Keystone Oaks School District

Two dozen Keystone Oaks students recently stepped out of the classroom for three impactful field experiences, gaining practical insight into cutting-edge technology in the areas of robotics, manufacturing, and STEM, through visits to Eaton Corporation and the high-tech research hub, Mill 19.

Through the Chief Science Officers program, four Keystone Oaks Middle and High School students recently visited Eaton Corporation, where they experienced the operation of a simulated power distribution system and learned how clean power is generated via solar, hydrogen, and wind. As part of the visit, students used Hummingbird Robots to create a character or scene using sensors, motors, and lights provided by CodeyJoy. 

Chief Science Officers is an international program that gives students the opportunity to be a liaison for STEM and innovation in their schools and communities. Throughout the year, these four students will work to create an Action Plan and are expected to complete a project that will positively impact the STEM culture within their community.

Ten Keystone Oaks High School students recently participated in Catalyst Connections’ Manufacturing Day event at Mill 19 in Hazelwood. A former steel mill, Mill 19 is now a research and design facility that hosts Carnegie Mellon University’s Manufacturing Futures Institute, the ARM Institute, ElevateBio, and other incubator companies that are working to transition manufacturing into the digital and robotics era. 

Representatives talked with students about the skills and knowledge that will be needed in emerging careers in this sector and the pathways available for students to develop the tools necessary to be successful in this industry. 

Nine students attended Pittsburgh Robotics Network’s Discovery Day at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, where they had the opportunity to learn from and network with more than 200 organizations from the Pittsburgh area that are driving innovation across the robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence industries. Students also learned about a number of education and internship opportunities that are available for high school students interested in these fields.