Lesson 2.1 History of Programmable Machines Project

Lesson 2.1 – History of Programmable Machines Project

Problem Objectives: Introduce students to the historical perspective of programmable machines, providing insight into the technologies that made programmable machines possible as well as the impact that they have made on the process of manufacturing, the workforce, and other social and environmental considerations.

Statement of the Problem: In groups of two, students are to choose one of the following activities to be completed and presented to the class:

1. Using CD-Rom’s, videos, Internet, written and other resources, students are to explore the history of NC and CNC (programmable) machines. Special attention should be applied to the advancements in technology that made programmable machine possible, starting with the first application and leading up to today’s high tech equipment. Furthermore, students should consider the social, economic, and environmental impacts that programmable machines have made. To be submitted for this assignment are the following:  Outline of research notes  Power Point or other multi-media presentation

2. Students will research programmable machines to identify the social, economic, and environmental impacts that programmable machines have made since their inception. From their data students will then develop a chart to be placed on a bulletin board illustrating the impacts identified in the research. Examples of such impacts might include the following: social – some workers became obsolete without retraining; economic – automated manufacturing technologies increased productivity making parts cheaper to produce; environmental – programmable machines are widely used for making molds used in the manufacturing of plastics which are a threat to our environment. To be submitted by the students are the following:  Outline of research notes  Bulletin board chart

3. Students will interview a person from industry, a post-secondary school, union representative, school counselor or some other person who is knowledgeable Project Lead The Way® Copyright 2006 CIM – Appendix Activities – Lesson 2.1 – History of Programmable Machines Project – Page 1 about careers within the field of programmable machines. The interview will focus on career opportunities and the educational requirements within the field of programmable machines. After gathering information related to careers and educational/training programs the students will prepare either a multi-media presentation or design a bulletin board. The purpose of the presentation/bulletin board will be promoting available careers and educational programs identified in their research. To be submitted by the students are the following:  Outline of research notes  Multi-media presentation or bulletin board chart