More Than 10,000 Students Will Learn With zSpace 200 Next Generation Virtual Reality Solution

SUNNYVALE, Calif. — Sept. 3, 2014 — In classrooms around the country this school year, students will have the ultimate immersive learning experience, dissecting human hearts, diving into volcanos and testing physics outcomes in Jupiter’s gravity. And they won’t have to worry about limited supplies or student safety when they learn with zSpace 200. The next generation of immersive virtual technology developed by Silicon Valley company zSpace, Inc. delivers a futuristic hardware and software system that brings abstract concepts to life.

“Last year, middle school students at Los Altos School District (LASD) in California piloted zSpace with extraordinary results. Students were engaged with learning science concepts at a much deeper level, collaborating in teams and using critical thinking skills to solve complex challenges,” said Paul Kellenberger, CEO of zSpace. “That collaboration between students, teachers and our software developers informed the development of zSpace 200, the next generation of our technology, which will make the virtual reality learning experience even more compelling and realistic.”

As excitement for zSpace grows around the country, here are six of the new districts that will kick off the 2014-2015 school year with zSpace STEM labs.

Design is an integral part of Trinity’s Engineering Science curriculum, and the eight-semester design sequence requires students to enroll in a design course each semester. Right from the start, students gain competence in topics that include 3D modelling and visualization. In January 2014, as part of their move into Trinity’s newly built $132 million Center for the Sciences and Innovation, the Engineering Science department purchased two 3D printers.

A team of reasearchers at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) constructed the glider of ABS plastic, comprised of only nine unique parts, each of which was 3D printed using fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology on the Stratasys Fortus 900 mc machine. This production process was deemed superior to stereo lithography or selective laser sintering because FDM allows for lower material and equipment investment costs, and a more simplified production process for printing the fairly large pieces required to create a full-on UAV.

The new, powered UAV was a huge milestone for the AMRC, and the project — which included a successful test flight on the very first try — represents a major step forward for rapid manufacturing (RM) technology. Small- and medium-sized producers can use the techniques developed to even further reduce time, materials, and costs required to 3D print components used in both prototyping and final product creation.

Read Full Article at 3dprint.com!

See Also:

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology Stratasys Fortus 900mc 3D Printer

Reducing the estimated 300,000 concussions per year sustained by high school athletes has become a major public health priority. Athletes lose consciousness in just 10 percent of concussion injuries, which makes it difficult to detect concussions and also increases the risk that those athletes will incur a much more serious injury by continuing to play with reduced faculties.

The Biomedical Device Center at the University of Texas at Dallas is working on a system that can be used during sporting events, particularly football and hockey, to quickly and easily detect changes in brain functions. One part of the system attaches to the athlete’s head and neck and incorporates sensors to measure the frequency, force and direction of impacts.

If the device detects a severe hit, the player puts on specialized neural triage goggles that supply a visual stimulus and cameras that measure the resulting movement of the athlete’s eye. A brain injury is detected when the athlete’s response is significantly slower or different than pre-game measurements.

By James S. May Ed.D.

"Students today prefer on-demand learning with visual stimulation in flexible but structured learning environments that have collaborative, experiential and authentic activities, and applied technologies. However, when we look at K-12 classrooms, we tend to find that most are still mired in a 19th century, industrial model of learning; they still tend to be teacher fronted, teacher driven, and focused, for the most part, on passive information exchange. Recent research suggests that we should move away from these more traditional practices. A recent meta-analysis of 225 studies of success in STEM courses comparing traditional lecture to active learning found that students in the traditional classes were 1.5 times more likely to fail; students taught with active learning outperformed those taught by lectures by 6 percentage points on exams (Freeman et. al).

Simply put, it is time to begin re-evaluating not only how we are teaching our students, but the materials we are using to teach them. Research into the expectations of 21st century learners reveals that we want learners to be able to do much more than read, write, and do math; we expect learners to also think critically and creatively, solve real life problems, use foreign languages, work in teams, collaborate and embrace diversity (Casner-Lotto & Barrington, 2006). And many educators have begun to agree with Sir Ken Robinson’s position that we are not going to get students to where they need to be by continuing to solve the problems of the future with the strategies of the past.

