Thursday's Program

Meet the Mollusca Robot: how biomimicry and robotics can inspire students to tackle environmental challenges

Nate Drag     

Time: Session 1 9:00-9:45 Room: Communication Systems Lab 102 Park

Repeat: Does not repeat.

Dive into a Cornell University research project that is using snail-inspired robotics to tackle microplastic pollution. This presentation will demonstrate how the MOLLUSCA Robot, designed to efficiently remove microplastics from waterways, is inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers. This presentation will explore the unique partnership between Cornell researchers, New York Sea Grant educators, and New York teachers who are co-developing lesson plans and activities that will support 3D-printable robot models for classroom use. Join us for an overview of the research project, the curriculum development process, and a live demonstration.

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Siemens Pathway to Learning Engineering: Preparing Students for Real-World Innovation with Educational Resources and Industry Certifications

Ryan Novitski     

Time: Session 1 9:00-9:45 Room: Metals Lab 163 Wilber

Repeat: Does not repeat.

Siemens will present the Pathway to Learning Engineering (PLE) — a comprehensive, project-based curriculum designed in collaboration with Siemens engineering experts and educators. This innovative pathway immerses students in authentic design challenges while preparing them for industry-recognized certifications, including NX, Programmable Logic Controllers, and Six Sigma Lean Manufacturing. During the session, participants will discover how to access and implement the curriculum, secure Siemens software licenses for classroom use, explore professional development opportunities for educators, and register students for certification exams that validate their learning. The presentation will demonstrate how Siemens PLE equips students with the skills, experiences, and credentials needed to succeed in the evolving world of engineering and advanced manufacturing.

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Pro Tips for Tech Ed

Matt Starke     

Time: Session 1 9:00-9:45 Room: Design Studio 203 Park

Repeat: Does not repeat.

Whether you are you a new teacher starting out or a seasoned veteran, the world of Tech Ed continues to rapidly evolve for us all. After 15 years in education, there are quite a few tips and tricks that I have picked up along the way. This workshop is designed to share insights into daily life of a Tech Ed teacher and share pro tips for how to be more efficient as an educator. The session will cover topics like curriculum & file management, task organization, Google Suite management, 3D Printing strategies, social media strategies, storage ideas, promotional ideas, etc. 

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Leveraging the new Portrait of a Graduate (NYSTEEA Spring Conference)

Matthew VanKoughnett, Nate Smith  

Time: Session 1 9:00-9:45 Room: Methods Lab 213 Park

Repeat: Does not repeat.

With the Portrait of a Graduate coming out NYSTEEA would like your input so we can come up with leveraging points to provide for our administrators.  We need to be on top of this and have a list of classes and standards that we teach that fulfill the new targets.  In this session we will go over the what we already know from the state,  and start listing the classes we  are involved in and how they will meet those requirements. Be a part of the future and help all of our students succeed!

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Programable LED light shows

Brian Young, Gerard Lasponara  

Time: Session 1 9:00-11:00 Room: Electronics Lab 205 Park

THIS IS A DOUBLE SESSION and continues into Session 2 10:15-11:00

Students will get a hands on presentation involving programmable LED lights strings that bring a fun experience to learning simple coding while creating a music synced LED light show. 

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Power up your teaching with AI tools in and out of the classroom

Tyler Morris     

Time: Session 1 9:00-9:45 Room: Polymer Classroom 191 Wilber

Repeat: Session 7 10:15-11:00 Room for Repeat: Design Studio 203 Park

This session will feature live demonstrations on use of various AI tools beyond ChatGPT that can be used to enhance your abilities as an instructor, and ease your workload. Discover how to create effective rubrics that leverage AI technology for consistent, detailed, and actionable feedback. This session explores the intersection of traditional rubric design and emerging AI capabilities, teaching participants how to craft clear, specific criteria that AI can interpret and apply reliably. In addition, there will be structuring criteria for comprehensive AI evaluation across multiple dimensions to balance quantitative scoring with qualitative feedback.

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From Scrap Wood to Coffee: Brewing a Student Business from the Grounds Up

Wesley Clarke, Brandi Ingersoll, Amy LaDue

Time: Session 1 9:00-9:45 Room: Woods Lab 193 Wilber

Repeat: Does not repeat.

