New Computers for CAD — $6,500

Curricular Area: STEM
Grant Focus: Technology
Schools: Columbia High School

This grant is for the purchase of 10 new laptop computers to replace aged-out computers. Computers are needed in the woodshop to teach modern skills students are likely to need in today’s construction and manufacturing industries. Many of the woodshop tools, lessons and projects rely on Computer Aided Drawing/Drafting (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) in the woodshop at CHS. Students design and draw images for precision cutting using the CNC router, the laser cutter and the vinyl cutter. CHS has also implemented CAD and CAM into the new Construction Technology and Electronics programs. In Construction Technology, students draw structures before building them. This allows them to create prototypes and iterations to meet requirements before building. Construction Technology students also use the CNC router to cut model building components including trusses and brackets. In Electronics students use web-based tools to build, simulate and analyze DC electronic circuits.