FSU InSPIRE Releases “Choose Your Own Adventure” Manufacturing Tours
FSU’s Institute of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education (InSPIRE) workforce development team has designed and launched free virtual tours showcasing advanced manufacturing along the Gulf coast. Two local advanced manufacturing tours are designed in a digital “choose your own adventure” style for an engaging and interactive experience in both additive and subtractive manufacturing. The first InSPIRE node in Panama City, Maritech Machine, is highlighted in the virtual tour alongside InSPIRE partner, Fort Walton Machining. These tours provide opportunities for students and the broader community to explore advancements in manufacturing throughout northwest Florida in greater depth.
During the Maritech tour, students gain behind-the-scenes access to additive manufacturing technologies and learn how these advanced innovations are shaping the future. The Fort Walton Machining tour guides students through subtractive manufacturing processes that are currently creating critical parts for projects like the Artemis rocket, highlighting the precision and expertise required in today’s manufacturing landscape.
“These InSPIRE manufacturing partners are at the forefront of leading regional resiliency efforts while addressing critical national challenges that can strengthen our economic foundation for future generations,” explained Director of InSPIRE’s Education and Workforce Talent, Carrie Meyers. “We hope these resources will stimulate student interest in these exciting innovations in advanced manufacturing and help students connect classroom concepts with real-world applications.”
Virtual Tours are Designed to Help Northwest Florida Teachers Integrate Local Career Options into Curriculum to InSPIRE Next Generation Talent
Both tours feature industry experts discussing career pathways in advanced manufacturing and emphasizing the importance of integrity and work ethic, two durable skills essential for success in many industries today. To further support learning each tour includes:
- optional “skill gauges” including comprehension questions that allow students to check their understanding at two different levels of knowledge.
- downloadable interdisciplinary activities available for beginners to advanced learners, which are perfect for deepening engagement at-home or in the classroom.
These virtual tours are free resources for regional teachers and can be accessed through CPALMS, an online resource that was created and developed by the Florida Center for Research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics at the Learning Systems Institute within Florida State University.
Virtual tours can be explored here.