Get Real: The Blog for Hands-On Education
Join Buckeye as we explore new educational technologies, share the experiences of educators and students, get our hands dirty, and reveal how and why we do what we do. Come along for the ride!
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Empowering Future Engineers: Otterbein University’s Thermal Science Laboratory Journey with TecQuipment
Otterbein University is a private university nationally recognized for its intentional blending of liberal arts and professional studies through its renowned Integrative Studies curriculum and its commitments to experiential learning and community engagement. Its picturesque, historic campus is perfectly situated in Westerville, Ohio, America’s fifth friendliest town (Forbes), just minutes from Columbus, the 14th largest […] [...]
Posted March 5, 2026
Kent State University Advances Aerospace Engineering and Thermo Fluid Sciences with TecQuipment’s Educational Lab Equipment
“I was impressed by the practical teaching equipment I saw, so ordered several units for my thermal fluid lab at Kent State University to help establish a robust program in aerospace engineering and thermal fluid sciences.” Dr. Ali Abdul-Aziz Kent State University, at the forefront of aerospace engineering education, has recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art Aeronautics and […] [...]
Posted March 5, 2026
TQ Case Studies | Aerodynamics
HVAC Collaboration Workshop Showcases Best-in-Class Training Solutions and Statewide Alignment
On January 30, career technical education leaders and instructors from across Ohio convened at Tri-County Career Center for a highly impactful HVAC Collaboration Day, sponsored by Buckeye Educational Systems. The workshop was hosted by Jason Hoffman of Buckeye Educational Systems and organized in partnership with Andrea Townsend and Amy Shumway of Tri-County Career Center, along with Connie Altier, Executive Director of the Ohio Technical Centers Directors Association. Participants […] [...]
Posted February 10, 2026
Buckeye Staff
Automotive Education Then and Now: Preparing Students for a High-Tech Workforce
How Technician Education Must Evolve for K–12 and Postsecondary Pathways The automotive industry has changed more in the last two decades than it did in the previous century. Vehicles are no longer purely mechanical. Today’s cars and trucks are complex systems that combine mechanics, electronics, software, sensors, and high-voltage technology. For K–12 and postsecondary education, […] [...]
Posted February 6, 2026
From Plows to Precision: The Evolution of Agriculture Education
For generations, agriculture education was rooted in tradition. Students learned by doing, often through direct exposure to crops, livestock, and equipment passed down through families or local farms. While those foundational skills remain important, the agriculture industry itself has transformed dramatically. Today’s farms look very different than they did even 20 years ago, and agriculture […] [...]
Posted January 12, 2026
Skilled Trades Start in the Classroom: How Education and Technical Training Build Workforce-Ready Skills
Conversations around skilled trades often focus on workforce shortages and job demand. While those challenges are real, they overlook the most important starting point: education and technical training. Skilled trades do not begin in the field or on the factory floor. They begin in classrooms, labs, and hands-on learning environments where students develop technical knowledge, […] [...]
Posted December 19, 2025
Empowering Students and Schools through Profitable Makerspaces
Turning Your Makerspace Into a Profit Center: How Schools Can Innovate, Create, and Earn A makerspace is more than a room filled with tools or a place where students tinker with technology. It is a dynamic hub for creativity, exploration, and skill development. When designed with intention, a makerspace can play an essential role in […] [...]
Posted November 20, 2025
Why Manufacturing Matters: Inspiring the Next Generation of Makers
Every October, Manufacturing Month serves as a reminder of how vital this industry is to our communities, our economy, and our future. It is a celebration of innovation, problem-solving, and hands-on creativity, all qualities that define the next generation of makers. Yet, it’s also a call to action. Across North America, the manufacturing industry continues […] [...]
Posted October 17, 2025
Connecting the Future: Why Fiber and Telecom Careers Matter Now More Than Ever
Drive through rural parts of the Midwest and you’ll still pass homes, schools, and businesses without reliable high-speed internet. Despite billions of dollars invested nationally, the FCC estimates that roughly 5 to 6% of U.S. households remain unserved or undeserved. Across the Midwest, that number is similar, tens of thousands of families and workplaces are still waiting […] [...]
Posted September 10, 2025
Driving the Future: Why Automotive is a Career Pathway Students Shouldn’t Overlook
The automotive industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, creating exciting opportunities for students to launch meaningful careers. From electric vehicles and hybrid systems to advanced diagnostics and smart technology, today’s automotive field blends hands-on mechanics with high-tech innovation. In the Midwest, where automotive has long been a cornerstone of local economies, students who explore […] [...]
Posted August 20, 2025
Back to Our Roots: Buckeye Educational Systems and Aidex East
The buckeye tree belongs to a remarkable family of trees known for their beauty, strength, and reach. At Buckeye Educational Systems, we’ve always believed in helping students develop strong roots in knowledge so they can branch out into new ideas, experiences, and opportunities. With that same spirit, we’re pleased to share that Buckeye Educational Systems […] [...]
Posted August 18, 2025
Igniting Curiosity: How to Get (and Keep) Students Engaged in CTE
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is no longer just a path for students who “don’t fit” the traditional classroom model. Today, it’s one of the most dynamic, relevant, and student-centered spaces in education. It blends academic rigor with real-world application and empowers students to explore careers that are in high demand and constantly evolving. But […] [...]
Posted July 22, 2025
Building Skills That Matter: Explore Top Industry Certifications
In today’s competitive and fast-changing workforce, practical skills and verified expertise are more important than ever. That’s where industry-recognized certifications make a powerful difference. At Buckeye Educational Systems, we support schools and training programs in preparing learners with credentials that are respected by employers and aligned with real-world demands. These certifications validate hands-on experience, build […] [...]
Posted May 16, 2025
From Concept to Classroom: Turnkey Solutions that Deliver
What Does a True Turnkey Solution Look Like in Education? In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, educators face the tall task of preparing students for a workforce that is evolving faster than ever. Schools are not just educating— they are equipping future engineers, technicians, healthcare professionals, and innovators. And doing so while juggling tight schedules, budgets, and […] [...]
Posted April 16, 2025
Automation & Robotics: Changing Jobs, Not Eliminating Them
The rise of automation and robotics has sparked widespread concern about job displacement. Many fear that machines will replace human workers, leaving countless people unemployed. However, history shows a different story—one where technological advancements shift job roles rather than eliminate them. As industries evolve, automation is not about taking jobs away but transforming them into […] [...]
Posted March 20, 2025
CTE Month: Why We Celebrate
February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, a time to recognize and celebrate CTE’s crucial role in preparing students for high-demand careers. As we navigate through a rapidly changing job market, the importance of CTE cannot be overstated. Let’s dive into why CTE is gaining so much traction across all educational levels and why […] [...]
Posted February 14, 2025
3D Printers in the Classroom: Unlocking Creativity and Learning Potential
The classroom has always been a place of learning, where students have engaged with traditional tools like pencils, paper, and textbooks to grasp new concepts. However, technology is rapidly evolving, and our youth are moving in the same direction. Educators cannot continue using the same archaic tools of years past. They need innovative solutions in […] [...]
Posted January 24, 2025



