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MaD - Manufacturing and Design

2nd Annual SVMA Manufacturing Challenge

Made By Hand, Built By Heart
 

 

MaD offers many diverse opportunities for students interested in product design and development processes, the principles of design, computer aided design, fabrication and manufacturing process, sustainability, and the principles of business and entrepreneurship. This rigorous sequence of courses and classroom experiences infused with cross curricular problem-based projects and practical applications encourage outcome-based learning and celebrate all students’ achievements. This program also provides students with the skills, experiences and opportunities to access a wide range of post-secondary education and workforce development options.

Manufacturing Excellence on Display at SVMA Challenge

A metal tray with various compartments and a circular object in the center sits on a dark surface.
A metal rack with nine compartments, sitting on a wooden surface, with a blurred background.
The image shows a group of five people standing together in a gymnasium setting, with a basketball hoop visible in the background.
Three individuals, two men and one woman, are holding a large check in a gymnasium setting.
A smiling individual in a navy blue jacket stands behind a table displaying various books and other items.
A group of five people, including two women and three men, are standing together in a room with a red backdrop, holding a large check.
A transparent, hexagonal device with a clock face and various components sits on a dark, tiled surface.
A clear glass object with intricate patterns and knobs sits in the foreground, surrounded by a cluttered background of various items.
The image shows three men standing together, holding a large check in front of a red wall.

This past weekend, the manufacturing prowess of local high school students was showcased at the 1st annual SVMA (Sacramento Valley Manufacturing Alliance) Manufacturing Challenge. Among the participants were five talented seniors from the Manufacturing and Design (MaD) program at John F. Kennedy High School, who brought their A-game, to this competition.

The challenge tasked students with designing and manufacturing their own unique interpretations of the classic game, Tic Tac Toe. While seemingly simple, this project allowed the young makers to flex their creative muscles and demonstrate the advanced manufacturing techniques they have honed over their four years in the MaD program.

The morning kicked off with students engaging with judges, SVMA Members, area manufacturers, and members of the public, providing in-depth explanations of their design rationale and manufacturing processes – insights that went beyond the written documentation accompanying their projects.

The Kennedy High contenders did not disappoint, with each student unveiling a Tic Tac Toe set that highlighted their individual strengths and specialties:

Austin Tyler showcased a magnetic board with anodized game pieces, meticulously crafted with the program’s 5-axis CNC machine to achieve perfect 90-degree corners.

Patton Zepp’s board and pieces featured unique finishing passes for each element, a testament to his attention to detail.

Seth Moore’s submission paid homage to the game’s rich history, with his set chronicling the origins of Tic Tac Toe.

Sam Mohler demonstrated his mastery of the CNC lathe – a skill possessed by only a handful of students – by producing game pieces comprised entirely of turned components.

Jorge Rodriguez evoked memories of playgrounds past with his design, which utilized the program’s 4-axis machining capabilities.

Throughout the event, the Kennedy High students exemplified the values of camaraderie and competition that are hallmarks of the MaD program. Their efforts did not go unnoticed, as the team walked away with an impressive four awards:

Best Overall: Austin Tyler 

Most Complicated Process: Jorge Rodriguez
Best Documentation: Seth Moore 

Mentor Award: Emmanuel Valadez

The success of Kennedy High’s MaD program at the SVMA Manufacturing Challenge is a testament to the skill and dedication of these young makers. As they prepare to take their talents to the next level, the future of manufacturing in Sacramento is undoubtedly in good hands. We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to SVMA and everyone who made this weekend possible.

The Manufacturing and Design program at John F. Kennedy is a 3-year career technical education pathway with a focus on college and career readiness. MaD is designed as a rigorous academic specialty program focused on STEM principles in product design and development, fabrication and manufacturing engineering processes.

For more information visit: http://jfkmad.weebly.com/