Robotics & Electronics Industry Tour: ‘An exciting immersive learning experience’
We are delighted to share this insightful review of a recent Gateway School tour, provided by Craig McBrien, Deputy Principal, Park Ridge State School.
On Tuesday the 10th of March 2020, students from Park Ridge State High Schools electronics and robotics programs were immersed in advanced manufacturing technology when they visited Boeing Defence (BD) and the new electronics hub at Griffith University (GU).
At Boeing Defence students encountered world-class, innovative solutions that support maintenance, modification and upgrade of Boeing aircraft, military aircrew training design and delivery; and the design, development and support of command, control, computers, communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) solutions.
Clayton Higginson, the BD tour guide created several highlights for the students as they met Warwick (Head Electrical Engineer), Merv (Lead Technical Officer) and Lt Colonel Clifford White from the Australian Defence Force. Students were given personal insight by each of the presenters as to what work in the ADF and BD is really like.
Each presenter explained what is required to design, develop, manufacture, integrate and test complex communications systems, often in foreign countries and in collaboration with other governments and defence contractors. The focus was on not only the technical aspects of designing a world-class, state of the art defence force, it also included immersive STEM moments. Here students experienced a walk-through tour of test facilities including cold room, hot room and soundproof room as well as a tour of the warehouse to view stored ADF equipment awaiting deployment.
“The visit was amazing, being able to see and hear what it is like to actually be in the electronics industry was eye opening. It was also cool to hear the perspective of Cliff, as I never considered a military career. I also really enjoyed hearing about project Currawong from Warrick and Merv and learning about how they got into the industry. It was interesting to learn that Merv grew up in the area and has travelled the world and is now working for a company like Boeing”
- Park Ridge High School student Jayden Knight
Next on the itinerary was a visit to Griffith University (GU) Nathan campus to explore different career pathways in the areas of electronics and robotics. Acting Professor Steven O’Keefe, the head of electronic engineering at GU and program director met the students and provided a tour of the facilities.
Students were provided with an overview of a number of courses offered in electronics from basic electronics to electrical engineering linking the courses to different career pathways and the jobs of the future. Next, it was time to experience life as an electronics student at university in the learning hub where students explored fundamental information about systems, signals, circuit design, and circuit board layouts.
Students were then able to construct their very own electronic dice in the electronics hub in which they gained skills in printed circuit board component assembly and soldering techniques.
Also at GU, students were immersed in the current research and design opportunities offered in intelligent autonomous flying systems also known as drones. Drone technology is a combination of smart electronics and intelligent software that is rolling out and becoming the “new now” in the hospitality, real estate marketing and defence surveillance worlds.
Park Ridge high school student Tzeng Vang said, “It was great to be shown around this amazing facility and see the cool small flying drone. Being allowed to make and bring home our very own electronic dice was awesome. I really enjoyed the experience.”
Park Ridge SHS electronics teacher Wayne Spyve summed the day up in saying:
“This was an exciting, immersive learning experience not only for students, but for the teachers as well. Being able to explore the latest innovations in the modern world of electronics was great, but that was nothing compared to seeing the look on our students faces capturing the wonderment and the possibilities for them in terms of employment and study into the future.”
