TechSpark courses

This is a 0-unit and non-Registrar course that allows students to work at their own pace. During the academic year (fall and spring semesters), students enroll themselves via Canvas using this link https://canvas.cmu.edu/enroll/AEDKCJ . Students will learn the basics through specialized videos and concept quizzes, sign-up for an in-person safety check, and conduct homework to reinforce skills learned. This course is required to use the laser cutting and engraving machines at TechSpark. 0-unit micro (2 weeks)

Prerequisites: None

This course teaches safe operation of manual machining equipment through structured hands-on activities. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to learning subtractive manufacturing, the industrial standard for the mass manufacture of products around the world. The skills learned in this course can be applied to fabricate durable components for design projects, research equipment, and extracurricular activities. 1-unit mini (7 weeks)

Prerequisite: 24-101 or 24-201

A student operates a manual lathe.

A student operates a manual knee mill.

Shop Instructor Tom Rusu and a student work at a manual milling machine.

Safety first! Ed Wojciechowski guides students on the proper technique for using a manual lathe.

Students are all smiles after a job well done.

This course teaches the fundamental skills of fabrication and assembly by progressing through a hands-on building project. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to safely operating hand and power tools, using common components as parts for assemblies, and incorporating moving mechanisms within housings. This class provides a foundational experience that can be built upon in future project classes and is a portal (prerequisite) to other TechSpark courses. 1-unit mini (7 weeks)

Prerequisites: None

Students work in TechSpark during the Project Fabrication and Assembly course.

Students work in TechSpark during the Project Fabrication and Assembly course.

This course teaches the safe operation of manual machining equipment, including knee mill and lathe through structured hands-on activities. A significant portion of this course is dedicated to reading technical drawings, and then fabricating those components using equipment. Homework assignments are important for reinforcement of skills learned. Experience gained in this course can be applied to fabricate durable components for design projects, research equipment, and extracurricular activities. This course is required to use the student machine shop at TechSpark. 3-unit mini (7 weeks)

Prerequisite: 24-101 or 24-201

A student operates a manual lathe.

A student operates a manual knee mill.

Shop Instructor Tom Rusu and a student work at a manual milling machine.

Safety first! Ed Wojciechowski guides students on the proper technique for using a manual lathe.

Students are all smiles after a job well done.

This course teaches introductory-level metal jewelry fabrication through structured hands-on activities. Students will learn to safely use various tools and metal working techniques including cold forging, investment casting, bezel settings, soldering, and patinas. Homework assignments are important for reinforcement of skills learned, which will include creating personal jewelry items such as earrings, pendants, and rings. This course is required to use the hot metals room at TechSpark. 3-unit mini (7 weeks)

Prerequisites: None

Students learn simple stone setting in 24-204.

A student uses a torch to melt metal for lost wax casting.

A student works on their project at the bench.

An example of the projects students create in 24-206.

A student preps their project for soldering.

An example of the projects students create in 24-206 using cold forging.

This course teaches the safe operation of welding equipment through structured hands-on activities. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to learning workpiece setup, material selection, and weldability assessment for introductory-level projects. Homework assignments are important for reinforcement of skills learned, and the utilization of these skills will be applied to a self-directed project. This course is required to use the welding equipment at TechSpark. 2-unit mini (7 weeks)

Prerequisite: 24-101 or 24-201

Students learn various weld techniques.

Students learn layout and other pre/post-operations to welding.

This course teaches the safe operation of wood working equipment, including table saw, panel saw, and miter saw through structured hands-on activities. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to learning optimal workflow, tool selection, and equipment selection for introductory-level projects. Homework assignments are important for reinforcement of skills learned. This course is required to use the student wood shop at TechSpark. 3-unit mini (7 weeks)

Prerequisite: 24-101 or 24-201

Students learn to safely operate woodworking equipment, like the table saw, to make accurate precision cuts.

Instructor Ryan Bates, gives a lecture and tool demonstration during 24-206.

This folding stool is one example of the projects made in 24-206.

Students working in the woodshop on their projects.

Students learn to use a variety of woodworking equipment, including the miter saw.

This course builds upon previous skills taught in TechSpark's wood shop course. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to learning software, equipment setup, and machine operation in order to fabricate 3D components. Homework assignments are important for reinforcement of skills learned. This course is required to use the CNC wood router in the student wood shop at TechSpark. 3-unit mini (7 weeks)

Prerequisite: 24-206

Instructor Justin Harvilla guides students on techniques for securing material prior to machine operation. 

This course builds upon previous skills taught in TechSpark's machine shop course. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to learning 2.5D Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software, equipment setup, and machine operation. Homework assignments are important for reinforcement of skills learned, and the utilization of these skills will be applied to a self-directed project. This course is required to use the CNC milling machines in the student machine shop at TechSpark. 2-unit mini (7 weeks)

Prerequisite: 24-200 or 24-203

A student operates a computer numerical controlled (CNC) milling machine.