Young students learn how to use ANSYS simulation software at the USA Science and Engineering Festival.
The pillar supporting many current STEM education initiatives is the idea that building a strong STEM workforce for the future means fostering a passion for STEM in students while they’re young.
This is the core of a new STEM education initiative by ANSYS, a creator of multiphysics simulation software used throughout engineering and the sciences.
Historically, ANSYS focused its academic programs at the post-secondary level, with engineering undergraduates and universities. But now it’s aiming to engage younger students. The company attended the recent USA Science and Engineering Festival to introduce their simulation software to K-12 students.
And with the Science and Engineering Festival’s focus on STEM for kids and teens, there’s no better place to introduce these programs to this new audience.
ENGINEERING.com had the opportunity to speak with ANSYS at the festival.
“This is our first real venture into this market,” said Paul Lethbridge, academic program manager at ANSYS. “That’s why we’re here at the show today.”
ANSYS’ Software Programs and STEM Education
Heat exchange simulation in ANSYS AIM.
ANSYS let kids at the festival experiment with two of its key products: ANSYS SpaceClaim, a 3D solid CAD modeller, and ANSYS AIM, described as a “next-generation simulation product” that uses the SpaceClaim modeller at the front end.
The ANSYS booth was set up with workstations where kids could get instructions on how to begin using the software.
“It’s very easy to use, very intuitive, and a real hit with the kids,” Lethbridge said. “If you have a look around the booth, you’ll see kids who are six or seven years old, and they are using this ten to twenty-thousand-dollar software, and getting on really well with it.”
Why Introduce Kids to ANSYS’ Simulation Software?
A young girl learns about 3D printing in the ANSYS booth at the USA Science and Engineering Festival.
There are many benefits to introducing professional-level simulation software to young children.
In the long term, the earlier kids can learn about simulation and design software, the better it will be for their future careers. As they get older, they will enter the more advanced STEM topics already familiar with engineering concepts like as design and 3D modelling.
Lethbridge also notes that the SpaceClaim product plugs directly into 3D printing, which is popular in middle and high schools where students are learning about additive manufacturing and makerspace technology.
Free Software for K-12
Current trends in the CAD/CAE industry often involve companies offering their software products to students and institutions for free.
ANSYS’ academic programs do the same, offering low cost, campus-wide solutions that can be deployed across departments. They also pursue strategic partnerships with individual professors, departments or campuses where they deploy the software free of charge.
With its new initiative, however, ANSYS plans to move this trend down into high schools. Its new software offerings play a big part in this goal.
“It’s really this new software, this next generation software that I talked about, AIM and SpaceClaim, because they are so much more intuitive to use,” said Lethbridge. “The other software used by researchers and commercial customers is a little more involved, takes a bit longer to learn, so it is not going to be so hands-on intuitive.”
ANSYS has already begun to engage in partnerships with high-schools in the area around its headquarters. It has also provided software free of charge to students involved in design and engineering competitions, such as FIRST Robotics.
Follow the links to learn more about simulation software and the way ANSYS aims to encourage STEM education.