Key to the successful implementation of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning is the development and implementation of innovative strategies that will support students in thinking across disciplines. This class highlights how the “design thinking” process, a methodology that has been successfully applied in business and multiple fields of design, can serve as a powerful tool for operationalizing STEAM learning in secondary education by promoting 21st-century skills related to creativity, critical analysis, collaboration, communication, and content mastery. The class will draw connections between design thinking and new research in the area of cognition and learning that challenge traditional educational policies and practices. Examples from the Digital STEAM workshop will be used to illustrate the potential of technology enhanced design thinking to support the successful integration of STEAM learning in secondary education.

Autodesk offers an industry-recognized certification portfolio that is built with high integrity following industry standards. Attendees can expect to learn about the details of each certification and how it can impact the progression of their career by validating and showcasing their knowledge, skills, and abilities in AEC or Fusion 360. Additionally, expect to learn about our distribution channels, voucher programs, and education offering that supports the secondary, vocational, and higher education markets. Attendees will receive access to a promotional code that could be used after AU on any certification exam.

This session will highlight several exciting Autodesk partnership programs available to educators to inspire students to participate in design based learning, projects and competitions across science, coding & engineering. You will learn how our partnerships with Project Lead the Way and F1 in Schools engage students in developing the skills necessary for achieving academic and future career success.

Currently, there is a nationwide career and technical educator (CTE) shortage, and the reasons for it are multifaceted and numerous. The shortage of quality CTE teachers contributes to the growing skills gap that affects our food and fiber and manufacturing industries. With data from the Missouri Department of Secondary Education to support the research, Allan Sharrock will share a new white paper outlining the various reasons why there are CTE teacher shortages and how CTE teachers earn their certifications. Sharrock will also discuss case studies detailing how manufacturing knowledge impacts the food and fiber industries. With these insights and recommendations, Sharrock hopes to deliver new inspiration for changes in how CTE teachers are trained and credentialed nationwide.

This session will present the new National Institute of Steel Detailers (NISD) curriculum for the Certificate of Detailing in Building Information Modeling (CD-BIM). This progressive new curriculum is free online and was done in a collaborative partnership with Autodesk, Inc. It highlights the foundational elements of BIM and additionally covers key topics such as model element Level of Development (LOD) in conjunction with the 2015 BIMForum’s LOD Specification. The course will show the fundamentals of creating and implementing good modeling practices as well as quality control and checking. It will also include the creation of shop drawings, details, erection drawings, and other fundamental elements of steel fabrication, such as advanced bills of materials. The curriculum is geared toward high school students and secondary education, and it introduces individuals to the structural steel industry, creating the next generation of steel detailers as well as structural engineers and steel fabricators.

Technology is transforming every aspect of our lives. 79% of companies say their future growth depends on digital tools but 2 in 3 are struggling to find the skilled workers they need. All of this is placing considerable pressure on educators to adapt their education programs to meet these needs. In this panel session, a group of educators leading the charge will share how they are reimagining their education programs to meet the needs of the future workforce. From secondary schools to vocational training programs to higher education, this session will showcase best practices and success stories from those who are breaking boundaries and transforming design, engineering and manufacturing education with Fusion 360. This session is a must-attend for educators who want to learn how to prepare their students for the future of work along with an unmissable opportunity for industry attendees to see how the leading minds in education are rising to the challenge.

 Making and Learning coupled with academia’s culture of research and development has traditionally been the cornerstone of higher education especially at the graduate level. This tradition is however changing and the culture of innovation is beginning to spread across other levels of education ranging from secondary up through postsecondary. Students and educators empowered with cheaper and easily available digital technologies are inventing new computing solutions for various applications. Autodesk’s recently introduced Forge platform helps students and educators nurture innovative ideas and transform them into real and viable solutions. Forge offers academic entrepreneurs a network of experts, a rich community of practice, software development platform and resources to catalyze innovation.   Join this panel presentation and learn how educators and students have already benefitted from Forge’s features to enable the Future of Making.

This workshop for CTE (career and technical education) teachers and industry professionals will focus on fostering innovation, collaboration, and partnership within the CTE community. By enhancing lesson plans, building industry partnerships, and engaging post-secondary educators, we can better prepare our students for success in the ever-evolving workforce. Industry personnel are encouraged to attend to lend expertise in designing exciting hands-on activities and industry-specific lesson plans. Help us establish a network of STEM teachers and industry partners across the nation.

