2024 Summer NSF RET

BGSU's RET Program in Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics, Year 1 & 2 Updates

The National Science Foundation (NSF) award (2206952) establishes a new Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) site, enhancing their knowledge and skills in advanced manufacturing/robotics at Bowling Green State University (BGSU). The primary objective of this project is to play a transformational role in preparing future leaders in advanced manufacturing by instilling advanced manufacturing/robotics research experience within STEM educators through six-week summer workshops dedicated to hands-on research projects/experiences. In these workshops, participants will engage with highly qualified researchers using cutting edge robotics technology and augmented by industry access. The research projects will focus on contemporary advanced manufacturing topics including modern sensors and actuators, advanced robot programming, CNC programming, CAD/CAM, 3D printing, and e-factory. The participating educators will translate their research experiences and knowledge into classroom practice. As part of this research experience, participating educators will develop working robots/models, instructional modules, and course materials that they will introduce in their classrooms and share with other educators at their institutions.

The project cements the partnership among BGSU, local high schools, and community colleges to address the common need of producing STEM graduates in advanced manufacturing area. BGSU RET site provided research experience to 15 regional high school and community college educators during summer of 2023. During the 6-week summer workshop, these 15 educators conducted advanced manufacturing research at BGSU eFactory lab and developed curriculum modules for their students. After completion of the summer workshop, many of these educators implemented their curriculum modules at their respective institutions. They will continue to implement these modules in the future and create a sustained wave of awareness among future students.

Following is an example of implementation at McCombs high school.

Following picture captures 2023 K-14 participants with BGSU PI team.

2023 K-14 participants also presented their research at NSF Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Virtual Poster Session, July 21-22. Following screenshot shows one of the participants, Dr. Christopher Martin, presenting his poster at the conference.

They also presented to BGSU PI team and industry professionals in the final day of workshop.

2nd Cohort of K-14 Participants

Experience the state-of-the-art robotics and advanced manufacturing labs at BGSU School of Engineering (SOE), College of Technology, Architecture, and Applied Engineering. We have successfully completed the 2024 Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) program. This pioneering effort, supported by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, aims to engage high school and community college educators by immersing them in the dynamic disciplines of advanced manufacturing and robotics.

The goal of this program - Our program is built around a visionary goal: to provide educators with advanced knowledge and hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing and robotics. The RET program is redefining STEM education by incorporating cutting-edge research into high school and community college classes, thereby influencing the future of our students and the industry.

Bridging the Gap: Empowering Educators and Revitalizing Manufacturing

This initiative brought together 13 educators from various high schools and community colleges. Overall, we estimate that we have reached over 10,000 pupils throughout Northwest Ohio. Our purpose bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations by giving educators unique research opportunities. This prepares them to provide creative, practical curricula to their students, thereby meeting the regional demand for competent workers in advanced manufacturing. This year, BGSU also organized four industry trips to provide educators with hands-on industry exposure. Following picture captures 2024 K-14 participants with BGSU PI team.

2024 K-14 Participants are primarily from Northwest Ohio region with a couple of exceptions. These participants were very active in research activities under the supervision of BGSU PI team. Following figures show the locations of these participants’ home institutions and their research engagement at the BGSU labs.

Experience of industry tours: This year's RET program included four industry tours, allowing participants to gain direct experience with manufacturing operations and then share their findings with students. The companies are Kauffman Engineered Systems, Robotic Technical Support Services (RTSS), NSG Glass Manufacturing and First Solar.

• Kauffman Engineered Systems: Educators observed custom automation solutions, focusing on packaging machinery, robotic palletizing, and conveyor systems.
• NSG Glass Manufacturing: Participants looked into new glass production techniques and technologies used in the architectural, automotive, and technical glass markets.
• Robotic Technical Support Services (RTSS): The tour demonstrated advanced robotic systems, taught pendants, and LIDAR technologies, emphasizing their use in current production.
• First Solar: Participants learnt about the sustainable fabrication of thin-film solar panels using CdTe technology and discussed future collaborations in K-12 STEM education.

Following figures show participants attending industry tours.

Diverse Educators, Unified Goals: Transforming STEM Education

The RET program brought together educators from a variety of fields, including mathematics, computer science, physics, engineering, robotics, and electrical engineering. Each had unique but aligned goals.

Olivia, a mathematics teacher, developed a robotic car incorporating algebra to make math more engaging for her students. Mike focused on small-scale robotic cars, exploring autonomous vehicle control. Bader worked on a smart house project aimed at simplifying daily life.

The shared goal of their endeavours was to make lessons more entertaining for pupils so that they could study science and engineering without fear. During the six-week program, participants acquired practical expertise with modern sensors, 3D printing, Arduino, advanced robot programming, CNC programming, CAD, and e-factory systems, preparing them to inspire and educate their students in novel ways.

Looking Ahead: Embracing the Future of STEM Education and Manufacturing

As we wrap up this year's RET program, the adventure does not end here. The program's knowledge and experiences will continue to spread throughout schools, influencing the future generation of students. In the future, we expect our STEM educational activities to evolve and improve even more. To satisfy the industry's ever-changing expectations, we will continue to prioritize innovation, curriculum improvement, and collaboration expansion. We are thrilled about the future and the ongoing effect of our program as we collaborate to promote improvement and inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.

All of the 2024 K-14 Participants presented their research projects at the NSF Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Virtual Poster Session, July 23-24. Mr. Zimmerman’s poster (listed below) was awarded with the best poster award.

• Zimmerman, D., Sarder, M., Mayyas, M., Abouheaf, M., Islam, Z. (2024), Teaching Levels of Automation using Arduino in Soil Water Management, 2024 NSF Research Experience for Teachers (RET), Virtual Poster Session, July 23-24
  

Some of the 2024 K-14 Participants have implemented their developed curriculum, already. Following pictures show the implementation of curriculum modules in Physics class at Evergreen High School.

NSF RET Final Summary Report by:

MD Sarder, Ph.D.
Director, School of Engineering/Professor of Systems Engineering
Principal Investigator
Phone: 419-372-6085
Email: msarder@bgsu.edu

NSF RET Summary Report and Photo Contributions by:

Juthy Noor Mrittika
juthynm@bgsu.edu
Master of Science - Systems Engineering

NSF RET Promotions and Marketing:

Melissa Partin-Harding M.Ed.
Associate Director of Cooperative Education/Tech Career Accelerator  College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering
NSF Marketing, Promotions and Recruiting
Phone: 419-372-6802
Email: mpartin@bgsu.edu