Rainbow board invests $1M in tech programs

Rainbow District School Board has invested $1 million in its technological education facilities and programs, a press release from the school board said.

More than 100 pieces of new equipment have been installed in 32 shops in Rainbow secondary schools in Sudbury, Espanola and Manitoulin. Other upgrades have been made to improve health and safety, including emergency stops and guards on more than 500 pieces of equipment.

“We have revitalized our technological education facilities to give students access to modern tools used in industry, from saws and sanders, to routers, grinders, lathes, drill presses and more,” said director of education Norm Blaseg.

“Along with the renewal of our facilities, we are implementing four projects to further engage students in the skilled trades, including Grade 7 and 8 students.”

Several Grade 7 and 8 classes will experience technology and design in their classrooms, supported by secondary school tech teachers. They will also have an opportunity to take their skills into the technical education facilities at either Lasalle Secondary School or Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School.

Tech revitalization projects will be implemented at Confederation Secondary School, Lively District Secondary School and Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School.

Confederation Secondary School’s project will focus on emerging technology, such as 3D printers and drones. Students will gain a fundamental understanding of high-tech applications and how they can be adapted to address a broad range of industrial needs in a variety of fields, from architecture to medicine, to engineering and entertainment. Projects may include foam glider planes, hovercraft and quad-helicopters.

Lively District Secondary School will embed technology and design across Grade 9 courses to develop a sustainable approach to innovation. Students will gain a broader view of technology, which offers rewarding and challenging careers in a variety of fields.

Projects that develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in students will be included in all curriculum areas. Students in technological education courses will use computer design to shape their thought processes. Students will bring designs to life using a variety of mediums.

Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School will implement a new Pre-Engineering course for senior students who may want to become engineers.

The course will include Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) components, which are now popular in industry. Students will design and produce projects using new equipment. Students will also be able to obtain certification in the Mastercam software. Students will be better prepared to move forward to the next level of their career path.