The Tippecanoe School Corporation is introducing middle and high school students to the world of microelectronics as part of a regional workforce development initiative. This effort aligns with the recent announcement that SK hynix is building a state-of-the-art microchip factory in the Purdue Research Park.

Several TSC teachers participated in a summer workshop at Purdue University and brought back invaluable insights to share with their students. At Klondike Middle School students explored microchip manufacturing, circuitry, coding, logic gates, and breadboard configuration. “The combination of real-world applications and cutting-edge concepts kept them engaged and eager to learn,” says Klondike Middle School technology and engineering teacher Megan Doyle.

Among the hands-on activities, Doyle challenged her students to create a four-step breakout box. Sixth grader Clella Berger says, “I learned so much about microelectronics. This includes how electricity flows, how to code, what logic gates are, what a breadboard is and how it works, how to problem solve, work with others, ask good questions, and a general understanding of microelectronics.”

Similar enthusiasm was seen at East Tipp Middle School, where students in Steve Elwood’s technology class created interactive projects like a cardboard guitar that played sounds when touched, using micro:bit sensors: “This was so much fun,” says sixth grader Jaxson Stevens. “We used our body as part of the circuit to make music!”

At the high school level, students in Introduction to Manufacturing, Introduction to Engineering Design, and Principles of Engineering classes worked on projects like "Rolling the Dice," a unit focused on designing and producing a printed circuit board (PCB) for a digital dice roller. Students learn the intricacies of microchip fabrication, PCB design, and soldering. 

“Our PCB turned out really well,” says McCutcheon High School sophomore Jersey Troxell. “There were some difficulties getting our solder perfect so the metal wouldn’t run through the whole board. But for the most part, our group succeeded in learning how to solder and how to work together as a team to create our digital dice roller.”

This initiative not only inspires students to explore STEM careers, but also prepares them for opportunities arising from the SK hynix investment. The facility is expected to generate thousands of jobs, emphasizing the need for a skilled workforce in microelectronics.

“This experience was invaluable for my students, who are now gaining early exposure to concepts they will encounter again in high school and beyond,” says Doyle. “It’s rewarding to see them excited about learning and preparing for the future through such relevant and practical content." 

“I do have high hopes of being an engineer,” says Jersey. “I would love to pursue something similar to this outside of high school.”

“Knowing what I aim to be when I grow up, yes this has inspired me,” says Klondike Middle School seventh-grader Alexa Wood. “I think that these skills would definitely come in handy in the future.”

“It has inspired me to pursue other classes and people because it is fun and it challenges you to make different things with your imagination,” says Juliette Michels from East Tipp Middle School. 

With initiatives like this, TSC continues to prepare its students for a rapidly evolving world, equipping them with skills for future success.