La Salle Academy Celebrates Successful STEM Program with Airline Hydraulics

Video via Airline Hydraulics Corporation

PHILADELPHIA, June 4, 2024 (VSNewsNetwork.com) - La Salle Academy, a private Catholic grade school in North Philadelphia, has successfully concluded an after-school STEM program in partnership with Airline Hydraulics, a local manufacturing company. The program, designed for 7th graders, provided hands-on experience in programming industrial computer systems known as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).

Philadelphia's La Salle Academy Celebrates Successful After-School STEM Program with Local Manufacturer, Airline Hydraulics ● Photo Credit: Airline Hydraulics Corporation

The STEM program introduced students to the basics of PLC programming, including wiring and assembling electronic components and understanding the difference between DC electronics and AC power. Throughout the course, students learned to program a traffic light intersection simulator.

"The students are wonderful. It was an enjoyable experience, especially after a long school day; we would get up and move to the application room for hands-on activities. That was the key to the class—it had to be hands-on," said Ed Brogan, the program leader.

The practical applications of the program helped make complex concepts relatable to the students. They also learned how to write programs to simulate a mixer, similar to those used in making slushies at convenience stores, ensuring thorough engagement with the material.

"For me, it was really about the building. Once I figured out how to program it, it was less confusing. Mr. Brogan explained it well, and I got the hang of it," said Sherrell, a student participant.

Angel, another student, added, "It was really great. We did programs to make a traffic light, and it was actually kind of fun. It took a lot of work, but it was worth it."

Michael ShackelfordPeña-Taylor II, a 7th-grade teacher at La Salle Academy, emphasized the program's importance: "This was a great experience for the class. It was a blessing that Airline Hydraulics could come in and do this for us. It helped kickstart our engineering curriculum and opened up new possibilities for our students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM fields."

The program concluded with a pizza party celebration, where professionals from Airline Hydraulics shared their career experiences and demonstrated the use of a 3D printer, sparking further interest in engineering among the students.

Due to the program's success, Airline Hydraulics will return to La Salle Academy next school year to teach a different 15-week course to 15-30 7th-grade students. For more information about La Salle Academy and Airline Hydraulics' future programs, visit airlinehyd.com/celebrating-75.

Source: Airline Hydraulics Corporation via Newswire