It is time to begin forging partnerships with organizations that offer innovative and engaging products and content delivery modalities that are not limited by the industrial model of learning. Lectures and traditional book learning need to be replaced with active engaging tools, hands-on activities and teaching strategies that equitably serve all populations of students. In the United States, Spanish speakers currently comprise less than one-fifth of the population, yet they are expected to make up nearly one-third of the population by 2060 (Krogstad & Lopez, 2014). So, in addition to engaging, interactive materials, content providers will also need to provide tools that embrace dual language, and allow students to learn literacy and content both in English and in their native/heritage languages.

This paper discusses cultural and academic impetus for change. It explains some of the historical underpinnings limiting that change, and offers a warning to the publishing industry, an industry that could stand to learn a little from the research on disruptive innovation. Static content online is still static content; it does not actively engage learners. Teachers and decision makers know this and are looking for companies like LJ Create who can provide interactive online and hands on learning resources that meet the standards and exceed the expectations of teachers."

Manufacturing is making a comeback to America. Many American companies are reporting they plan to add or bring back manufacturing jobs to the United State. What does manufacturing mean to you? Share what you think manufacturing in America means. #WeAreMFG

Learning Tools for Primary & Secondary Schools

Online Curriculum, Drones, CTE

Science

We offer customized TEKs based learning software from LJ Create, Edusmart and sciTex for Elementary, Middle School and High School science programs. For STEM education we feature Minds-i Robotics and LJ Create as well as Stratasys 3D Printers.

At Tech-Labs we are focused on delivering differentiated science instructional materials and providing teachers the tools to engage, explore, explain, elaborate and evaluate scientific theory.

3D Printers

Stratasys takes learning to new heights by capturing imaginations, testing ideas and proving theories rapidly in real space. Universities use 3D printers to provide lifelike prototypes and durable custom lab equipment. Stratasys offers a powerful range of 3D printing capabilities, with PolyJet technology for multi-material 3D printing and impressively detailed surfaces, and FDM Technology for durable parts in production-grade thermoplastic.

MakerBot | 3D Printing for Grades K-8 | 3D Printing for Grades 9-12

STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. STEM is based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. For STEM Education we feature Amatrol, and Minds-i Robotics.

Career & Technical Education

A student’s career pathway is influenced by their interests and experiences during Elementary, Middle and High School. Our extensive Career & Technical Education learning systems include project-based and 3D learning programs, authentic technology, virtual reality, and eLearning platforms that spark students' interest and teach the knowledge and skills they need to advance in their education and their life.

Prepare your students for their future careers with the Career and Technology Education (CTE) technologies they will encounter on the job.

Tech-Labs partnered with industry-leading manufacturers in the Vocational Education segment to deliver training solutions to our customers that are industry-relevant and engaging for students.

We offer an diverse selection of technical training equipment for Vocational and Trade programs from industry leading manufacturers including a line of advanced manufacturing trainers from Amatrol, CNC and Robotics trainers from Fanuc, trainers for skills in the Oil & Gas industry as well as training equipment for Welding Education, Maintenance, Heavy Equipment Simulation and HVAC/R systems.


Advanced Manufacturing

Tech-Labs offers equipment and curriculum from Amatrol's Advanced Manufacturing program. Amatrol's industry-leading equipment and curriculum was developed working closely with industry partners to deliver job-ready, industry-relevant skills.

Automotive Technology & Collision Repair

As cars incorporate more electronics than ever before, the need for advanced automotive skills training has become imperative. Today's automotive technicians must be as proficient on a computer as they are with an engine. LJ Create's Automotive Program prepares students for a successful career in the automotive field.

In order to appeal to a younger workforce, many automotive collision repair programs have added virtual training simulators that quickly draw interest to the skills and techniques being taught because of its video game-like format.

Certifications

We offer several different certification programs from industry leading training manufactuers including four manufacturing skills training certification programs from Amatrol, Robot and CNC certified education programs from FANUC, 3D Printer Certificate training from Stratasys and IT, Security and Automotive Electronis training from Marcraft.

CNC/Robotics

Tech-Labs is proud to be FANUC Robotics exclusive Education Authorized Reseller in Texas and Oklahoma. FANUC's Certified Education Robot Training system sets the standard in Industrial Robotics certification training. here are more FANUC robots working in manufacturing and industrial facilities than any other brand. The FANUC Robots Certified Education Robot Training Cell is extremely valuable to trade schools, high schools, community colleges, and engineering schools.

