The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national organization of students engaged in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Open to students who are enrolled in or have completed technology education courses, TSA’s membership includes over 250,000 middle and high school students at approximately 2,000 schools in 48 states. TSA is supported by educators, parents, and business leaders who believe in the need for a technologically literate society. TSA members learn through exciting competitive events, leadership opportunities and much more.
Florida TSA is affiliated with the National TSA and is supported and partially funded by the Florida Department of Education. Last year, Florida TSA received national recognition for having the largest state delegation of all chapters, serving more than 50,000 members. To increase the number of middle schools the Fluid Power Action Challenge can be offered to, NFPA is working with University of Florida Innovation Station (UF) and Mechanical Kits, LTD. to include an annual fluid power competition at Florida TSA’s State Conference.
The Fluid Power Action Challenge was developed to promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills, increasing awareness of fluid power technology and career potential while creating a unique hands-on experience for students to learn outside of their textbooks.
To introduce and promote the Action Challenge, 15 middle school teachers attended a two-hour workshop training on hydraulics and pneumatics in fall. They built lifters controlled by the action of a piston applied to a piston of the same volume. This helped introduce the event and demonstrate team tasks. Florida TSA gave continuing education credits to attendees. Fifty-six students attended the hydraulics and pneumatics session, where they constructed a pneumatic arm that can pick up and relocate a soda can and explored the motion of the arm using hydraulics.
In addition, six middle school teams registered to participate at a regional competition last month. Three representatives from Sun Hydraulics came to judge the event and feedback was very well received.
“Some of the events have moved on from hands-on competitions, but it’s instant satisfaction for the students. We all thrive we these types of events.” -Maria Behnken, Florida TSA Board.
Nine schools have registered to compete in March at the Florida TSA State Conference in Orlando.
This program is sponsored in part by Orange Seal LLC. Thank you for your support!
For more information or to get involved contact Stephanie at sscaccianoce@nfpa.com.
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