Throughout this presentation, we will walk through the process of building and establishing our student-led business from the ground up. This includes designing and constructing the cart, developing marketing strategies, managing product orders, and collaborating with the business office to create financial protocols. We will also outline our plan to use profits to fund a student scholarship. Additionally, the presentation will highlight other collaborative projects within the CTE department at Pulaski HS and demonstrate how we regularly work together across programs.
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Let’s Make Zines (Pronounced Zeens)

Adam Seelig     

Time: Session 2 10:15-11:00 Room: Communication Systems Lab 102 Park

Repeat: Does not repeat.

What is a zine? I am glad you asked- a zine is a mini booklet/magazine. To make a zine, you take a single sheet of paper, make some folds, a cut and some more folds and voila, you have an 8-panel, mini magazine.  Zines are great for all levels of teaching and reinforce following directions, planning, measuring, cutting, folding, designing and most of all, being creative. Students love to make these with many students making extras.  Zines can be used to illustrate a process, student interests, favorite ideas and more. 

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Small Engine Repair: How to Create a Course at Your School

Nicholas Carson, Kyle Matura  

Time: Session 2 10:15-11:00 Room: Transportation Systems Lab 115 Park

Repeat: Does not repeat.

Learn how to set up a small engine repair course in your school's shop. We will cover curriculum, potential for student certifications in industry, and sourcing tools, and materials in an inexpensive manner. Learn all the ways this course can benefit your students and your school district.
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Budget-Friendly Electricity Projects that Spark Learning 

Mike Petrie, Jeremy Calkins  

Time: Session 2 10:15-11:00 Room: Metals Lab 163 Wilber

Repeat: Session 7 10:15-11:00 Room for Repeat: Metals Lab 163 Wilber

As technology educators, we strive to provide meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities while working within the constraints of our budget. This session will present a variety of affordable electricity project ideas complete with resources and cost breakdowns. Activities range from single-day lessons to multi-week projects, with a focus on direct current (DC) applications. Each project is adaptable for both middle and high school classrooms, making them easy to integrate into your existing curriculum. Whether you are introducing an electricity unit for the first time or looking to expand your current electricity course, you’ll leave with practical, budget-conscious ideas ready to implement.

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Surviving and Thriving: First-Year Insights for Future Technology Educators

Jack Donohue, Samuel Solomon  

Time: Session 2 10:15-11:00 Room: Methods Lab 213 Park

Repeat:  Does not repeat.

The first year of teaching is both exciting and challenging, especially in technology education. In this session, two new educators (MS & HS) share their experiences navigating classroom management, lesson planning, student engagement, and professional expectations during their first year in the field. Attendees will gain actionable advice, realistic expectations, and encouragement to not just survive, but thrive in their first years of teaching Technology Education.

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TEL 101 for High School Credit

Jacob Mulderig, Tyler Morris  

Time: Session 2 10:15-11:00 Room: CADD Lab 101 Park

Repeat:  Room for Repeat: 

Are you interested in having your students get SUNY Oswego college credit during your class in high school? This information session outlines the process for what this looks like to get your students a leg up and start their college career early with 3 Oswego Tech credits for TEL 101.  This program is intended for schools that have Juniors and Seniors in classes that are similar to TEL 101 - Technical Drawing and Illustration with sketching, hand drawing, and 3D modeling.

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Bring Pinball to your Classroom - Just build it!

Jeffrey Stevens, Jennifer Noble  

Time: Session 2 10:15-11:00 Room: Woods Lab 193 Wilber

Repeat: Does not repeat.

Have you see it, Pinball is on the comeback. Bring the love of this mechanical wonder to your classroom. In this session you will actively participate in building a kinetic based basic pinball machine you can build with your students. Don’t even get us started on how many ways this applies to your lesson goals, but the least of which is Geometry! A visual way to allow students to see the shapes, the angles, and the applied math integrated into this fun project! Just think about it- it’s Pinball! Participants will actively build machines in this hands on session, not to mention participants will also leave with a glimpse of the next-level that is here to develop next -virtual pinball! 

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Sustaining the Spark: A Wellness Chat for Early-Career Educators

Margaret Romano, Benjamin Sullivan  

Time: Session 2 10:15-11:00 Room: Design Studio 203 Park

Repeat:  Room for Repeat: 

When we are at our best, our students get our best. Healthy teachers create healthy classrooms. This session is a collaborative space for sharing the wellness habits that support our physical, mental, and emotional readiness in the classroom. While the focus is on educators in their first four years, ALL teachers are welcome—especially those with experience who’d like to pass along their go-to wellness habits!

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Creating Future Ready Curriculum with Industry Partners 

Alexis Williams, Sarah Loudon  

Time: Session 2 10:15-11:00 Room: Polymer Classroom 191 Wilber

Repeat: Session 4 2:30-3:15 Room for Repeat: Polymer Classroom 191 Wilber

Learn how technology education classes in grades 7–12 are integrating the Advanced Technology Framework to prepare students for high-demand careers in Central New York’s growing tech industry. This session will highlight a curriculum developed in collaboration with Micron and the American Federation of Teachers, with a focus on hands-on learning, career readiness, and alignment to the future of advanced manufacturing. Attendees will walk away with adaptable strategies and classroom-ready ideas to inspire the next generation of skilled workers.

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Becoming a Driver Education Certified Teacher in New York State

Ronald Alexander     

Time: Session 3 1:15-2:00 Room: Transportation Systems Lab 115 Park

Repeat: Does not repeat.

This session provides an overview of the pathway to becoming a certified Driver Education teacher in New York State, designed for educators interested in becoming driver education certified. Attendees will learn about the state-mandated certification process, including required coursework, classroom and behind-the-wheel training, and the credentials needed to meet NYSDMV and NYSED standards. The presentation will highlight key curriculum resources, including NYSDTSEA-approved materials, strategies for delivering engaging and effective driver education, and opportunities to teach in high schools, private schools, and community programs. I will also share insights from my own experience teaching driver education, discussing best practices for classroom instruction, hands-on driving exercises, and student engagement strategies.

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Tap That Tree! Starting a Maple Program at Your School

Daniel Hall     

Time: Session 3 1:15-2:00 Room: Polymer Classroom 191 Wilber

Repeat: Session 6 9:00-9:45 Room for Repeat: Polymer Classroom 191 Wilber

Maple tapping has a deep and storied history across the Northeast and especially in New York. This presentation will leave attendees with all the knowledge required to start sugarin' on land your school already has available. From equipment and procedure to student involvement, starting a maple program is probably easier than you think.

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Creating a Student Run Design and Manufacturing Business

Ryan Wall, Austin Dodge, Kim Reiser

Time: Session 3 1:15-2:00 Room: Metals Lab 163 Wilber

Repeat:  Does not repeat.

Are you tired of faculty and staff asking for favors? Can you print this, glue that, fix these...etc.? If so, you need a student run business at your high school.
Blue Devil Design (BDD) is a student-managed company that combines business and technology education skills. Company roles are filled by students in specialized departments such as Accounting, Sales, Marketing, Design, Small Engine Sales and Service, and Manufacturing. This is an authentic career-building experience that will offer students ownership, leadership and a collaborative work environment. 

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Unlocking the Power of CAD with Parametric Design  

Nathaniel Horn     

Time: Session 3 1:15-2:00 Room: CADD Lab 101 Park

Repeat: Does not repeat. 

Looking to elevate your CAD design process?
Discover how integrating parametric design can enhance efficiency and flexibility. By using variables, constraints, and configurations, parametric modeling makes it easy to modify and adapt your designs — saving time and reducing errors.

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Inspired by Google: Bringing 20% Time into the Classroom

Joe Corleto     

Time: Session 3 1:15-2:00 Room: Communication Systems Lab 102 Park

Repeat: Does not repeat.

What happens when students get the time and freedom to explore anything they’re passionate about? Inspired by Google’s “20% Time,” the Passion Project empowers learners to design semester-long projects on topics of their choice—ranging from hands-on skills to creative arts, technology, or entirely unique interests. Along the way, they build research, digital literacy, and project management skills while taking true ownership of their learning. This adaptable model has proven highly engaging with middle school students and can be applied at any grade level to spark curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.

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From Planning to Practice: Building Modern Technology Education Labs

Bill Goss, Gina Scala  

Time: Session 3 1:15-2:00 Room: Design Studio 203 Park

Repeat: Does not repeat. 

Is your school exploring a new STEM lab or capital expansion project? This session shares stories of successful technology education spaces recently developed in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. From flexible furniture and makerspace tools to shop equipment and advanced manufacturing systems, see how schools are creating labs that are not only state-of-the-art but also well-planned and well-used. Learn about the trends shaping these projects and take away ideas to inspire your own facility planning as you look ahead to 2026 and beyond.