Back by popular demand, this is part two of the award-winning presentation, "Maker Girl Mania: Inspiring Future STEM Leaders." This year we'll explore how the vital connection between industry and STEM education can inspire girls. This presentation briefly highlights two programs (Maker Girl Mania and Tech Girls) and the transformative impact they have in fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and innovation for females. We'll explore how industry collaboration can enhance STEM learning experiences, encouraging more girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Participants will gain insights into best practices when connecting with schools and other existing programs. Our goal is to help industry partners engage and help create supportive environments for girls to excel in STEM fields. Join us in unlocking the potential of the next generation of female innovators!

Generative design is often seen as a new design methodology. However, the key principles of the process mirror the fundamentals of design. In this class, we'll present a case study of how generative design is being used at University College London (UCL) to reinforce the core design curriculum through industrially relevant technology. During this class, you'll gain an understanding of the generative design process, see how you can apply it in an educational setting, and evaluate its use through a real-world example. We'll explore how we can use generative design for multiobjective optimization, and how this can be turned into a hands-on graded assignment that forces students to consider real-world requirements. This will include evaluations of student submissions and analysis of how effective this assignment was at teaching the principles of design, as well as course materials for you to take away and use while running similar teaching exercises.

In an ever-changing world of technology, organizations must continually evolve their software use to remain competitive in their industries. This is true whether you work in 3D or with the tried-and-tested 2D AutoCAD software. Openly embracing AI, incorporating automation into design data, and sharing it through Autodesk's cloud environments can also play a vital role in an organization's digital maturity. In this class, we'll discuss how to automate existing AutoCAD blocks to make them into smart, parametrically driven dynamic blocks that allow for variations when used. Dynamic blocks represent good data elements that not only allow you to maintain consistency, but also significantly reduce rework and improve productivity. Who doesn't love that! To finish, we'll discuss one last key factor in driving effective digital maturity: implementing cloud-based processes to centrally store and manage the project data, or, in this case, sharing your dynamic blocks with the other kids (or colleagues).

Learn how to build a rocket reaching the altitude of more than 100 kilometers using Autodesk Fusion software! Welcome to Elara Aerospace, a team of ambitious students who ignite innovation and take aerospace exploration to new heights. Our mission? To build the first student rocket with a bi-liquid methalox engine capable of reaching an altitude of more than 100 kilometers. Through collaborative, agile, and rapid product development, we are designing highly complex aerospace parts to build a rocket that has the ability to conduct experiments in the upper atmosphere. Using the Autodesk Fusion platform—which seamlessly combines design, simulation, rendering, and manufacturing in one accessible platform—we've accelerated our workflow and made collaboration easier than ever. With a unique blend of skills and passions, we push boundaries and break new ground in the industry alongside different backgrounds and cultures. Boundless curiosity and unwavering determination are working together to shape the future of aerospace.

University College London (UCL) Mechanical Engineering faces the challenge of teaching 200+ new students each year—95% of whom have never used a CAD package before. By using both Autodesk learning content and self-paced learning for Autodesk Fusion software, a student's educational journey can be tailored to their individual experience levels. Working with Autodesk Academic Partners, such as Fabrio, the educational feedback loop can be scaled by developing interactive courses that integrate learning, feedback, and live assessment. This case study will detail UCL's unique experience of training the next generation of engineers: from complete beginners to national design prize winners. At its core, Autodesk Fusion software acts as a catalyst to inspire students to teach themselves and each other, outpacing traditional classroom-based learning. Join us to explore the best tools to teach CAD in 2024.

Join Mika Kazassoglou—an 18-year-old high school student from Liverpool, England—in exploring the use of software such as Autodesk Fusion, Revit, Autodesk CFD, and Dynamo to craft a unique solution for a local housing project. This session will offer a glimpse into his growth as a young, aspiring engineer, showcasing how he used these powerful tools to hone his skills. His project draws inspiration from sustainable design principles, incorporating elements from Passive House methodology to tackle energy efficiency and elevate living standards. He'll showcase the intricacies of his design process, looking at how Dynamo facilitated the creation of a distinctive roof model and how CFD analysis was used to assess its performance. Above all, this session will serve as a testament to the transformative potential of technically driven education, supported by Autodesk. It's a narrative of learning from mistakes, refining skills, and, ultimately, evolving into a more adept engineer.

