LTC-Plymouth Science & Technology Center

Plymouth High School students are better prepared for a number of engineering and technical careers, thanks to the LTC-Plymouth Science & Technology Center.

students and engineers working with robot

21st century learning skills

In this state-of-the-art facility, PHS students gain experience with all phases of the manufacturing process, taking projects from conception to completion. They design projects using industry-standard CAD programs, then create three-dimensional models, and finally produce and finish projects using CNC mills, lathes, and routers. They also can learn metal fabrication in a professional welding training facility, and gain experience with an entire automation system through an industrial robot.

Among those to benefit from the facility are students in our Project Lead the Way engineering classes, who are able to create tangible representations of their designs. Classes are taught by PLTW-certified teachers. PHS students can earn college credits from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and several vocational programs carry credits from Lakeshore Technical College.

Facility partners

The pioneering center opened in 2011 thanks to a partnership involving Lakeshore Technical College, the Plymouth School District, the City of Plymouth and area businesses. More than half of the initial cost of the $1.2 million project was covered by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The city of Plymouth provided an additional $250,000 in economic development funds, along with $280,000 in in-kind donations from LTC and the school district.

In addition, Sargento Foods Inc. donated a high-speed packaging machine and a laser engraver. Kohler Co. donated $65,000 to launch a robotics program. Van Horn Automotive Group provided $45,000 in improvements to the automotive lab. A Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Fab Lab grant helped add a CNC router.

 

Science and Technology Center logo

Facility Highlights

  • Agriscience Lab: Enclosures for small animals
  • Automotive Lab: Enhanced with hydraulic hoists and other equipment thanks to partnership with Van Horn Automotive Group
  • Culinary Labs: Commercial kitchen stations, professional-style convection oven, charbroiler, griddle
  • Engineering/CAD Labs: Industrial robot, three-dimensional printers, computer-aided design software, control panel and immersive CNC simulators for Haas high-tech mills
  • CNC Lab: State-of-the-art Haas CNC mills, Haas lathe
  • Construction Lab: CNC router, saws, drill presses, other tools for woodworking
  • Graphics Lab: Laser engravers, screen printing, traditional press
  • Manufacturing Lab: High-speed Viking packaging machine, sandblaster
  • Welding Lab: Professional metal fabrication training facility, CNC plasma cutter

 

Extracurriculars

  • Panther Technology Education and Engineering Club: Participants work on projects in all aspects of the design process and in some cases compete against area schools. Activities, determined by student interest, have included Formula High School, High Mileage Vehicle, Project G.R.I.L.L., and Beat the Heat, as well as countless community projects.