Innovations STEM Academy students visit RTS-Maintenance at Fort McCoy

Photo By Scott Sturkol | Students and staff with the Sparta, Wis., Innovations STEM Academy visit the Regional Training Site (RTS)-Maintenance facility at Fort McCoy, Wis., on Oct. 20, 2023, to learn more about mechanical advantages of pulleys and hydraulics and how engines and axles work, and more. While at RTS-Maintenance, students took turns with their teachers at different stations to learn about how some equipment and processes work at the facility with the assistance of RTS-Maintenance instructors. (U.S. Army Photo by Scott T. Sturkol, Public Affairs Office, Fort McCoy, Wis.)  

FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN, UNITED STATES

10.25.2023

Story by Scott Sturkol                                                                                                 

Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office           

Dozens of students with the Sparta, Wis., Innovations STEM Academy visited the Regional Training Site (RTS)-Maintenance facility at Fort McCoy on Oct. 20 to learn more about mechanical advantages of pulleys and hydraulics and how engines and axles work, and more.

Innovations is a sixth through eighth grade STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) school that uses real-world problem solving and experiences.

Students receive immediate support and guidance that enhances both academic and social development. The curriculum is designed to be student-centered, which increases technological abilities and leadership skills.

While at RTS-Maintenance, students took turns with their teachers at different stations to learn about how some equipment and processes work at the facility with the assistance of RTS-Maintenance instructors.

At one stop, an instructor was showing Innovations students the many capabilities of a hydraulic lift. At another station outside, students were teaming up to learn how to pull a 500-pound all-terrain vehicle with ropes and pulleys.

In a Facebook post from the school about the visit, they noted, “This afternoon, we traveled to Ft McCoy to learn how the military uses simple machines at the RTS-Maintenance training facility. Our students learned how pulleys are used in vehicle recovery and operated a hydraulic crane.”

Maj. James Frangenberg, RTS-Maintenance commandant, described how he saw the visit take place.

“In my military experience, I’ve realized that it’s often difficult to appreciate the depth and intricacy of knowledge until one encounters its practical application,” the commandant said. “For instance, during field exercises, we’ve seen firsthand how the right piece of information can change the outcome of a mission. Understanding the physics behind certain equipment or techniques can make the difference between success and failure. Once those principles are understood you can meaningfully plan for its use.

“When the STEM Academy reached out to our Army school seeking a demonstration of mechanical advantage’s real-world application, I immediately recognized the immense value we could bring to both the community and its students,” Frangenberg said. “Our team showcased various pulley systems, levers, and other tools to illustrate mechanical advantage. Students had the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities, allowing them to experience the power of these principles firsthand as well as a block of instruction on the science behind how they provide that advantage to aid in the students on going STEM curriculum.”

Principal Bob Sanders explains more about what the academy is in his message on the school’s web page at https://www.spartan.org/schools/innovations-stem-academy/principals-message.

“Innovations is a 6th through 8th grade STEM … school that uses real-world problem solving and experiences. In a smaller setting, students receive immediate support and guidance which will enhance both academic and social development,” Sanders states on the page. “The challenging curriculum is designed to be student centered which increases technological abilities and leadership skills. Our goal is to connect what happens in our classroom to the businesses, industry and community of Sparta.”

Academy students have visited RTS-Maintenance many times in the past learning about similar subjects. The regular visits also help build on community relations between the Army and Fort McCoy and local communities. This visit was coordinated through the 88th Readiness Division Public Affairs Office.

Also, earlier in 2023 in June, Fort McCoy supported a STEMKAMP at Sparta’s Meadowview Middle School. Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger was among several Fort McCoy people to support the week-long event.

Messenger, in his speech to the group at the end of the week, highlighted the importance of STEM in everyday thinking.

“I use STEM everywhere I go and in everything I do,” Messenger said. “We have so many skill sets at Fort McCoy who use STEM every day, too. … And in the Army, we always use STEM — no matter what trade you are in.”

Fort McCoy’s motto is to be the “Total Force Training Center.”

Located in the heart of the upper Midwest, Fort McCoy is the only U.S. Army installation in Wisconsin.

The installation has provided support and facilities for the field and classroom training of more than 100,000 military personnel from all services nearly every year since 1984.

Learn more about Fort McCoy online at https://home.army.mil/mccoy, on Facebook by searching “ftmccoy,” and on Twitter by searching “usagmccoy.”

Also try downloading the Digital Garrison app to your smartphone and set “Fort McCoy” or another installation as your preferred base. Fort McCoy is also part of Army’s Installation Management Command where “We Are The Army’s Home.”

• Date Taken: 10.25.2023
• Date Posted: 10.25.2023 01:22
• Story ID: 456473
• Location: FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN, US