Green Energy: Solar, Wind & Green Technology

With the demand for renewable energy on the rise and a lack of qualified technicians to maintain the new wind turbines, solar production and green technology, Tech-Labs is proud to introduce a new line of Green Energy products. We offer training products that help students at schools, universities, and research institutions to understand key concepts regarding renewable energy, energy management, and energy storage. You will bring students closer to these complex technologies while achieving the desired learning outcomes in a fun and interesting way.

HVAC/R Training Equipment

Before going out into the field, the student should fully understand the theory and operational or service techniques behind each specific system. iConnect has been providing high-quality training units to educational institutions for over thirty years. They are found in high schools, colleges, and so on all over the world. The training units in this catalog represent a wide variety of subjects in the heating, refrigeration and air conditioning industries. The heating and air conditioning training units range from demonstrating simple concepts to illustrating advanced troubleshooting and servicing techniques.

IT & Cyber Security

Tech-Labs is proud to offer IT and Security training products from Marcraft Educational Systems.

e-Learning

Tech-Labs is proud to offer E-Learning programs from Amatrol and LJ Create. Teachers utilizing E-learning in the classroom enjoy more flexibility for both the instructor and the student. With virtual training simulations and real world scenarios that incorporate real time assessment, these programs provide the skills to succeed in the students chosen field.

Mechatronics

Modern industry relies on highly complex production systems to produce high-quality, economical products for an ever-demanding world. Mechatronics teaches systems thinking that is required to effectively operate, program, and problem solve in this complex environment. With the rapid proliferation of automation technology, mechatronics has become one of the fastest-growing technical education programs in the world.

Oil & Gas

The Oil and Gas Industry provides the fuel that keeps the world moving forward and connects us in previously impossible ways. Tech-Labs is proud to offer a wide variety of training resources from Amatrol and Bayport Technical which includes Cut Away Valves, Acrylic Trainers, and Demonstrators, Working Models...

Portable Learning Systems

Insufficient Training Space? Not Any Longer! Amatrol's Portable Learning Systems are the Answer! These mobile systems may be placed on a conference room table, shop floor desk, or practically anywhere! Their durability and compact size also provide for safe, compact storage when available training space is needed to teach other topics.

Simulators

It's time to look again at the training simulators, but in a brand new, cost-effective way to complement, not replace, real seat-time. Rising workforce shortages are creating strong demand for skilled heavy equipment operators. More students train using the innovative technology of simulation! With 15 simulators, Simlog is at the forefront of affordable PC-based simulation that takes students from the classroom to the virtual work-site as they develop real skills and valuable safety-conscious habits. We offer simulators for forestry, construction, mining and material handling.

Welding

Our product offering includes the VRTEX® Virtual Reality Welding Training Systems, RealWeld Trainer™ Welding Education System, and the ClassMate™ Robotic Welding Trainer. The virtual and hands-on arc welding training and evaluation equipment is used to teach welding theory and technique and the advanced skills required to operate and program automated and robotic welding systems.

Educational Tools and Innovative Solutions for Post-Secondary Schools

Today's technology is advancing incredibly. To be competitive in today’s job market your students need to learn on the latest technologies they will encounter throughout their careers.

We partnered with leading manufacturers of cutting-edge technologies like 3D Printing, 3D Scanning, laser cutting and engraving, medical simulation, industrial training equipment and more. We have partner with industry-leading manufacturers including Stratasys, Renishaw, Desktop Metal, and Artec.


3D Printers

Stratasys 3D Printing takes learning to new heights by capturing imaginations, testing ideas and proving theories rapidly in real space. Universities use 3D printers to provide lifelike prototypes and durable custom lab equipment. Stratasys offers a powerful range of 3D printing capabilities, with PolyJet technology for multi-material 3D printing and impressively detailed surfaces, and FDM Technology for durable parts in production-grade thermoplastic.

3D Scanners

Artec 3D prides themselves on developing and manufacturing high quality, yet easy to use portable 3D scanners, smart, user-friendly 3D software and an SDK that provides the best integration possibilities, whatever the application. With a worldwide presence and a large number of global clients, they supply state of the art 3D technology in several areas including Industrial Design & Manufacturing, Healthcare, Science and Education and Art & Design.

Anatomy Models

SynDaver Labs designs and builds the world’s most sophisticated synthetic human tissues and body parts. Our SynDaver Synthetic Human bleeds, breathes, and employs hundreds of replaceable muscles, bones, organs, veins, and arteries – all made from materials that mimic the mechanical, thermal, and physicochemical properties of live tissue. This validated technology is used to replace live animals, cadavers, and even human patients in medical device studies, clinical training, and surgical simulation.

