In just a few short years, artificial intelligence has shifted from a futuristic concept to a daily driver of innovation across industries. In this 45-minute session, we’ll explore the rapid transformation AI is having on engineering, design, and workforce skills—and what it means for the future of education. Drawing insights from the Power in Transition impact report and the broader “Age of AI” framework, we’ll highlight how GenAI is reshaping the tools engineers use, the problems they solve, and the skills students will need to thrive.
Teachers will learn:
How AI is changing the nature of engineering and design thinking
The top in-demand skills being reshaped by automation, from technical to human-centered (soft) skills
Why GenAI is both an opportunity and a challenge for underrepresented students, especially young women
Practical strategies to bring AI awareness and future-of-work readiness into the classroom today
This session equips educators with the context and tools to help students not just keep up with AI—but lead with it.
This simulation is intended to provide a safe, interactive, and cost efficient way for teachers to help their students explore welding concepts and techniques. Using a MIG welding fixture to hold a 3D pen, students get increased time on task and ample practice welding joints.
Join us for a practical seminar focused on improving workflow, efficiency, and classroom integration with SolidWorks. We'll cover best practices for speedy, efficient modelling, along with educator-specific tools like the SolidWorks Curriculum and Certification Provider resources. Perfect for instructors looking to streamline instruction and boost student engagement.
Hands-on using Raspberry Pi Picos and neopixel lights to engage students in Python. Basic Python knowledge encouraged. Can easily be adapted to to 8th - 12th grades.
Electronics roundtable discussion: Stands and Standards are we teaching what industry needs? In this discussion, we will discuss the good, the needed, and the results that students gain from taking electronic courses.
This presentation with Bridgerland Technical College is a hands-on experience with industrial automation systems that use a robot arm. We will discuss how to build automation boards using affordable components such as VEX Robotics. Participants will have the opportunity to operate an automation board and receive instruction on programming a robot arm with an automated system controlled by a PLC.
Come discover practical ways to improve your students’ spatial visualization skills. In this session, you’ll explore two projects: designing both an interlocking puzzle cube for the 3D printer and a piece of plywood furniture for the laser engraver. For both projects, we will talk through the engineering design process. We’ll also share tips for teaching isometric and orthographic drawing—both by hand and with CAD tools.
Join us for a hands-on seminar exploring essential Adobe Illustrator techniques tailored for use with Epilog laser cutters and Roland printers. We'll cover file setup, vector optimization, color management, and workflow strategies to ensure clean, precise output across both platforms.
Let’s face it—grading can be a headache when students don’t understand what’s expected even if you show them what do. I’ll show you how to create grading rubrics with your students so everyone’s on the same page. It helps them do better work and makes your life way easier when it’s time to grade. It’s a win-win for both sides of the desk.
Building on the “Affordable Automation Boards” presentation, we will explore how Ladder Logic Programming is used in automation. Participants will be introduced to the programming structure of Ladder Logic and how it controls an automated process. Like the “Affordable Automation Boards” the presentation is hands-on.
Easy & Robust Quizzing with Canvas. How-to and sharing session on new quizzes for the NOW generation. Give students the instant retakes they want, and sneak in the learning too, in a valid tool for skill checking and spiral review toward certification.
One of the key challenges for beginning engineering students is building a clear understanding of motion—and how simple machines contribute to it. In our engineering classroom, we tackle this challenge by integrating LEGO Education's BricQ and SPIKE systems into our mechanical engineering unit. By using a medium that students already associate with play, we create a hands-on learning environment where concepts like linear and rotary motion come to life. This approach allows students to explore engineering principles in a way that feels intuitive and engaging. The result? Deeper comprehension, increased retention, and a learning experience that students find both fun and meaningful. Through this presentation, I’ll share how we blend play and purpose to introduce mechanical engineering fundamentals in a way that truly sticks—with strategies and examples you can take back to your own classroom.
One of my favorite activities I do with my students is tank wars - I provide them with an RC vehicle and then they automate a catapult using a microbit, servo motors, and other basic electronic components. We have several challenges we complete including a distance and accuracy contest and a full-on tank war. I will bring all the supplies and teach the teachers how I do this in my class; including the needed content related to microbits, servo motors, catapults, etc.
One of my favorite activities I do with my students is tank wars - I provide them with an RC vehicle and then they automate a catapult using a microbit, servo motors, and other basic electronic components. We have several challenges we complete including a distance and accuracy... Read More →
Friday June 13, 2025 9:00am - 10:50am MDT Room 251
Having the students Design a Board Game as their capstone project allows to them to implement many of the skills they developed over the course of the semester (3D modeling & printing, adobe illustrator & laser engraving, problem solving within the design process, and more).
