One of the biggest challenges faced by the fluid power industry is the shortage of skilled workers and engineers trained in the field. It's a common theme throughout many industries. Over the last decade, this has lead to a push for schools to include Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) courses in their curriculum with the hopes of increasing the workforce.
Last year, Jackson Intermediate Center transitioned into a magnet school for Project Lead the Way and is now Jackson PLTW Academy. The academy students engage in hands-on activities, projects, and problems that simulate real-world challenges. This approach empowers students to learn essential skills that are in demand while providing an invaluable connection between what the students learn in the classroom today and how it applies to the career they will choose in the future.
Fluid Power Action Challenge 2018
2018 marks Daman Products' eighth year of promoting the fluid power industry to local middle school students with NFPA's Fluid Power Action Challenge. The Challenge is an educational competition designed to introduce science and engineering to middle school students in a fun, hands-on, learning environment.
Students are introduced to fluid power and very quickly realize the importance of teamwork and organization while they experiment and design a unique machine which they will use to compete in a timed competition.
This year 22 teams from nine schools came together on March 17th at Bethel College in Mishawaka for an inspiring Competition Day. Participating schools included Clay Intermediate, Edison Intermediate, Jackson Intermediate, LaSalle Academy, Marshall Intermediate, Navarre Intermediate, John Young Middle, Baugo Community Schools and Career Academy of South Bend.
2018 Winners
Congratulations o all of the teams for a job well done! And thank you to all of our sponsors. We couldn't have done it without your support.