Just in time for CTE month, Tennessee Middle School, in an exciting collaboration with The Robinette Company and East Tennessee State University (ETSU), unveiled an inspiring educational initiative under the STEM-Ed Community Partnership program. This partnership aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world workforce skills, focusing on graphic design and practical applications in the STEM fields.
Sixth and eighth grade students worked closely with The Robinette Company on a unique graphic design project which involved creating a logo design that will be printed on popcorn bags for use in the school's concession stand. The process began with an introduction to The Robinette Company's operations and an initial design phase. Following a week of dedicated work, students voted on the best design for each grade. The winning designs then came to life on popcorn bags, thanks to The Robinette Company's expertise in printing.
According to Catherine Lamie, a STEM teacher at Tennessee Middle School, the project is not just a learning exercise but a hands-on experience in design and production. Students were given specific parameters for their designs, such as limited color usage and size constraints, aligning with real-world industry standards. The use of Chrome Canvas introduced students to digital design tools, setting a foundation for future learning in technology and design.
“The biggest thing I want students to get from this experience is finding that connection between classroom material and real-world application,” Lamie said. “I can teach the design process all day long, but to use it on an actual project that is going to be produced is a completely different level. I want them to learn perseverance of task and know that just because they make a mistake or don't hit the mark the first time doesn't mean that they are a failure. They can go back to the drawing board and adjust to make the best product they can.”
“We took a standard SOS (self-opening sack) bag, which we normally use for flour, sugar, or corn meal, and we had the kids go through and design,” said Corey Croot, graphics department manager for The Robinette Company. “They drew it out on paper and then transferred to the computers. They don't realize that a lot of these things in every one of their homes that their families buy and have bought for years are printed a mile up the street. It's really cool to give them an inside look at what we do, give them a feel for what we do, and see if maybe they want to come work with us someday.”
The Robinette Company, located in Bristol, Tenn., is a full-service flexible film and paper packaging manufacturer and converter specializing in sustainable packaging for the food, beverage, nutraceutical, construction, textile, and health care markets.
Lamie STEM collage