Waterford middle‑school tech classes expand with drones, underwater robots and 3D printing funded by Perkins grant

District and school staff presented an expanded middle‑school technology program that emphasizes hands‑on skills aligned to high‑school career and technical education.

Principal Jim Sachs and tech‑education teacher Dan described a transportation engineering pathway in which students build and program underwater remotely operated vehicles (SE Perch), solder circuit boards and learn design and prototyping. Dan said students "solder all the parts on" and assemble circuitry as part of the build process, and that teams compete in statewide underwater‑robot competitions hosted by the high school.

Presenters demonstrated indoor drones used for programming and teamwork exercises, VEX ground robots for starter engineering experiences, and several 3D‑printed projects that teach students design iteration and rapid prototyping. School staff credited Perkins grant funds with enabling the purchase of much of the equipment used in classroom activities.

Teachers described typical student contact as roughly 30 instructional hours per trimester and said many activities emphasize troubleshooting and peer collaboration. The district stressed that indoor drone activities do not require FAA registration when flown indoors and that equipment upkeep is a modest annual cost compared with initial purchases.

School leaders said the program is intended to create early exposure and a pipeline into Waterford High School’s youth manufacturing and career pathways. The superintendent noted the program’s alignment with budget planning for continued investment in career‑linked instruction.