Published on April 23, 2026
Tom Burick, a technology instructor at PS Academy in Gilbert, Arizona, has long embraced his role as a builder. This year, he embarked on a project to construct a life-size replica of the ENIAC, one of the first programmable computers, to commemorate its 80th anniversary. His students, who have autism and specialized learning needs, stepped up to tackle this ambitious endeavor.
The project began in the 2025-26 school year, a shift for both Burick and his students, as they transitioned from the norm of traditional classroom instruction to hands-on engineering and design work. Using their unique skills, the students learned about ENIAC’s complexity and history, which was crucial given that the original machine had been mostly dismantled 1950s.
As the students assembled the replica, they faced unique challenges, such as ensuring the accuracy of repeated components within ENIAC’s U-shape structure. Despite initial difficulties, they successfully managed to install 18,000 simulated vacuum tubes and various components over the course of the project. This meticulous work not only illuminated the intricacies of the original machine but also allowed the students to channel their strengths in detail-oriented tasks.
The successful completion of the ENIAC replica has fostered a profound sense of achievement among Burick’s students. This project has not only enriched their technical skills but has also deepened their understanding of the significance of computing history. Burick feels a strong sense of fulfillment as he witnesses his students grow, inspired mentorship he received during his formative years.
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