Mechatronics: Students Explore How Machines Work

In the Intro to Mechatronics (How Machines Work) course at Spring Lake Park High School, curiosity meets creativity as students explore how robotics and machines come together. Through hands-on projects, they discover how mechanical, electrical and digital systems work in harmony to make machines move, think and perform.

Part of the Technology, Engineering and Design (TED) Pathway, this course introduces students to the foundations of mechatronics - a field that fuses mechanics, electronics and computing. It’s a space where students are challenged to think critically and gain authentic, practical experience while experimenting, tinkering and creating in a cutting-edge lab.

“This course is kind of the introduction into smart factory work,” says Zac Humphrey, TED Pathways Instructor. “The skills students learn in the course apply across many industries such as automotive, diesel, technology, maintenance and engineering. They’re learning about systems that control all other systems.”

Throughout the trimester, students explore seven skill areas of modern manufacturing. They include: measurements and fasteners, engine theory and pneumatics, electronics, hydraulics, robot operations, machine programming and logic systems.

One day, students might be measuring bolts with micrometers and calipers. The next, they’re working together to program a robotic arm or using math to calculate voltage in a circuit.

Learning in action

As part of the measurement and fasteners unit, students practice tapping and threading medal – a skill that’s fundamental across many fields.

“We cut metal into chunks, drilled holes and then tapped them so we could screw in bolts,” explains senior Lincoln Sheck. “It’s the kind of thing you’d need to know how to do in a lot of jobs, so it’s a great experience to have.”

Lincoln says what he enjoys most about the course is seeing work come to life.

“We recently got to program a robot arm to move blocks – it was really cool to see the how our programming led to the robot actually working,” he says.

For freshman Bennett Planting, the course is a perfect fit for his lifelong hobby of building and creating.

“I’ve always been into engineering and mechanics,” says Bennett. “When I was younger, I built things out of cardboard and paper, now I have my own 3D printer where I design and print my own projects. This class lets me do it all – engineering, mechanics, building, creating. I just love to create stuff.”

So far, Bennett has learned about electric currents, voltage, fastening and how to safely use heavy tools.

“Soldering a wire together has been a favorite project so far,” he says. “It wasn’t as hard as I thought, and it was really cool to see it work.”

Each topic and activity helps students understand how machines operate and interact.

“Students are getting an introduction to many areas and are learning necessary skills,” says Zac. “They get to see what interests them – or doesn’t – where they have natural abilities and how it all connects to what they’re learning in other classes.”

Beyond the classroom

As part of the course, students hear directly from industry experts and take immersive site visits. 

“I like going out in the industry for visits because kids can see what a job is like,” says Zac. “They can talk to people who have experience, can get advice, see what skills are needed to be successful in that field - so they’re not walking into a career blind.”

Students taking Mechatronics also have the chance to earn certifications through the course, credentials that can lead to jobs with companies like Bühler, RMS or International Paper.

“It puts kids a step ahead to leave this course and already be certified to work on equipment and maintain equipment in the industry,” says Zac.

Gearing up for the future

All aspects of the course - from learning the skills, gaining hands-on experience and hearing from the experts - help students make informed decisions for their futures. Zac says this course is meant to help students test-drive their interests and see how classroom learning connects to potential careers.

“I always say my job isn’t to teach a student the actual trade, although they’re going to learn trade tendencies, but to see how the rest of their schooling applies to that trade and if there is an area in the trades they’d like to pursue in their futures,” says Zac. “I like to think of it as a dip in the shallow end.”

For Lincoln and Bennett, the future is already coming into focus.

Lincoln plans to study mechanical engineering and computer science next year. In addition to this course, he has also taken the How to Make Almost Anything course.

“The skills we learn in these classes will prepare me for college courses and my career,” says Lincoln. “I think I can even be a step ahead of others who don’t get the chance to take these types of courses where we learn a lot of skills needed for our jobs someday. And its skills that go beyond technical, it’s the problem solving and teamwork skills that matter, too.”

Bennett plans to continue through the TED Pathways and hopes to pursue engineering after high school.

When I met with my counselor, they helped me confirm that engineering is a good path for me to pursue so I definitely want to keep taking courses like this. It’s a passion of mine so it just makes sense to keep going with it, keep learning, and hopefully be an engineer one day. Bennett Planting, freshman

Mechatronics is one course offering in the Technology, Engineering and Design Pathway at Spring Lake Park High School, one of three Career and College Pathways that represent the predicted need for future jobs. There are 37 pathways courses offering a variety of ways for students to explore careers, gain hands-on experience, and often, earn college credit.