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A STEM Approach to Model Rocketry in Tech and Engineering Ed 

Clark Greene     

Time: Session 3 1:15-2:00 Room: Woods Lab 193 Wilber

Repeat: Does not repeat.

This presentation explores the combining of creative design with intentional application of math, science, and technology principles in a model rocketry instructional unit.  Reference materials and a unit outline will be disseminated to attendees.

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Technology Student Association - Funding and Starting Your Own Chapter 

Jonathan Shyne, Carson Case  

Time: Session 4 2:30-3:15 Room: Methods Lab 213 Park

Repeat: Does not repeat. 

Technology Student Association (TSA) is the oldest Technology Education Student Organization that offers 40 different competitive events, curricula, and leadership opportunities for middle school and high school students. In this presentation you will meet the state advisor, learn about how to fund your own chapter, and how to integrate projects into your classroom to stir up interest. National TSA now offers tons of resources to help new advisors and student leaders get started.

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Cutting Into the Future: CNC Projects for Tech Ed

Shawn Howard, John McAuley  

Time: Session 4 2:30-3:15 Room: Metals Lab 163 Wilber

Repeat: Does not repeat. 

Join us for a hands-on look at how CNC technology can enhance Technology Education programs. This session will introduce how we use our Haas and Tormach CNC mills with students, showcase current classroom projects, and share ideas for future applications. Participants will also have the opportunity to exchange their own strategies and project examples for bringing CNC machining into the classroom. Whether you are new to CNC or already incorporating it into your program, this session will provide practical insights and collaborative discussion to help you expand opportunities for your students.

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Vibe Coding with MIT App Inventor: Creativity Beyond the Blocks

Mike Amante     

Time: Session 4 2:30-3:15 Room: Communication Systems Lab 102 Park

Repeat: Does not repeat.

What happens when we let students move beyond “follow-the-directions” coding and start creating apps that express their own ideas? This session introduces Vibe Coding, a student-centered approach to block-based programming that emphasizes creativity, iteration, and authentic problem solving. Using MIT App Inventor, participants will see how middle and high school students can design mobile apps that reflect their interests—ranging from simple utilities to games and interactive tools. We’ll explore strategies for guiding students through the process without stifling their creativity, balancing structure with freedom, and aligning projects to technology and engineering standards. Attendees will leave with project prompts, rubrics, and classroom-tested tips to launch their own “Vibe Coding” experiences.

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Let’s Talk about Woods, Metals and Plastics

Richard Bush, Dan Tryon  

Time: Session 4 2:30-3:15 Room: Woods Lab 193 Wilber

Repeat: Does not repeat.

The Department of Technology is interested in hearing about your material processing experiences that your students are having. Come share your activities and expertise.

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Up, down, and upside down - aerodynamics, hovercraft and race-cars 

Greg Pitonza, Dwayne Heroth  

Time: Session 4 2:30-4:30 Room: Transportation Systems Lab 115 Park

THIS IS A DOUBLE SESSION and continues into Session 5

From rockets to race-cars, the use and control of air pressure is dynamic and diverse.  See a quarter scale lunar lander lift off, ride a hovercraft, make a ground effect racer, test airfoils, and complete activities for more speed on the track.  This will provide you with ideas, activities and projects for your grades 6-12 Technology and STEM students.  

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Beyond the Prompt: How AI Has Transformed My Daily Workflow as a Teacher and Designer

Marc Palmer     

Time: Session 4 2:30-3:15 Room: Design Studio 203 Park

Repeat: Does not repeat.

Beyond the Prompt: Practical AI Integration for Educators

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Creating Future Ready Curriculum with Industry Partners 

Alexis Williams, Sarah Loudon  

Time: Session 2 10:15-11:00 Room: Polymer Classroom 191 Wilber

Repeat: Session 4 2:30-3:15 Room for Repeat: Polymer Classroom 191 Wilber

Learn how technology education classes in grades 7–12 are integrating the Advanced Technology Framework to prepare students for high-demand careers in Central New York’s growing tech industry. This session will highlight a curriculum developed in collaboration with Micron and the American Federation of Teachers, with a focus on hands-on learning, career readiness, and alignment to the future of advanced manufacturing. Attendees will walk away with adaptable strategies and classroom-ready ideas to inspire the next generation of skilled workers.

