What is Explore TEC?
In January 2010, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center was awarded a NASA grant to launch a new, state-of-the-art exhibit devoted to careers in technology and engineering. Explore TEC opened in May 2010 with a multitude of programming opportunities that would benefit schools, industry and the general public. No other science center in the country offers this level of programming.
Who can use and benefit from Explore TEC?
Explore TEC offers programs for three target audiences: 1) Education, 2) Industry and 3)the General Public.
How can I take advantage of Explore TEC programming?
Explore TEC offers workshops/instruction opportunities for each target audience on an individual or package basis. Pricing varies based on the level of engagement with the exhibit offerings. Please visit the Education, Industry or General Public page for more information on how you can utilize Explore TEC programs.
What does Explore TEC include?
Explore TEC includes the following:
- 24 laptops
- 16 GEARS kits
- 3D U-Print® System including printer and washer
- CAD Academy® Software Suite
What are the GEARS kits?
The GEARS Invention and Design System™ allows students to solve real-world engineering and robotics challenges that involve everything from trebuchets to autonomous robots. Students who use the GEARS Invention and Design System™ share in the creative excitement of inventing their own engineering games and designing the modules, mechanisms and machines to play them. The GEARS kits allows students to learn:
- How to apply basic math and physics concepts to the solution of a challenging problem
- The process of engineering and designing modules, mechanisms and machines
- How to work as a member of an engineering team and participate in the engineering project lifecycle
- How to use 3D solid models to communicate ideas and create and analyze design iterations
- The fundamentals of mechanics, electronics and pneumatics
What is the 3D U-Print System?
An ideal complement to CAD, 3D printing offers a fast, low-cost alternative to traditional rapid prototyping for building concept and working models. Designed for workstation much like a standard laser printer, 3D printing is growing in usage along with the unprecedented growth of CAD solid modeling. Which is the more powerful way to convey your ideas: present a flat drawing or pass around a 3D model that colleagues can examine from every angle? 3D models help determine form, fit and function — everything from ergonomics to manufacturing processes. When it's time to test your concepts, uPrint produces 3D models in durable ABSplus that stand up to functional testing under real-world conditions.
What programs are included in the CAD Academy® Software Suite?
The CAD Academy® Software Suite has a number of programs that are used currently in industry. The Exploreum offers classroom programming for SolidWorks 2010 with more programming becoming available shortly. Other programs are available for immediate industry use include:
SolidWorks 2010 - Enable your students to design and create digital prototypes in the classroom. Extensive resources are included for learning and teaching across a broad range of engineering, design and physical science subjects using the industry standard software for 2D and 3D mechanical design. SolidWorks is used by more than 85% of the world’s top ranked engineering institutions worldwide.
SolidWorks Sustainability Express - Sustainability Express allows users to understand and improve the environmental impact of your designs. Includes calculation of carbon footprint. Real-time feedback with Environmental Impact Dashboard, and handy find Similar Material tool.
Graphisoft ArchiCAD 13 - Prepare the next generation of professional architects with the most comprehensive architectural software and training tools available. More than 60% of the top architectural schools in the United States use ArchiCAD to create 'virtual buildings' with all virtual structural elements also referred to as (BIM) Building Information Modeling.
Graphisoft EcoDesigner - Sustainability is all about choices and 80 percent of design choices on energy efficiency are made early in the design process. EcoDesigner helps architects optimize the design by understanding the energy performance implications of design alternatives. EcoDesigner brings sustainability to the core of BIM (Building Information Modeling).
Bentley PowerCivil - Teach civil engineering students to succeed with software and resources which integrate seamlessly into the classroom and is used by 48 of the 50 State Department of Transportation and US Army Core of Engineers. PowerCivil revolutionizes site design with dynamic object modeling. Designers, engineers, and surveyors share a single environment.
Bentley MicroStation - Used by engineers, architects, GIS professionals, constructors and owner operators to design, model, visualize, document, map and sustain infrastructure projects. MicroStation is their preferred software foundation, because it delivers an integrated and proven suite of intuitive, interactive and highly interoperable capabilities to the desktop.
A+ CAD 2010 - We provide all of the software and curriculum your schools needs to teach your students the fundamentals of 2D and 3D CAD using the industry standard AutoCAD user-interface, commands, DWG files and LISP programming tools. A+CAD is a functionally equivalent alternative to AutoCAD, so it requires no training or revamping of your AutoCAD curriculum.
Blender - The line between film, games and design visualization are quickly blurring. It’s increasingly more difficult to distinguish the differences between an interactive architectural walk-through and an interactive video game. Breathe excitement into your classroom by creating a fully functioning video game, architectural rendering or create an animated film using Blender and the Blender Creation Studio by The CAD Academy.
3DVIA Shape - 3DVIA Shape is an easy to use innovative 3D sketching software for the conceptual phases of design making 3D design easy for anyone. It’s the perfect application to introduce students to 3D design.
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