Objectives and Learning Activities
Beginning Level
Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs® Summer Manufacturing Camps
Objectives
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Introduce students to the world of manufacturing through hands-on projects, and site
visits to manufacturing facilities.
Introduce students to basic entrepreneurial concepts and skills.
(Approximately 25% of camp contact time should be spent on entrepreneurial skills introduction and 75% of camp contact
time should be spent on manufacturing skills, process, projects, and tours. Some of the entrepreneurial content can
effectively be delivered by guest presenters during plant tours and lunch breaks, as well as during evaluations of the
projects built by students. Some entrepreneurship lessons have been designed as homework so students can get the
family involved.)
Desired Outcomes
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Students learn basic computerized product design using CAD software.
Students manufacture a product start to finish using manufacturing equipment, hand
tools, or other appropriate aids.
Students explore and gain a basic understanding of the challenge of an
inventor/entrepreneur in taking a product from idea to business.
Students learn about the types of manufacturing jobs available in the local community
through tours of local manufacturing companies, presentations and mentoring by local
manufacturing experts and other appropriate activities.
Students gain an understanding of the kinds of academic and technical training they will
need (in high school and beyond) to prepare themselves for 21st century manufacturing
careers.
Students learn about the teamwork required in an effective manufacturing work
environment.
Students learn how to practice appropriate shop safety (safety manuals provided by
NBT).
Students complete both pre- and post-camp surveys online on the first and last days of
camp.
©2013 Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs, the foundation of The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl.
Instructor Preparation for Camp
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The staff members who will teach in the camp need to determine an appropriate
project for the campers to make. List of products made successfully in previous camps
is provided as an appendix.
Camp arranges to purchase or obtain donated materials needed to complete the
manufacturing product.
If the camp does not already have sufficient numbers of CAD software licenses, notify
NBT and they will provide SolidWorks Student CAD design software licenses in sufficient
quantity to meet the needs of the camp. These 120-day software licenses are donated
by SolidWorks through its sponsorship with Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs. Software needs
to be loaded on computers and design project prepared before the arrival of students
for camp.
Camp staff prepares shop equipment, hand tools and other elements of the work area
to facilitate smooth and efficient movement by the students from one phase to another
of the product manufacturing process.
Camp staff lines up visits to local manufacturers, guest speakers, etc. to meet learning
objectives.
Camp staff requests support from local manufacturers, economic development
organizations, which can supplement the grant from NBT and the tuition collected from
students.
During the camp, staff should be prepared to:
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Obtain signed photo releases as needed from the parents of camp participants. (Form
included in materials packet.
Document camp activities in photos which will be shared with NBT for inclusion on the
foundation’s web site, in magazines published by FMA and in promotional and
fundraising materials produced by NBT. (Review the Photo Tip Sheet found in the
Appendix to learn what makes great camp photos.)
 Videotape at least one guest presenter who talks with the students about how they
started their business or provides advice about the kind of skills and training it will take
to have a successful 21st century manufacturing career. These recordings will be shared
with NBT for inclusion in a web-based video library that will be made available to other
camps around the country. (Video tip sheet included as an appendix.) (NBT reserves
the right to edit video footage or use audio only track as a podcast.)
©2013 Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs, the foundation of The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl.
After Camp is Over
Reporting Process
Complete the post camp report and return to NBT along with the photos and videos. Include
contact information for all the local manufacturers/entrepreneurs who participated in your
camp as speakers, mentors, donors or hosts for shop visits. All materials due within 14 days of
the camp completion date.
Send this package to:
Diane Engel
Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs
833 Featherstone Rd.
Rockford, IL 61107
DianeE@fmanet.org
815-381-1338
©2013 Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs, the foundation of The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl.
Appendix 1
Past Camp Manufacturing Projects
The following represent the kinds of projects that were constructed in camps from
2007-2013
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Key chains
Dice and chess pieces
Windmill
Soda can airplane
Bridge
Rube Goldberg project
Assemble robots
CD/DVD holders
Ball-drop game
Picture frames
Jet toys, steel-can rovers
Personal electronic device holder(cell
phone, MP3 player)
Single hole paper punch
Grill
Candle holders
Metal candle holder
Rose flower
Steel butterflies
Storage box
Star
Plant holder
Radio-controlled car
Radio-controlled helicopter
Lawn ornament
Aluminum accent lamp
Dog tags as jewelry, luggage, or pet ID
tags
Hover craft
Machined game
Brass ink pen
Mill-spec dominos
Tool box
Bottle opener
Table lamp
Children's swing
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Functional metal art objects
Pliers
Wrought-iron end table
Horseshoe coat hook
Trivet/hot plate
Small decorative welded project
Mailbox
Metal organizer for electronics
components
Finger rings
Aluminum engraved desk plate
Accent lamp
Welded artwork
Robot
Hammer
Finger Treadle
Thermoformed plastic projects:
bottles, cup holders
Functional metal art for placement in
community
Power Tool Dragster
Model-size Motorcycle
Wind Turbine
Electric Guitars
©2013 Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs, the foundation of The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl.