Session 6

Strategies for Navigating AI in Teaching and Professional Practice

Dr. Stephanie Pritchard 

Time: SESSION SIX 9:00-9:45 Room: Design Studio - 203 Park Hall

Repeat: Does Not Repeat

This presentation will explore practical ways to incorporate AI into the curriculum, as well as challenges and limitations of AI technology. We will discuss how AI tools can support personalized instruction, prompt critical thinking, and adapt to diverse learning needs. We'll also examine how teachers can use AI for tasks like content development, assessment, and other professional responsibilities.

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U.S. Drone Soccer: STEM Sport Boosts Pipeline Interest

Bob Payne, Lisa Marie Payne, John Reade

Time: SESSION SIX 9:00-9:45 Room: Maraviglia Atrium

Repeat: SESSION SEVEN 10:15-11:00 Room for Repeat: Maraviglia Atrium

Join New York State's U.S. Drone Soccer Community and help your students soar!  U.S. Drone Soccer is an exciting build, code, and fly program that combines technology education with an engaging, competitive, and hard-hitting team sport. CNY Drones is your District II (NY/NJ) Support Hub & Director. CNY Drones is proud to be part of the U.S. Drone Soccer Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and the Academy of Model Aeronautics, with a goal of guiding students into aviation and STEM careers. CNY Drones collaborates with SUNY Polytechnic Institute to coordinate events from kick-off, tech meetings and scrimmages to the 3rd District II Championship on March 2, 2025, in Utica, NY.  Top teams advance to national and international competitions. Be part of a network of over 240 national teams and have fun while boosting students' STEM interest!

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Precious Plastic: Starting a Plastic Unit

Jared Kaplan     

Time: SESSION SIX 9:00-9:45 Room: Woods Lab - 193 Wilber Hall

Repeat: SESSION SEVEN 10:15-11:00 Room for Repeat: Woods Lab - 193 Wilber Hall

Explore the art of shaping plastic with basic classroom tools in this informative presentation. We’ll cover essential techniques for heating, molding, and forming plastic using simple, readily available tools like heat sources and molds. Learn how to transform plastic into both functional items and creative designs, understanding the science behind thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics. This session is ideal for students and educators interested in hands-on, practical applications of material science. Discover how everyday tools can be used to innovate and create with plastic, turning basic materials into impressive and useful objects. Enhance your skills and knowledge as we dive into the world of plastic forming and its possibilities!

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Incorporating Stations Into Middle School Tech

Bryan VanVliet, Lucas Richard  

Time: SESSION SIX 9:00-9:45 Room: Methods Lab - 213 Park Hall

Repeat: Does Not Repeat

Keeping middle school students actively engaged and off their Chromebook has become increasingly difficult.  Come find out how to use learning stations to maximize student engagement during class.  Our students spend three days at each of six different stations learning how to 3D model, orthographic and isometric draft, basic electronics, and still get to build three different wood projects.  In a semester class, they rotate through each station three times.  We will provide turn-key lessons and hope to have a discussion to see how we can improve upon this concept.

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Makerspaces: Bridging Theory and Practice in Modern Education

Jon Doctorick, Robert Link  

Time: SESSION  SIX 9:00-9:45 Room: CADD Lab - 101 Park Hall

Repeat: Does Not Repeat

This session explores the vital role of makerspaces in modern education, emphasizing their impact on technological fluency. Makerspaces support and expand traditional classroom settings by providing hands-on opportunities for students to apply knowledge in tangible, action-based outcomes. BNY Fab Lab Carnegie Science Center believes makerspaces break the mold of traditional education by providing a venue in which all areas of curriculum can be engaged and supplemented with hands-on, memorable experiences that encourage and embrace continual progress rather than initial perfection.

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Tech Wars: Start your own Regional Student Competition 

Joe Corleto, Matt VanKoughnett  

Time: SESSION SIX 9:00-9:45 Room: Metals Lab - 163 Wilber Hall

Repeat: Does Not Repeat

Have you ever thought about hosting a competition among local schools? Students can compete in events like mousetrap cars, CO2-powered vehicles, bridge building, and more. Learn how we're working to involve more students and communities across New York State in this exciting initiative.

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STEAM- not just an acronym 

Jon  Ruvio     

Time: SESSION SIX 9:00-9:45 Room: Communications Lab - 102 Park Hall

Repeat: SESSION  SEVEN 10:15-11:00 Room for Repeat: Communications Lab - 102 Park Hall

We often use the acronym STEAM , but seldom do we teach about actual steam in our classrooms. Let’s change that! In this presentation we will take a field trip to the Arcade and Attica Railroad located in Arcade , New York. This short line railroad just finished a comprehensive restoration of their steam locomotive - #18 , using traditional railroading tools and cutting edge 21st century equipment. Everywhere you look there is Science , Technology, Engineering , Art and Math. Let’s get students excited about the history of engineering and how we can use technology to preserve it ! 

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Teaching About Clean Energy and Activities You Can Use

Holli Monroe, Liz Gallo, Aissata Barry

Time: SESSION SIX 9:00-9:45 Room: Transportation Lab - 115 Park Hall

Repeat: SESSION  FIVE (Thursday) 10:15-11:00 Room for Repeat: Computer Lab - 208 Park Hall

Students are interested in the climate, sustainability, and clean energy. As educators, we can share with them the facts about New York State’s Climate Act - which is among the most ambitious climate laws in the nation. In this session, we will share an activity that demonstrates how our actions and investments are creating new economic activity and career opportunities right here in New York. We will also share information on upcoming professional learning events hosted by NYSERDA and WhyMaker where you can learn even more about the latest in clean energy education and career opportunities for your students. www.CleanEnergyForEducators.com

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Positive Plastics Education for Your Classroom from the Society of Plastics Engineers

Eve Vitale     

Time: SESSION SIX 9:00-9:45 Room: Polymer Classroom - 191 Wilber Hall

Repeat: SESSION EIGHT 1:15-2:00 Room for Repeat: Polymer Classroom - 191 Wilber Hall

Attendees will have the chance to WIN ONE OF TEN 3D PRINTERS for their classrooms and experience a PlastiVan® as your students would. Through lively demonstrations and hands-on activities, the PlastiVan® Program is designed to excite students about opportunities in science, engineering, and manufacturing within the plastics industry. Students are educated about the chemistry, history, processing, manufacturing, and sustainability of plastics and how science and real-world applications relate to their everyday lives. Some topics covered are the basic raw materials of plastics, polymers and polymeric structure, injection molding and thermoplastics, crosslinked polymers and non-Newtonian fluids, exothermic and endothermic chemical reactions, thermoset plastics, hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers, recycling, and more. The program is aligned with NGSS standards and is free of charge to schools. 

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