Non Technical Summary
The Agricultural Mechanics program at TXST is in desperate need of new equipment in the machinery management laboratory. Within the machinery management course at TXST, students assigned into teams, are assigned a semester long project that must be completed by the end of the semester. These projects include but are not limited to tractor or farm implement restoration, refurbishment, and engine rebuilds. Through this proposal, students in courses will have the opportunity to work with modern industry standard equipment to complete these projects. The purchase of the new equipment allows students to develop traditional technical skills, but also communication and teamwork or "soft skills." Soft skills are identified as key competencies that employers look to for in new hires. This project improves the machinery management equipment through the purchase of seven Snap-on Premium Combination Tool Sets, as well as, floor jacks, jack stands, engine hoists, engine stands, parts cleaners, sand blasters, a sand blasting cabinet, palm sanders, and impact wrenches and socket sets. This education project type proposal aligns with the agricultural/biological engineering discipline (code E). The purpose of this proposal is to improve students' experience in the machinery management laboratory area for DAS students at TXST. The purpose will be fulfilled by the following objectives: 1) Provide a learning environment that educates students utilizing industry-standard equipment in the machinery management laboratory space.; 2) Increase student engagement within agricultural mechanics major and courses at TXST.; 3) Host professional development workshops for SBAE teachers interested in machinery management and equipment refurbishment.

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
402	5310	2020	100%

Knowledge Area
402 - Engineering Systems and Equipment;

Subject Of Investigation
5310 - Machinery and equipment;

Field Of Science
2020 - Engineering;

Goals / Objectives
Long-term objective #1: Provide a learning environment that educates students utilizing industry-standard equipment in the machinery management laboratory space.Long-term objective #2: Increase student engagement within agricultural mechanics major/minor and courses at TXST.Long-term objective #3: Host professional development workshops for SBAE teachers interested in machinery management and equipment refurbishment

Project Methods
?Project TimelinePersonalActivityDateProject DirectorsEstablish advisory committeeSummer 2023Advisory CommitteeMeet to evaluate the selection and implementation of tools & equipment into the programSummer 2023Project DirectorsPurchase equipmentSummer 2023Project DirectorsDevelop Curriculum using new equipmentSummer/Fall 2023Project DirectorsImplement new equipment into coursesSpring 2024Advisory CommitteeEvaluate implementation of equipment into the programSummer 2024Project DirectorsDevelop Professional Development workshopsFall 2023Project DirectorsHost Professional Development workshopsFall 2024; Summer 2025 & BeyondAdvisory CommitteeMeet to evaluate professional development workshops as neededSummer 2025 & BeyondEvalution PlanAdvisory Committee PositionQualifier to be on Advisory CommitteeEvaluation CriteriaExternal Agricultural Mechanics ProfessorDeveloped curriculum in machinery management content area for their coursesEvaluate the curriculum developed with the new equipment and tools in the machinery management course and student engagement.SBAE TeacherTeaches agricultural mechanics and competes in tractor tech, agricultural mechanics career development events and junior agricultural mechanics showsEvaluate the skills and knowledge students would need to complete the curriculum at the secondary education level and professional development workshop content.Industry ExpertsDealer representatives in hiring and recruitment for careers in agricultural and construction equipment techniciansEvaluate that the curriculum taught meets industry standards.DAS Agricultural Mechanics AlumniFormer student that works as an agricultural or construction equipment technicianEvaluate the development of the curriculum as it aligns with the agricultural mechanics degree from TXST and industry standards. Will also assist in evaluation of student engagement.DAS Agricultural Mechanics Current StudentCurrent student that plans to work as an agricultural or construction equipment technician and has taken the AG 3375 courseAssists in identifying the tools that they needed the most and assessing the difference in student engagement as the new tools and equipment are implemented into the course. Will also assist in evaluation of student engagement.Tool and Equipment DealerAble to find and connect PD with most up to date equipment for purchase and utilizationEvaluate the proper introduction and usage of the tools and equipment purchased in this project.Junior Agricultural Mechanics Show RepresentativeContest provider that aligns skills being evaluated at junior agricultural mechanic shows and curriculum developed with new equipmentEvaluates the professional development workshops to ensure teachers are preparing students for industry professions.