Instructors Overview

Texas engineering student holding thank you sign with drawing of gears

Texas Inventionworks serves instructors who want to bring rich, practice-based, hands-on learning to the classroom. Even if you have never included synthesis activities in a class, we've got you covered. Simple assignments can be included easily, while more complex challenges for students often take a couple of semesters or more to develop.

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Planning to have students use the TIW space this semester? By filling out this form, we can prepare staff and resources for your class to ensure a great experience.

 

 

How TIW Supports Instructors and Courses

Curriculum Development

We offer one-on-one consultations for any instructor interested in exploring how best to utilize TIW for their course learning objectives. Whether you are looking to improve your current assignments to include more project design and build activities, want to explore new methods to teach a concept or technical skill or develop an entirely new course, we are here to help. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact Scott Evans, Director of TIW (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Open Access to Facilities and Equipment

TIW facilities are open to students, but also to faculty developing coursework. Based on our curriculum development collaborations over the last eight years, we know that direct engagement by faculty and graduate students is the best indicator of success. We have a variety of resources available for use by your students.

Equipment Training

Our training for equipment and labs begins with online materials that lead to in-person, hands-on training sessions. Our staff conducts regular in-person training sessions every week, and with appropriate notice, we can set up additional in-person training for classes. To request special training sessions for your class (or event), please submit a request using this form.  

Project Storage

We have a few lockers, tote bins and cabinets in TIW for project storage. These are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and fill quickly from our operations, student-led projects, clubs and classes. If there is a unique need for storage in your course, please contact Roger Rose, Operations Director (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), to discuss potential options.

 

 

FAQs for Instructors

Where is Texas Inventionworks located?

The main Texas Inventionworks facility is located on Floors 0 and 1 in the National Instruments Student Project Center inside the Engineering Education and Research Center at 2501 Speedway.

What equipment is available for students to use in the space?

For a full list of current equipment, visit our Equipment page.

Do students need to be trained to use the equipment?

Many tools, nearly all equipment and many labs require training. For more information on how students can get trained, visit our Get Trained page.

How do I ensure my students will receive equipment training in time for class assignments?

Due to the high demand for equipment training, students may take a few weeks to schedule and complete their training. Consider adding TIW training to your syllabus with a required completion date several weeks or months prior to the assignment. Some instructors have found it useful to make training completion worth a few points in students' grades. (Keep in mind the busiest time of the semester is the final three weeks.)

It is relatively easy to prepare large numbers of students to work with entry-level, filament-based 3D printers (in-person training sessions run with one instructor for 30 students or more). Other machines and labs are more challenging (one trainer per three to four students in our Laser Lab or two in our Machine Shop).

Does TIW offer equipment group training?

Ideally, the assignment and timing will enable your students to use our regular sign-up process on Canvas. If not, we will work to add group training sessions to help prepare your students. You can request group training through this form.

What materials are available at TIW? How much are they?

TIW has a variety of materials available for purchase, including resin, filament, electric components and more. We also provide a limited number of free materials, including scrap wood, scrap acrylic and more. For a more detailed list of materials that TIW offers, visit our Materials page.

How do I use a course account to pay for research or funded class projects?

To pay for research or funded class projects with a course account, contact TIW Operations Director Roger Rose (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

I’d like to incorporate Texas Inventionworks into my course, but where do I start?

TIW has worked with dozens of classes, and our team would be happy to discuss your assignments or help you develop new ones. To learn more, contact Scott Evans, TIW Director (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).