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Two Middle School Units to Highly Engage Your Students!

Mark Springston, Cami Meyers ,Dan Mars, Hollie Munson, Sean Dean, Dan Hall 

Time: Session 5 3:45-4:30 Room: Methods Lab 213 Park

Repeat: Does not repeat.

Looking for hands-on, engaging units that boost your students' Technology and Engineering Education? Do you have basic knowledge of electricity, electronics, and basic programming, or want to learn along with your students? If so, this session is for you! We’ve developed two highly engaging middle school units based on STEL Technology and Engineering Contexts: Health and Medical Technologies and Information and Communications. The first unit features a lesson on designing technologies with accessibility in mind, focusing on hearing, vision, and motor needs. The unit continues with 3 arduino systems that build understanding of microcontrollers and health and medical apps (e.g., pedometer, distance warning sensor, and heart rate monitor). The second unit starts with STEM activities using the Arduino Lilypad for students to design masks with sensors and output (e.g., blinking LEDs, musical tones). The unit continues using the Microbit for students to communicate messages to fellow spies without the adversaries being aware. The costs for the two units are low if the microcontrollers and electronics are purchased for the laboratory and repurposed from class to class. You’ll receive four lesson plans for each unit, instructional materials, and see model prototypes adaptable to different budgets; arduino and other coding files will also be provided.

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Smart TinyML Powered Plant Monitoring System

Jason Wuytack, Ejaaz kerem  

Time: Session 5 3:45-4:30 Room: CADD Lab 101 Park

Repeat: Does not repeat.

We are making a smart garden that can take pictures of plants and recognize if the plant is healthy or not. It will then notify you to take care of the plant.

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Forest to Furniture: Expanding Engagement Through Experiential Learning

Dave Gibaldi     

Time: Session 5 3:45-4:30 Room: Woods Lab 193 Wilber

Repeat: Does not repeat.

This presentation will highlight some of the educational experiences offered to students at Pine Bush High School.  The main focus will be sharing an annual field trip focused on teaching students about forestry, logging, sawmills and the lumber industry.  I will also share details about our recently approved Woodworking CTE program.

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Theatrical Set Design and Sculpture: a collaborative course to broaden enrollment 

Michael Uchal     

Time: Session 5 3:45-4:30 Room: Polymer Classroom 191 Wilber

Repeat: Does not repeat.

Do you strive for a more diverse student body in your high school technology courses, or do you find yourself competing with the art and music electives for student enrollment? If so, try teaching a course titled: Theatrical Set Design and Sculpture. Through student-built project demonstrations including full-scale dragon puppets, electronic "exploding" props, and wireless confetti cannons, we investigate the benefits collaboration with the arts can bring to your school. This presentation will focus on methods to help diversify your student enrollment by applying the skills and tools of technology education to collaborative projects with the visual and performing arts. 

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Teaching the Future: Making Advanced Manufacturing Accessible in Your Classroom

Jason Venneman, Robert Link  

Time: Session 5 3:45-4:30 Room: Metals Lab 163 Wilber

Repeat: Does not repeat.

With companies like Micron and local food processors investing in new facilities, demand for skilled technicians is growing fast. Yet advanced topics like automation, mechatronics, and Industry 4.0 can feel unreachable. This session introduces IGNITE: Mastering Manufacturing, a comprehensive program from Amatrol that makes these complex subjects classroom-ready through eLearning lessons, projects, and hands-on training. Giving teachers the tools to confidently prepare students for the industries shaping our future.

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UV Printing at the Intersection of Art and Technology

Matthew Reynolds     

Time: Session 5 3:45-4:30 Room: Communications Systems Lab 102 Park

Repeat: Does not repeat.

Discover how UV printing can (literally) elevate creativity in the classroom. From one off prototypes to customizing finished products, explore how students can learn about the world of digital printmaking using professional level technology. This session will highlight the processes and applications that are possible with UV printing. 

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NYSED-CTE Program Review and Office Updates

Brittany Kitterman     

Time: Session 5 3:45-4:30 Room: Design Studio 203 Park

Repeat: Does not repeat. 

This presentation will provide a brief overview of the process to become a NYSED-approved CTE program and will also provide updates from the NYSED Office of Career and Technical Education.

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