Many industrious students now have the equipment necessary to leave school grounds — virtually or literally — to experience learning they can’t get in a classroom.
The career academy at Norfolk High School and the after-school program, Aftershock, recently received equipment donations that include a John Deere excavator simulator and a mobile maker space lab for middle, junior high and high school students.
The simulator was donated by the Rudolph Elis Fund, which is affiliated with the Nebraska Community Foundation, and Teri and Stu Bauer, said Jeff Hoffman, career academy coordinator. Its price can range from $60,000 to $70,000.
After waiting for months to try it, academy students will finally be able to practice on a virtual excavator risk-free. Hoffman said he hopes to incorporate it into classes next year, but students are still…
