was given the components to “breadboard”/create a basic amplifier circuit. With the schematic in hand, and with Craig, Lyle, and Larry’s assistance, the students “breadboarded” the circuit. Within 15 to 20 minutes the circuits came to life with hums, whistles, and feedback, as the students’ voices were amplified by the circuits they had created. I think the students were amazed that they were able to create or “breadboard” a functioning circuit so quickly. The first group moved to the SolidWorks lab and the second group moved into our lab to build their amplifier circuit. The group was able to build the first circuit quickly and got to try their hand with a second circuit that Craig had developed that had a solar cell incorporated into the design. When the students covered the solar cell, it stopped the circuit from squealing. Craig was also able to do a short demo of the oscilloscope that we had included with a typical lab station setup. Our time was up and the students headed back to Davenport West High for a wrap up of the first day of PLTW Summer Camp 2010. We hope the students had a great time learning about basic electronics, and that they will all consider being a part of Project Lead the Way as they work toward a career pathway in high school. We had a great time, too!
Project Lead the Way is a 6-course sequence of rigorous courses taught in conjunction with college prepatory math and science that can help students be successful in post-secondary engineering, engineering technology, and technical career fields. PLTW started in the Davenport School System in the fall of 2007. It has been a very beneficial, successful addition to engineering and engineering technology courses at the high school level. Congrats to West High for being chosen as a national PLTW Model School in 2010. Davenport Community Schools are to be commended for their commitment to PLTW and for the resources necessary to continue this excellent program. Mr. Christy has been a active member of the PLTW Advisory Committee since 2007.
Mark Christy, Director
Student Food and Blood Drive Thank Yous
We received the following thank you notes from St. Vincent de Paul, for items donated and collected during the Student Food Drive, Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, for the recent blood drive that was held on campus, and a very nice thank you from the Progressive Baptist Food Pantry. We want to thank all students and faculty that helped with these very worthwhile causes. You’ve helped our community!
Thank you so very much for your kind donation! – Progressive Baptist Food Pantry
Dear Margaret, Thank you so much for the blood drive you hosted — we had a good turnout with 9 units collected and we can hope to grow next year! It was a pleasure working with you and I look forward to future drives at Hamilton. Have a great rest of your summer! Best, Melissa Lowers – Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center
Hamilton Tech College, On behalf of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry of St. Pius Church, I want to thank the staff and student body for sharing of their recent food drive. It helps assist the people in need. Thank you, Bob Pulford – Food Pantry Coordinator
Thanks,
Mark
Hamilton Tech’s Director of Admission, Scott Ervin, will be participating in the Rock Island Arsenal’s annual Family and MWR Employee Appreciation Day, July 15th, 2010, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Memorial Field. Recently, Scott was contacted by and met with an Army Continuing Education officer at the Rock Island Arsenal to provide information on Hamilton Technical College. This meeting led to an invitation to this event.
For more information about this event, please visit: http://www.riamwr.com/EAD10/index.htm
We just put the finishing touches on two new TV commercials today. John has set them up so you can get a preview. We are excited about showcasing our MAP mentoring program and our new Innovative Design Lab. You will also see them around campus on the big new flat panel screens. We also want to thank Brad Ruggles at KLJB TV here in Davenport for his patience in putting our ideas on screen. Take a look and let us know what you think. We’ve also got a new look coming for this blog…stay tuned, thanks to the Nerds at Nerdwerx!
Innovative Design Lab Commercial
Mentoring, Application, Preparation (MAP) Program Commercial
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MAP – Mentoring, Application, & Preparation
What is the MAP Program?
The MAP Program is designed to help students develop study skills. Students who meet certain requirements are trained to “Mentor” those who are looking for help. Some requirements to be a Mentor are: a GPA of 3.5 or higher, show leadership qualities, and have an interest to help others. They must also have completed the class in which they are helping. When a “Mentee” has requested help, he or she will be paired with a Mentor. Since some students are lacking in different areas than others, the Mentor they receive will have strengths in the material crucial to their success. This program has shown to help improve test scores and GPA’s, giving our students the confidence they need to be “Test Ready”.
How do I join the MAP Program?
Though there are no requirements to meet in order to request assistance from a Mentor, we do ask that a Mentee gives forth full effort. Students may ask any instructor or Mentor for a request form for Mentoring. The form will be given to the MAP Program Facilitator, who will assign a Mentor for the student. The Mentor and Mentee will then decide when it is best for them to meet so they may begin their studying periods. If any questions or concerns arise during the Mentorship, students can request assistance fro the Facilitator, Lyle Andersen.
Can I become a Mentor?
To ensure our students are getting the best help, there are requirements to become a Mentor. Some requirements are:
- Maintain a 3.5 GPA minimum
- Work well with others
- Help students acheive “Test Readiness”
- Agree to policies set forth in the MAP Guidebook
This program is available to students in either the Electronics or Medical programs. Request forms are kept by instructors, as well as with the Mentors and Facilitator.
What are the benefits of this program?
The obvious benefit is the improvement seen by our students who have used our help. There are other benefits as well. Students realize their potential, and confidence is strengthened. Social skills are gained, and leadership skills are honed. Those who Mentor are encouraged to participate in our Innovative Lab. Mentorship can be a great resume builder, so we encourage Mentors to participate in workshops we may hold. From time to time, we have luncheons to discuss matters that pertain to the MAP Program. Lastly, there is a small reward for those who give their time. That is discussed when a student decides to volunteer their time!
