The American Precision Museum (APM) showcases one of the most significant collections of machine tools in the nation. But did you know that the museum is much more than a collection of exhibits and artifacts? APM tells the story of the evolution of manufacturing technology: past, present and future. Beyond preserving history, its vision is to be part of the solution to the skills gap that continues to be a challenge during an era of rapid technological change.
Manufacturing as a whole needs people to fill the ever-growing roles. According to a study by Deloitte and NAM, by 2030, there will be over 2 million unfilled STEM jobs. STEM jobs are slated to grow by 8.8% by then, and the average wage for STEM jobs is more than double that of non-STEM jobs ($89,780 vs. $40,020) according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The APM aims to raise awareness and help educate parents, students and educators about the variety of lucrative, creative and exciting careers that exist in manufacturing.
Learn from Yesterday, Explore Today, Imagine Tomorrow
The museum's educational programming is built around three core pillars. They work to illuminate the history of industrialization, beginning with the birth of the American system in the historic walls of the building 177 years ago, examine the field of manufacturing today and look toward the technologies poised to shape our future. Their programming is for absolutely everyone, of any ability or age. From demonstrations in the Innovation Station and hands-on workshops to monthly exhibits and virtual STEM lessons, they always have something new going on.
APM also runs a grant-funded, hands-on STEM program, where it sends free kits and curriculum covering STEM topics related to the museum to 4th-6th grade classrooms within a 90-minute radius of the museum. Over time and after proving and perfecting the process, APM intends to expand that reach. To date, it has already delivered nearly 2,000 kits to teachers in the region. Find out more about the program and its partners at Spark Shop (sparkshop.org) at americanprecision.org/learning-resources/measure-the-world-kits.
Learning Lab
The APM uses its Learning Lab for field trips, in-house workshops and group reservations. It is hands-on and designed for all ages (from "K" through "gray"), where they challenge each other and visitors to harness their inner engineers, artists and designers to collaboratively solve hands-on problems. APM uses everything from building blocks to collaborative robots (cobots) and 3D printers. Upcoming programs are posted on the "events" page at americanprecision.org.
Innovation Station
APM interns bring their story to life as they demonstrate the operation of both historic and modern machine tools in their Innovation Station. See how state-of-the-art machines work, ask questions along the way and then take home the objects their interns made from the gift shop. Potential visitors should call ahead to ensure the Innovation Station will be running on the day they wish to visit.
The Innovation Station, which includes CNC machines, controls and robots, is an integral part of the museum, and it brings its story into the present, helping to not only educate visitors about the history of industrialization and the American system, but also inspire the next generation of manufacturers and engineers. These initiatives tie into APM's core mission: To capture the imaginations of young and old with the spirit of innovation, problem-solving and design demonstrated through the dynamic story of the machines and people that form the foundation and future of manufacturing in America.
School Visits
Field trips through the museum can focus on a variety of topics, including American industrial history, invention and innovation, manufacturing, energy transfer, measurement and interchangeable parts, just to name a few. In general, each of the field trips begins with a tour through the museum gallery, often focused around one or two core themes. They then run several hands-on activities in the Learning Lab that build on the tour's core idea. From coding simple robots to building catapults, they offer a wide range of possibilities. Older groups can also request a look behind the scenes at the collections, which will feature objects that are not on display in the main gallery and include a look at how museums operate.
To learn more about the museum, its mission and educational programs, go to americanprecision.org. To learn how to partner with or support the museum while helping the industry and working to close the skills gap, reach out to Jerry Rex at jerryrex@americanprecision.org or 704-618-5992.
Authored by the American Precision Museum
For more information contact:
American Precision Museum
196 Main St.
P.O. Box 679
Windsor, VT 05089
802-674-5781
www.americanprecision.org