%AMcCorkle, Milinda%AWingerter, John%AThompson, Patricia%AAqlan, Faisal%Anull Ed.%D2020%I %K %MOSTI ID: 10293632 %PMedium: X %THands-On Simulations to Demonstrate Manufacturing Paradigms %XWith the rise in manufacturing jobs in the United States, companies are having a difficult time filling the job openings for skilled production workers. It takes an average of two months to fill these positions. This study is designed to introduce the fundamental concepts of manufacturing and demonstrate these concepts through hands-on simulation of the different manufacturing paradigms. The paper is the result of the authors’ participation in a six-week NSF RET program at Penn State Behrend where high school and community college educators worked together to develop curriculum for high school students. Lesson plans, handouts, and required material lists were developed and tested. Surveys conducted after the simulation experiment provided improvements for the exercise. The simulations were then implemented in high school classrooms to improve the awareness of manufacturing among high school students and develop their technical and professional skills. By understanding the evolution of manufacturing and becoming aware of the need to gain advanced skills required for today, students will be encouraged to consider pursuing careers in manufacturing. Country unknown/Code not availableOSTI-MSA