Page 6 - TTMNFall2026

Manufacturing
Page 6 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaymn.com

Building the Future: Hands on Innovation in Wayzata High School’s

Manufacturing & Technology Programs

integration of computer-aided design (CAD) By bridging the gap between theoreti-
with computer-numerical control (CNC) cal concept and practical execution, Wayzata
manufacturing. Students begin by con- High School equips students with the founda-
ceptualizing their ideas in 3D modeling tion needed to shape the future of industry.
environments, learning how to engineer parts Through continued investment in technical
to precise tolerances. education, we remain committed to inspiring
Custom Precision Fabrication: the makers, builders, and engineers of tomor-
Students design and construct custom row.
functional prototypes, learning how to analyze Essential Skill Sets for High-Demand
material properties, calculate exact dimen-
sions, and safely operate equipment such as Careers
Beyond technical proficiencies, Wayza-
millers, lathes, and routers. ta’s manufacturing programs focus heavily on
Prototyping & Additive Manufacturing: developing transferable employability skills.
Incorporating 3D printing into tradi- Safety protocols, precision measurement,
tional manufacturing setups allows students to quality assurance, and technical communica-
quickly test, evaluate, and refine their concepts tion are integrated into every lesson. Students
mimicking the rapid prototyping cycles used learn how to read blue-prints, apply applied
Wayzata Public Schools our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, in modern production facilities. mathematics to real-world dimensions, and
At Wayzata High School education structural reasoning, and collaborative problem- Cross-Disciplinary Team Projects: maintain safety-first habits required in indus-
extends far and traditional textbooks and solving. trial and engineering environments.
whiteboards. Within our Career and Technical Through introductory and advanced Working in groups, students tackle Equally important are soft skills. Team-
Education (CTE) and Technology Education coursework in manufacturing, engineering complex design challenges where they must based projects push students to communicate
department students step into the dynamic, design, and materials processing, students gain assign project management roles, budget clearly, divide work efficiently, adapt to unex-
hands-on learning spaces designed to simu- direct experience working with industry-stan- materials, and ensure quality control through- pected design flaws, and manage production
late, modern industry environments. By dard machinery, digital design software, and out the manufacturing lifecycle timelines. These experiences build confidence
combing technical knowledge with real world specialized hand and power tools. Whether Pathways to Post-Secondary Success and foster a strong work ethic that serves stu-
application, our students’ manufacturing and crafting precision components, working with Our manufacturing and engineering dents regardless of their post-secondary path.
engineering programs prepare the next genera- wood and metals, or troubleshooting mechani- classes serve as a launching pad for a wide The Mission of Wayzata Public Schools
tion of innovators problem, solver, and skilled cal systems, students learn that engineering range of future careers. Many graduates move is to ensure a world-class education that pre-
trade professionals and manufacturing are as much about process on to two- or four-year degree programs in pares each and every student to thrive today
and perseverance as they are about the final
Empowering Students Through product. mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing and excel tomorrow in an ever-changing
engineering. Others leverage their hands-on
Practical Learning: From Digital Blueprints to Physical skills to transition directly into high-demand global society.
In an increasingly automated and tech- technical apprenticeships, trade certifications,
nology-driven world, providing high school Creations or advanced manufacturing careers across wayzataschools.org
students with exposure to advanced manufactur- One of the cornerstones of our manu- Minnesota.
ing and design processes is crucial. At Wayzata, facturing and technology pathway is the

From Concept to Career Continued from Page 1

software issues, and iteratively refine their “Having a dedicated space to design, part of a team, and take a project from an
solutions—preparing them for industries as manufacture, and test robotic components initial concept through design, fabrication,
diverse as aerospace, medical technology, has given our varsity team an advantage testing, and improvement. For these stu-
defense, energy, and electronics. typically only available to larger school dis- dents, the facility became a bridge between
Because modern technical fields rely tricts. Our facility includes a classroom for the classroom and industry. It gave them tan-
on collaboration, students work in multidis- design work, a CNC machine that is readily gible projects and technical experience that
ciplinary teams where members specialize available for cutting parts, and enough floor they could discuss with employers and dem-
in programming, machining, circuit design, space to fit a quarter of the game field, which onstrate during interviews.”
testing, or project documentation. This allows us to reliably test autonomous rou- By giving ROCORI students space to
mirrors actual industry practices, teaching tines on current field elements.” tinker, fail, iterate, and build, the ROCORI
students how to communicate effectively As Alec Tomovic—a computer science Tech Center is doing more than teaching
and manage complex, multi-faceted projects professor at Eastern Florida State College technology—it is equipping the next genera-
alongside their technical learning. who partners with us to lease the facility — tion of innovators and leaders to shape it.
The center also serves as the dedicated observes: “I have seen the program open If you are interested in learning more
home base for ROCORI’s FIRST Robotics doors for students that may not have been about the ROCORI Technology Center,
team, who won Minnesota state champion- available to them otherwise . . . The expe- taking a tour, or how you can incorporate
ships in both 2023 and 2026. The RTC gives rience they gained working with robotics, this model into other areas of need in your
this team a place to call home and allows advanced manufacturing, 3D printing, CNC community, contact Principal Ryan Hauge:
them to take their learning in this dynamic equipment, programming, automation, and hauger@rocori.k12.mn.us
classroom space and transfer it into extra- engineering projects gave them an oppor-
curricular excellence. RTC instructor and tunity to develop practical skills beyond
embedded controls. When real-world equip- Robotics Coach Jay Femrite highlights traditional classroom learning. Just as www.rocori.k12.mn.us
ment behaves unpredictably, students learn the distinct practical advantage the facility importantly, they learned how to approach
to troubleshoot, diagnose mechanical or brings to the team: real-world engineering problems, work as