Session 6

An Autoethnographic Analysis of 40 Years of Technology Education in New York State

Location: Methods Lab 213 Park 

Presented by Clark Greene and Ronald Todd

This session will chronicle one participant’s involvement from the very beginning (1985) of technology education and its evolution in New York State. Presented by an initial Middle and High School curriculum writer, standards initiative participant, Technology Journal editor, classroom teacher, ITEEA committee member and more, this presentation will include a range of media materials, artifacts, and historical anecdotes leading us to today.

This session repeats Session 3: Thursday, 1:15 - 2:00 pm in the Design Studio 203 Park

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Building Skills, Teams, and Careers with U.S. Drone Soccer

Location: Maraviglia Atrium

Presented by Robert (Bob) Payne, Lisa Marie Payne, and John Reade

As mentors and technical-support providers, CNY Drones volunteers help educators integrate drone technology into a low-cost, CoSer-fundable programs where students develop valuable skills in building, coding, flying, troubleshooting, teamwork, and strategy. Students join the pipeline of exploring advanced education, internships, and tech career pathways.  Based out of SUNY Polytechnic Institute's Northeast Drone Soccer Hub, we are centrally located to help your school join the largest contingent of drone soccer teams in the U.S!  AND – get ready! Next summer we’re hosting the FAI 2027 World Drone Soccer Championships with teams from 18 countries at SUNY Poly in Utica, NY!  Come see how it works! Experience a live, hands-on demonstration, and discover how this exciting team sport is a pathway from STEM education to future careers!

This session repeats Session 7: Friday, 10:15 - 11:00 am in the Maraviglia Atrium.

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Data Engineering in the Classroom (Part 1 of Sessions 6 & 7)

*Note: This is a 90 minute, double session (Sessions 6 & 7)

Location: CAD Lab Park 101

Presented by Tyler Morris and Andrew Spagnuolo

In an era dominated by artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems, data is the fundamental currency powering modern technological infrastructures. While data science and AI applications receive significant attention, data engineering, the essential discipline of designing, building, and maintaining pipeline architectures that make data clean, reliable, and accessible, remains underrepresented in technology education. This interactive session bridges real-world data engineering practices with K-12 and higher education technology curricula. Participants will explore core industry concepts and discover practical, classroom-tested pedagogical strategies. Attendees will come away with classroom based activities, low-code/no-code pipeline tools, and hands-on mapping frameworks to integrate data engineering into STEM learning, empowering students to build the foundational data backbone of future technological innovations. Participants will learn how to apply data engineering in their daily lessons at all levels, how to access free datasets online that can be integrated into lessons on data science and engineering, and how they can use their own classroom data to assess performance and participation and gain actionable insights into how to drive student work in this space. They will also learn about real world data engineering methods and best practices and what low or no code data-engineering tools are available and how to access them.

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Teaching Science in Tech

Location: Metals Lab 163 Wilber

Presented by Jared Kaplan

Discover how to expand your technology education department with Crystalline and Polymer Science, a high school course designed to bridge hands-on materials testing with foundational scientific principles. Attendees will learn how this engaging curriculum meets New York State science credit requirements while remaining fully eligible to be taught by certified Technology Education teachers. We will explore key course topics—including molecular structures, synthetic polymers, and material failure analysis—alongside practical lab setups and project-based learning strategies. Join this session to discover how you can offer your students a valuable science credit through a dynamic, technology-driven approach to materials science.

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The Definition of Design

Location: Design Studio 203 Park

Presented by Chris Dolgos and Logan Cullinane

In this presentation, the presenter will discuss the meaning of design and how important it is to teach in the secondary education setting, and especially to those who are seen as non-traditional technology students. From implementation in technology education classes to real world applications, the idea of design is prevalent everywhere. Teaching design goes beyond the classroom setting and allows students to find a deeper understanding of the world around them. 

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Building Sallie Mae Skoolie for College Living

Location: Transportation Lab 115 Park

Presented by Ray Finney, Stacy Finney, and Nate Dubiel

We bought and transformed a school bus into college housing for our son while he was attending engineering school in Colorado. We will discuss choosing the bus, raising the roof, systems, budget, and finding a place to live. Road trip follies, challenges, and success are all part of the story.  Sallie Mae Skoolie will be present for brief tours.

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Teaching Analog Electronics (Part 1 of Sessions 6 & 7)

*Note: This is a 90 minute, double session (Sessions 6 & 7)

Location: Polymer Classroom 191 Wilber

Presented by Earl Gates

This presentation covers tips and techniques for teaching students about analog electronics. Although students may study analog electronics to see if a career in electronics suits them, often their studies don't teach them enough hands on skills to become an electronic technician. A good course should develop a curiosity in analog electronics, help students to understand the vocabulary of the field, and develop the skills required by electronic technicians. These skills include: reading schematic diagrams, assembling printed circuit boards, and the troubleshooting process. A successful course strategy includes using breadboarding and electronic simulation to help students verify an electronic circuit. Other activities should include using solderless breadboards, assembling printed circuit boards, handling electronic parts, and using test equipment. Taking this approach helps to build familiarity and coordination. Industry values students' ability to "do" more than their ability to "know" and hiring companies want students who spend less time learning theory and more time applying their learning hands-on. 

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Woodworking Hand Tool Project (Part 1 of Sessions 6 & 7)

*Note: This is a 90 minute, double session (Sessions 6 & 7)

Location: Woods Lab 193 Wilber

Presented by Joe Sementa

This workshop is designed for those who are looking for an introductory woodworking project focused on the use of hand tools. This screwdriver rack project is completed by using various hand saws, hand planes, files, chisels and a brace and bit. The project includes a CAD shop drawing as well as finishing techniques. The workshop will provide the step by step procedures for making the project using a 1" x 6" x 15" piece of rough sawn basswood and include my best tips for student success!