Duxbury Engineering Technology Fabrication Laboratory Independent Study

During the final semester of my senior year, I would like to perform an independent study in the Duxbury High School Engineering and Technology Lab. For this study, I will develop manufacturing technology knowledge and skill required to assist in teaching high school technology education courses. First, I will learn about the computer fabrication tools that are currently in the laboratory. Then I will document the steps needed to use each tool safely on an on-line wiki(website). This documentation will be helpful to students in the Duxbury Fabrication Laboratory as well as people in other laboratories because the tools are common to those in other laboratories. Following the documentation, I will prepare and present lessons to teach other students how to operate these machines safely.

In addition to teaching others, I hope to provide a service to various departments within the school. The tools within the Engineering and Technology Lab can be used for wood engraving, sign making, model machining (creating smaller scale models for visualization purposes), sticker labels, logo printing, and general part fabrication. These applications can fulfill many needs throughout the school. I hope to have students produce desired items as a practical application of these manufacturing technology lessons. Finally, students that I teach will be able instruct others, which will increase the knowledge base and provide a valuable experience to a greater number of students in the school.

I plan to work on this independent study in the Engineering and Technology Lab using the ShopBot, Micro Mill, and vinyl cutter. I will need to use wood, vinyl, and other materials. Additionally, I will need to use router bits for the ShopBot and Micro Mill. This independent study will take a full period during semester two of the 2007-2008 school year. The cooperating teacher will be Mr. Connors. He will supervise the use of these tools and review procedural documentation and lessons that I prepare.

Thank you,

Chad Conway