Laser Cutting & Engraving Machines

Users of ULS laser engraving systems enjoy how easy it is to operate and customize for their specific business needs. With processing areas ranging from 16" x 12" to 48" x 24" and options for single or dual lasers—on top of a host of add-on features and patented technologies—you will have a laser platform that can adapt to your unique requirements. Universal Laser Systems offers laser sources that range in power from 10 watts to 150 watts and are available in three wavelengths: 10.6μ, 9.3μ, 1.06μ.

Fume Extraction

BOFA’s line of PrintPRO print fume extraction systems was developed for applications that generate particulate and gaseous organic compounds within the wide and super-wide printing sector. Solutions are available for a variety of ink types including Solvent, UV, and Dye Sublimation.

Video: Ohio-based RAMTEC - in partnership with Tri-Rivers CC and +Marion Technical College - is a model for training America's future ‪manufacturing‬ workforce. Is your training program ready for tomorrow's technology? Contact us to learn about the different tools available!

Pages

  • Amatrol HVAC/R Learning Systems
    Item Number:
    T7130
    With Amatrol’s Residential Mini-Split Heat Pump Learning System (T7130) you can teach the critical hands-on technical skills HVAC/R technicians need when working with residential ductless (“mini-split”) HVAC systems. Students will work with real equipment, including a heat pump condenser, evaporator unit, thermostat, panel-mounted gauges, and condensate pump.
  • Real Equipment for HVAC Training
    Item Number:
    950-SH1
    Amatrol’s Steam System Training System (950-SH1) introduces learners to the operation, installation, maintenance, and repair of steam systems and their application in paper mills, commercial and residential settings, power companies, and even nuclear submarines.
  • Stratasys F370 and F170 FDM 3D Printers
    Item Number:
    F170 / F370
    The Stratasys F Series is the ultimate, all-in-one rapid prototyping system for your entire team. It combines the power of FDM with the ease of GrabCAD Print for the most versatile and intelligent solution available.
  • Stratasys PolyJet 3D Printer Family
    Item Number:
    J55
    The Stratasys J55 Prime 3D printer introduces full color, high fidelity with tactile, functional, and sensory capabilities - making the efficiency and quality of PolyJet Technology more affordable and office-friendly than ever.
  • Stratasys J850 3D Printer
    Item Number:
    J850 DAP
    The Stratasys J850™ Digital Anatomy™ 3D Printer combines materials and software to create 3D medical models of human anatomy that mimic bone and tissue with realism you can see and feel.
  • HVAC/R Training Equipment
    Item Number:
    T7081
    Understanding HVAC/R, geothermal, refrigeration, and steam systems requires a good hold on the basics. With Amatrol's T7081 Applied Thermal Science Trainer, you can provide the hands-on training your students or employees need.
  • Robotic Welding Education
    Item Number:
    APTARC50
    Welding programs that want to teach the latest technologies will add robotic welding to their program offering. This easy-to-program collaborative robot...
  • BOFA Americas Fume Extraction

    BOFA’s Advantage 350 fume extraction and filtration system effectively removes potentially harmful fumes and particulates created during the laser marking process. By maintaining a dust-free operating area, the system helps to protect valuable equipment, maintain a higher quality mark, and reduce the number of rejects and contaminants.

    The quiet and compact Advantage 350 is ideal for use in light-duty laser marking applications, including schools, sign making workshops and small-scale industrial environments.

  • High-volume laser extraction system

    Our largest high-volume fume extractor with unique Gullwing filter access design making filter exchange quick, safe and easy.

    BOFA’s AD 4000 laser fume extraction unit combines large filter capacity with high airflows. This combination makes the AD 4000 ideal for large laser engravers, laser cutters as well as multiple laser coding installations.

    Easily accessible filters are accommodated by the uniquely styled gas spring assisted ‘Gull Winged’ doors, which allow for maximum space and ease when changing filters.

  • High-end laser extraction system

    BOFA’s AD 1000 iQ high end laser extraction system combines extremely large filter capacity with high airflow and pressure rates, making it the ideal choice for heavy-duty applications that generate large amounts of particulate and gaseous organic compounds.

    Performance has now been further enhanced with the inclusion of several new features including BOFA’s new iQ Operating System, making the new AD 1000 iQ one of the most advanced system available.

Pages