OTW Tech Prep LLC
44 Followers
Smithfield, Virginia, United States
About the store
Fresh out of college with a biology degree, I had a fairly unconventional start in education-I was hired as a chief ranger at False Cape State Park in Virginia Beach. It’s here that my love for environmental education took root. When Kecoughtan High School offered its first Environmental Science class, I hung up my khakis and olive green slacks for a KHS badge! My high school classroom experiences also included biology, earth science, and oceanography. I began my K-8 STEM journey as a science teacher specialist. Working alongside Hampton and Isle of Wight County’s most gifted elementary, middle and high school teachers, I was able to share the passion and love for science with younger students and experience the wide range of instructional needs of students K-12. When I moved to Isle of Wight County as a math/science curriculum coordinator, I was blessed by the project of a lifetime-creating high school makerspaces and the curriculum for a brand new Engineering program. And thus I found my dream education career-teaching Engineering!
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3D Printed "Pocket Car" Design Challenge
The 3D Pocket Car Project is a comprehensive unit in which students learn how to use CAD (Onshape) and 3D printers to create their own version of a functional "pocket" car that they race on a pre-fabricated toy track. This project uses Onshape (free, online CAD program), but can easily be adapted to use Fusion 360, Inventor or SolidWorks. Students engage in the Engineering Design Process: imagining their car through free-hand sketching , creating a sketch and model in CAD, printing their pro
8th - 12th, Adult Education
Computer Science - Technology
NGSS, VA SOL
HS-ETS1-3
, MS-ETS1-4
, MS-ETS1-1
+9
Tinkercad Geometric Shapes Bundle Online Stem
TinkerCAD is a fantastic FREE online 3D modeling program that can be run using your web browser. Your students can make VERY complex and sophisticated 3D designs using TinkerCAD, but where do you start? The best way to start designing in TinkerCAD is to learn how to move, resize and change the geometric solids in the Basic Shapes menu. Did you know that you can make an octahedron out of the box shape, just by changing the values in the shape's radius menu? This bundle includes a set of compr
2nd - 12th
Engineering, Geometry
CCSS, VA SOL
6.G.A.4
, MG.2.13
Gear Ratios and Simple Gear Train Calculations
Understanding simple gear ratios is fundamental to every robotics program. This two page worksheet contains problems that: a. identify the gear ratio given a driver and driven gear b. calculate the speed (RPM) of a VEX gear given the size (#teeth) of driver gear
6th - 9th
Engineering, Robotics
Also included in: Simple Gear Train Calculations
Simple Gear Train Calculations
This combination of powerpoint slides and worksheet introduces the fundamental concepts behind understanding gear relationships. The worksheet uses VEX gearing combinations to help students plan and prepare to build a V5 robot.
7th - 10th
Engineering, Robotics
Engineering Drawing Part II: Isometric Drawing
This slide show shows how to use Tinkercad to help students learn how to make isometric view drawings. TinkerCAD is a fantastic FREE online Autodesk 3D modeling program. No download needed! The "Build and Draw" activity in my store was created as the skills assessment for this lesson. Communication is one of the most important skills of an engineer. They must communicate their design ideas in a way that is clear and concise. Technical drawing and CAD are how designers and engineers get their
6th - 12th
Engineering, Graphic Arts
CCSS
7.G.A.2
, HSG-GMD.B.4
, HSG-MG.A.3
Engineering Drawing Part 1: Perspective Drawing
Communication is one of the most important skills of an engineer. They must communicate their design ideas in a way that is clear and concise. Technical drawing and CAD are how designers and engineers get their ideas out of their heads and onto paper. This slide show introduces students to drawing in 3D by using one-point and two-point perspective. It is meant to precede the Engineering Drawing Part II: Isometric Drawing slide show and activity.
