2020 Ennis Nominee: Phil Tschammer
A $1 million D214 Education Foundation donation from Buffalo Grove alumnus Steve Yacktman to create the Saul Ploplys Automation and Technology Lab gave Buffalo Grove High School a learning opportunity of which many schools can only dream.
But for all its cutting-edge features, the lab doesn’t teach students on its own. That requires teachers who are figuring out how to maximize the learning experience for students. Which is why Buffalo Grove CTE teacher Phil Tschammer’s vision has been instrumental to the lab’s early successes.
Phil helped lead the transformation of the former Manufacturing and Automation lab to a state-of-the-art learning facility with new equipment for students to train and practice manufacturing and automation techniques.
One example? Phil and colleagues introduced a three-tier learning system to effectively and efficiently teach and train students about welding safety, setup and welding techniques. This sequence introduces students to essential safety procedures and gives them practice through virtual reality without wasting expensive consumable materials. Second and third tiers involve sensor-generated feedback on their technique and then mastery of skills in a welding booth. This sequence will allow students to acquire industry-standard welding certificates.
Phil also played a key role in developing the lab’s automation cell, which includes four 6-axis robotic arms and a conveyor system from which students can work on the robots individually to learn the basics of robotic programming before advancing to robotic handshaking, which allows the robots to talk to the conveyor system. From there, students are able to simulate manufacturing, assembly and quality inspection processes.
All of this, plus advanced work with 3D printing and with mills and lathes, gives students advanced skills and certifications related to the manufacturing and automation industries.
The Buffalo Grove Ennis nominating committee wrote of his work: “Phil has helped transform the CTE area into the budding prize of the school and District.”
Says Phil, “Seeing the joy and excitement on students' faces when they first saw the new equipment is something that I will never forget. These new innovations have created a new energy in staff and students to push the boundaries of education and industry.”