UMATILLA, Ore.-Middle and high school students in Umatilla now have access to updated science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) resources thanks to the Umatilla School District’s revamped Think Big Space.
The Umatilla School District and Amazon recently announced completion of the space that will serve about 415 middle and high school students each day.
“We are just very grateful for Amazon and their partnership, and we appreciate the career pathways support they are helping to provide,” said Heidi Sipe, Umatilla School District Superintendent.
The space includes an upgraded CAD computer lab with new equipment, a CNC Mini Mill, multiple 3D printers, and a robotics competition hall.
The Think Big Space features two key areas: a robotics competition hall primarily used by high school students and an upgraded CAD computer lab designed for middle school students.
“Amazon is proud to partner with Umatilla School District to help expand access to STEM education for students in this community,” said Benjamin Harvey, community engagement manager at Amazon. “These updated spaces give students the tools and hands-on experiences they need to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math-and we’re excited to see what they build next.”
Umatilla’s FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics students can work on building their robots in one classroom, then walk just across the hall to test them in a dedicated field room in the updated space.
“We’re so excited for the opportunity for kids to work on robots and then go straight to testing,” said Sipe. “This really provides the full manufacturing experience from original design to building the prototype, to testing and refining the final product.”
In the high school’s Robotics and Fabrication Lab, Umatilla students have access to a powder printer, as well as a resin printer, to design and fabricate parts for robots.
The powder printer builds objects by layering and fusing powdered material, rather than filament. Resin printers use resins to create 3D objects layer by layer and are used in the medical fields to create dental implants or heart valves. In the lab, students use them to craft robot components, including wheels.
According to Sipe, the USD has been able to leverage sponsorships by purchasing the equipment, and then having the company sponsor the Robotics team and provide the materials, such as the resins and powders, to use the technology.
“The technology allows students to be more innovative from idea to testing and validation of their design and the printed finished product,” said Caden Sipe, who teaches manufacturing/shop at Umatilla High School and coaches robotics.
The Think Big Space at UHS also includes a welding lab and wood shop.
In the welding lab certain pieces that the district used to have to send out for, such as side panels for robots, can now be designed and completely fabricated in house.
The wood shop features a CNC router capable of cutting full-size sheets of plywood, as well as a 5-by-3-foot laser for engraving or cutting.
Just outside the wood shop is a powder coating spray booth and oven, which enables students to create or work on various projects, including anything from the headers of an engine to the deck of a skateboard.
“Having the technology and resources in-house and actually doing the work ourselves has changed how I teach and coach, and has increased the knowledge and understanding of our students and the level of work they do,” said Sipe.
Amazon has supported STEM education in the USD for years, from the original Think Big space to supporting the Uplift Challenge and sponsoring students to attend the Worlds Robotics Competition.
“With the initial investments from Amazon, taxpayers in the Umatilla School District, and our generous sponsors, what can’t kids do in the upgraded Think Big Space?,” said Sipe. “It’s really special to see kids take their ideas and turn them into reality with the skills gained thanks to this advanced technology and equipment.”