More than six years ago, Soumil Goyal was first introduced to Autodesk products, and it sparked a passion for engineering, design, and manufacturing. Goyal is now a high school senior and has learned to use many Autodesk products, including TinkerCAD, Fusion 360, Inventor, and AutoCAD. In this session, Goyal will share a unique perspective as a young and enthusiastic learner and how we need to teach for the future of engineering. This modern engineering student's perspective will provide an insightful outlook into the best ways to continue advancing education to build the next engineers. Goyal will also share the best ways to teach engineering in the new technology revolutions, how Autodesk products can boost engineering, and why businesses and organizations should invest more in engineering education.

This academic-focused case study will explore how Autodesk Forma software transforms a student's approach to architectural design with a new outcome-based model. Learn from early examples of Autodesk Forma being used in classrooms of architecture programs across Europe and the United States, and understand why students pick up Autodesk Forma quickly, using contextual automated project setup, smart 3D-design tools, and integrated, AI-assisted, real-time feedback on project outcomes to transform their learning processes. Hear from experienced architecture practitioner and educator Daniel Stine about how his graduate students embraced this new way of thinking within their design processes, and why teaching Autodesk Forma software's in-market offering is instrumental in realizing Autodesk's vision of Autodesk Forma as the architecture, engineering, and construction industry cloud. With these vital skills, students will be well-equipped to play a critical role in addressing climate change and securing their dream professional careers within the industry.

Sustainable, low-carbon buildings play a pivotal role in environmental sustainability and economic decarbonization. In this session, we'll discuss how CPAC Green Construction and Autodesk initiated a design competition in Thailand to spur the next generation's interest in creating low-carbon, net-zero buildings. This competition uniquely pairs young architects with engineering students early in the design stage to promote systems thinking right from the conceptual stage. We provide these students with Autodesk Forma, Revit software, KIT CARBON (embodied carbon calculator software), and comprehensive online training, empowering them to shape sustainable, low-carbon buildings. Through the collaborative efforts of various associations and industry partners, the competition was a great success, attracting 88 teams from 12 universities.

Considering the imminent climate crisis, we need to reduce our emissions drastically. However, at the same time, the mobility sector is steadily growing. One solution can be the Hyperloop, promising shorter travel times than air passenger travel with fewer emissions. mu-zero HYPERLOOP is a team of 50+ passionate students from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) with a mission to contribute to a sustainable future of transportation. Each year, we design and build a Hyperloop Pod using Autodesk Fusion software, and ultimately compete very successfully against other teams at the European Hyperloop Week (EHW). This session will explore how we use Fusion to design and manage a complex project with 25,000+ components and collaborate with 50+ team members. Learn how to use Fusion as a comprehensive platform for concept sketching, simulation, generative design, and the handling of large assemblies and streamlined manufacturing workflows.

Applied learning is at the core of defining every graduate's progression to becoming a professional engineer. For mechanical engineering students at University College London (UCL), this is embedded in our curriculum and facilitated at MechSpace. MechSpace is a practical teaching space where students learn to apply their theoretical skills to real-world engineering problems. It's a safe space to try things out, iteratively improve, and learn from those experiences. While having dedicated physical space is a great start for this learning format, it needs to be underpinned by the digital tools at the forefront of Industry 4.0. Autodesk Fusion software serves as the digital backbone for all that we do at UCL, from ultraefficient hydrogen-powered vehicles to minimally invasive heart surgery devices. Using MechSpace as a case study, this talk will explain the benefits of Autodesk Fusion, from hands-on teaching of design fundamentals to enhancing the student-led education experience within UCL.

In the spring of 2024, the legendary Jeff Smith connected Associate Professor Bush from Auburn University with an OEM partner to explore what it would look like to team a group of graduate industrial design students with a seasoned digital vehicle designer. Through this interaction emerged a five-week section in Alias AutoStudio software and a five-week section in VRED software, using the Auburn instructor's background in surface modeling with the OEM partner's background in SubD and mesh modeling. This proposal compares the CAD instruction methodology that has been implemented at Auburn University for the past three years with the experimental, collaborative approach with the OEM. We will highlight the changes in student outcomes, as well as the implications of knowing SubD/hybrid modeling moving into the design profession.