Industry Summary Articles

PTC today announced its continued support of DoD STARBASE, a Department of Defense youth outreach program designed to introduce students to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) applications and careers. PTC has partnered with DoD STARBASE since the program’s nationwide expansion in 2002 and has committed to expanding the current curriculum to include next-generation technology such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and augmented reality (AR).

At DoD STARBASE, students participate in challenging "hands-on, mind-on" STEM activities. Students interact with military personnel to explore careers and observe STEM applications in the "real world." The program provides students with 25 hours of stimulating experiences at Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Army, Marine Corps, and National Guard installations/bases across the country. The program’s success relies on collaboration between the sponsoring military unit and STARBASE Academy, the school district, and local communities.

PTC has been integral in the development of the STARBASE curriculum, beginning with the integration of its Creo® 3D CAD Software for students learning about engineering and 3D printing. PTC will work closely with STARBASE to expand the existing program by exploring the topics of IoT and AR with the ThingWorx® Studio solution.

“PTC is a long-time partner to STARBASE and has been instrumental in bringing cutting-edge technology into the hands of at-risk youth across the country,” said Barbara Koscak, DoD STARBASE Program Requirements and Assessment Coordinator. “PTC shares our philosophy and commitment to bringing hands-on experiences to the next generation by showing them how the topics they’re learning in traditional classrooms have practical value in the real world, especially in our military.”

The program engages students through an inquiry-based curriculum with "hands-on, mind-on" experiential activities on a range of topics in aerospace, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and robotics. They study Newton's Laws and Bernoulli's principle and explore nanotechnology, navigation, and mapping. Using Creo, students learn about engineering by designing unmanned aerial vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and submersibles. Teamwork is also an important part of the program as they work together to explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate concepts.

Military volunteers apply abstract principles to real world situations by leading tours and giving lectures on the use of STEM in different settings and careers. Since the academies are located in different branches of the military, the experience is highly varied. Students may discuss how chemical fires are extinguished, learn how injured are transported, or explore the cockpit of an F-18 or the interior of a submarine.

“STEM education is more important than ever, and we are excited to partner with STARBASE to educate and prepare today’s youth with the skills and understanding they’ll need in the workforce of the future,” said John Stuart, divisional vice president, Global Sales and Partners, PTC. “Together over the past 15 years, we have helped engage and interest students in engineering with PTC’s CAD software, and now, we will bring the power of IoT and AR to them in an equally accessible way. STARBASE students will be able to explore and reimagine potential careers that may not even exist today.”

To view the original press release, please click here.

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