Session 5

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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