Location: Harrison-Morton Middle School, Allentown PA

Project: John McAdams, Jr. Space Center

The Challenge: The Allentown School District was in need of systems integration, installation and technical support for the launch of the John McAdams Jr. Space Center at Harrison-Morton Middle School in Allentown PA. Read more about the Space Center.

The CSI Solution: A system that allows the end-users (mainly Harrison Morton science students) to observe the movements of the remote control robots on the “Martian Surface” and a multimedia processor that gives teachers the ability to present science lessons either by DVR, PowerPoint or other forms of media to the class.

The Project:  CSI provided the design, equipment, implementation and support for the integrated Robot Observation, Multimedia Presentation and Videoconferencing system. We co-ordinated our efforts with Alvin H. Butz Architects of Allentown and the Lehigh University Science Department.

To integrate the various sources of data we installed a Crestron AV2 audio, video, and environmental control system. A single point of control was necessary; the needs of the project also dictated that a multiple on-screen images option and a videoconferencing link with other participating classrooms world-wide be available. We met these needs with the Crestron TPS-6X Isys wireless touchpanel, which allows teachers to provide multimedia lessons which can integrate internet information, DVDs, PowerPoints, as well as live teleconferencing with other students around the country. This also controls the the room lighting and the raising/lowering of the window shades. We donated our labor as well as an extended warranty for the Polycom® Videoconferencing system.

The Result: The Space Center, which is believed to be the only such educational/research facility at this caliber anywhere in the country, opened May 19 2010. Later that evening, CSI participated in the “Passport to Science” exhibition, where HMMS students and family members observed and participated in a variety of hands-on scientific demonstrations provided by local institutions and businesses.

"The collaboration in the construction of the Space Lab and Professional Development Center would have never been possible without corporate support. It was companies such as CSI who made the difference in the science education effort.”

Burdette Chapel, Principal-Harrison-Morton Middle School.