Session 8

Two Technologies, One Workflow: 3D Printing Meets Injection Molding

Location: Polymer Classroom 191 Wilber

Presented by Nathaniel Horn

Desktop injection molding just got a whole lot more accessible! What if your students could design a part in CAD, 3D print the mold, and then actually injection mold that part—all in the classroom? In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore how using the Injeckto 3 desktop injection molding machine and 3D printers bring real-world manufacturing processes into the technology education program. Students design molds in CAD, 3D print them, and then use those molds to produce functional, injection-molded parts. This workflow creates an exciting connection between CAD, additive manufacturing, and traditional manufacturing, giving students the opportunity to see their digital designs move from screen to prototype to finished product.

This session repeats in Session 9: Friday, 2:15 - 3:00 pm in the Polymers Classroom 191 Wilber

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From TEECA to the classroom 

Location: Methods Lab 213 Park

Presented by Gillian Lopez

This presentation explores how lessons and activities developed for TEECA competitions can be adapted into meaningful, real-world classroom experiences. I will share my competition-based lessons highlighting the instructional strategies, hands-on activities, and materials used in each. Participants will see how these competition concepts can be modified to fit a classroom setting, connect to curriculum standards, and provide students with authentic opportunities to design, build, problem-solve, and apply technical skills. 

This session repeats in Session 9: Friday, 2:15 - 3:00 pm in the Methods Lab 213 Park

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Are We Becoming the Tools of Our Tools?

Location: Design Studio 203 Park

Presented by Christopher Stein

In 1854, Henry David Thoreau published Walden or, Life in the Woods. In it he documented his two years and two months living on his own away from civilization and technology. In this book, he questions whether humans have become the tool of their tools. In this critical thinking presentation, I will try to explain the balance of technology and nature, and examine what technologies like A.I. promise, but actually deliver. I will also try to give helpful tips and provide a simple design project for your schools and communities to achieve better balance. 

This session repeats in Session 9: Friday, 2:15 - 3:00 pm in the Design Studio 203 Park

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Proto Putty: Mold Making and Materials Processing for the Technology Classroom

Location: Transportation Laboratory 115 Park

Presented by Ron Alexander and David Southwick

In this 45-minute professional development session, technology teachers will explore how 3D-printed molds and Proto Putty can turn a materials processing lesson into a hands-on product design activity. The presentation will discuss how to use a smartphone to 3D scan objects, import the scans into CAD software, and then modify the designs to create molds for 3D printing. We will also demonstrate mixing Proto Putty and filling molds to create custom stamps, small toys, tool handles, and ergonomic grips. Participants will see finished examples and leave with practical ideas for adding fun, creative, mold-making and product development activities to their technology classes.

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First Aid Skills for the Tech Ed Teacher

Location: Woods Lab 193 Wilber

Presented by Carl Pulizzotto and Sean Dean

Two NYS Certified EMTs will provide instruction on hands-on emergency response skills for worst-case scenarios that may occur in a Tech Ed lab. The presentation will begin with a brief lecture covering common injuries and emergency situations. Participants will then take part in hands-on training designed to build confidence and preparedness in responding to basic to moderate injuries. Skills will include controlling bleeding, treating injuries, and taking appropriate steps to help keep students safe until additional medical assistance arrives.

This session repeats in Session 5: Thursday, 3:45-4:30 pm in the Woods Lab 193 Wilber

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Student Teaching Round Table

Location: Methods Lab 213 Park

Presented by Rich Bush

Attention Cooperating Teachers! Please come and share your thoughts on how we can improve our student teaching experience. 

This session repeats in Session 4: Thursday, 2:30 - 3:15 pm in the Methods Lab 213 Park Hall

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Semi-Autonomous Universal Lightweight Transportation Platform

Location: Metals Lab 163 Wilber

Presented by Shawn Clark, Ethann Browne, and Anthony Harter

Commercial automated guided vehicles are often prohibitively expensive for small-scale operations. This presentation showcases a cost-effective, self-driving transport platform built on a recycled mobility scooter chassis. Using LiDAR for obstacle avoidance and a ground-tag NFC system for navigation, it autonomously carries heavy loads through warehouses or campus settings.

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Automated Medication Dispenser

Location: CAD Lab 101 Park

Presented by Cullen Miller and Gavin McIntosh

Managing complex daily medication routines poses significant risks for elderly individuals. This session presents a smart, modular dispenser designed to improve adherence and eliminate dosing errors. The system features scheduled multi-pill dispensing, fingerprint authentication, optical and weight-based dose verification, and real-time SMS alerts.