Mason Middle School students will soon be able to experience the power of industrial robotics - thanks to a $5,000 grant through the Ohio STEM Learning Network Classroom Grant Program.
The Ohio STEM Learning Network, a Battelle-funded group working in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Education, awarded the grant for a project that teacher Marty Fish submitted in 2021, titled "Industrial Automation in the Classroom."
“This cutting edge educational robotics system will allow my students to experience the power of industrial robotics in a way that has not yet been available in a classroom setting. With this tool, my students will be able to work together to solve industrial problems in a way that will bring STEM concepts to life. As they work on these challenges in the classroom, my students will be able to visualize themselves in STEM careers involving industrial automation,” explains Fish.
Fish's classroom was one of 155 across the state of Ohio to receive a grant. The grants are offered to create sustainable, STEM learning projects to benefit students for years to come.
About Mr. Fish
A mid life course correction for Marty Fish has meant a world of opportunity for Mason Middle School students. After practicing law in a downtown Cincinnati firm, Fish had a vision - he needed to follow his true passion in order to make a different kind of impact on his community. So, 20 years ago Fish left behind a life of law to go back to school for his teaching certification and has been employed with Mason City Schools ever since.
In 2014-2015, Fish launched the Coding & Robotics STEM LAB after school club, and in 2015-2016, MMS students had a new elective to choose - the coding and robotics course he has designed. With financial support from the Mason Schools Foundation, Fish created an innovative space for students to learn about STEM in ways that are exciting, interesting and engaging. He firmly believes those in education need to take a good look at what skills students will need for tomorrow, and offer those opportunities to students while they are young.
About the Grant
Using the STEM Labs designed to work with the V5 Workcell, MMS coding and robotics students will be able to:
- Explore industrial robotics while learning about the components and applications of industrial robots
- Add bumper switches and learning about industrial robotic safety
- Use x, y, and z coordinate values to move the robotic arm
- Compare and contrast linear movements with joint movements
- Utilize programming variables in solving industrial robotics tasks
- Utilize electromagnets and optical sensors to allow the arm to pick up, drop off, and sort industrial ‘products'
- Build a conveyor system to help sort industrial ‘products’
- Utilize sensors with the conveyor system to learn about how manufacturing processes incorporate sensors into materials handling
"We invest in these programs to foster the next generation of Ohio innovators," said OSLN director Kelly Gaier Evans. “The schools and educators awarded today will create powerful new experiences to amaze and inspire students.
"The OSLN Classroom Grant Program plans to give out a total of $687,500 in grants to classrooms throughout Ohio. Projects considered for grant are to align with one of four focus areas: Community Problem Solving, STEM Career Exploration, Building STEM Mindsets, or Design Thinking and Infrastructure.