6th - 12th
Art, Engineering
Making Snowflakes with CAD (Onshape)
Just like students, no two snowflakes are alike! In this activity, students use Computer Aided Design (CAD) to create their own personal snowflake! Students will use sketch tools, mirror, circular pattern and snip tools to create the fractal-like qualities of their own snowflake. Additional instruction is provided to help students convert their 2D Onshape file to a .svg file using Inkscape. Laser cutters and vinyl cutters are becoming increasing popular in school STEM classrooms and makerspa
6th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
Computer Science - Technology
Ruler Bingo Game and Unit Conversions
One of the most important skills for a fabricator: CAD designer, 3D printing, laser cutting, wood worker, skilled trades person, engineering, is being able to accurately measure an object and convert those units. For example, STEM students need to measure object with a ruler or machinist rule and then convert those measurements to decimal inches to enter into CAD or other modeling software. Students also need to be able to convert from standard inches to metric units (mm, cm or m). The Unit Conv
6th - 12th, Adult Education
Measurement
How to Read Vernier Calipers Notes
Vernier Calipers are a valuable measuring tool that enable us to increase our degree of precision when measuring the size of objects. Digital and dial calipers are common in industry, but they can be pricey for a STEM lab to provide one for every student. Plastic "manual" calipers are relatively inexpensive (less than $2.00 per caliper). However, learning to read these calipers can be somewhat confusing, this set of notes guides students through the steps on reading plastic calipers.
8th - 12th, Higher Education
Engineering, Science
Also included in: How to Read Vernier Calipers (Classroom and Online Learning)
Manipulating TinkerCAD Shapes Online STEM (3D Printing)
TinkerCAD is a fantastic FREE online 3D modeling program that can be run using your web browser. Your students can make VERY complex and sophisticated 3D designs using TinkerCAD, but where do you start? The best way to start designing in TinkerCAD is to learn how to move, resize and change the geometric solids in the Basic Shapes menu. Did you know that you can make an octahedron out of the box shape, just by changing the values in the shape's radius menu? Download this comprehensive set of
3rd - 12th
Computer Science - Technology, Geometry
TEKS, VA SOL
MA.2.8.D
, MA.2.8.E
, MG.2.13
+1
Also included in: Tinkercad Geometric Shapes Bundle Online Stem
Simple Gear Calculations
This 12 page set of slides introduces students to the fundamental concepts behind understanding the relationship between simple gear trains. Students will learn how to calculate speed and torque based on the gear ratio between two gears.
6th - 9th
Physics, Robotics
Also included in: Simple Gear Train Calculations
Showing 1-11 of 11 results
About the store
Experience
Fresh out of college with a biology degree, I had a fairly unconventional start in education-I was hired as a chief ranger at False Cape State Park in Virginia Beach. It’s here that my love for environmental education took root. When Kecoughtan High School offered its first Environmental Science class, I hung up my khakis and olive green slacks for a KHS badge! My high school classroom experiences also included biology, earth science, and oceanography. I began my K-8 STEM journey as a science teacher specialist. Working alongside Hampton and Isle of Wight County’s most gifted elementary, middle and high school teachers, I was able to share the passion and love for science with younger students and experience the wide range of instructional needs of students K-12. When I moved to Isle of Wight County as a math/science curriculum coordinator, I was blessed by the project of a lifetime-creating high school makerspaces and the curriculum for a brand new Engineering program. And thus I found my dream education career-teaching Engineering!
Teaching style
My teaching style is a hybrid of the coach/facilitator styles.
Before we start a project, I explain to my students what they will learn and how it relates to completing the project. If the project requires fundamental skills (such as CAD, soldering, etc), I will demonstrate each basic skill and then guide them as they master those skills, offering feedback. Once they have a "toolbox of skills" and the materials needed to start a project, I switch to a facilitator role.
Awards & shining teacher moments
National Board Certified Teacher-AYA Science 2004-present
VAST Recognition in Science Education Award (CTE) 2019
Isle of Wight County Achiever (x2) for coaching National KidWind Team
My own education history
B.S Biology-College of William and Mary
M.Ed-Old Dominion University
M.Ed (Administration and Supervision)-Old Dominion University
Manufacturing Technician Level I certification
Additional biographical information
Why the name "Out of the Woods"? I live in the woods. Not where you would expect a STEM store! I love creating, making and building things. I have always loved the Virginia outdoors-the beach, the woods, the mountains. I am a Scoutmaster and an advocate for cultivating children's love of the outdoors (along with STEM)!
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