Thursday's Program

Don’t Stop at the Graph: Sensor Data in Technology Education

Location: CAD Lab 101 Park

Presented by Mike Amante

Sensors can do much more than collect data and generate graphs. This session explores how real-world data from force, sound, light, color, and environmental sensors can support learning in Technology Education through engineering investigations, computational thinking, data analysis, and student-created programs. Through live demonstrations and classroom examples, participants will see a progression from collecting and visualizing data to designing investigations and analyzing larger datasets, as well as how to access sensors directly with Python. The focus is on practical ways to connect the physical world with computation while giving students authentic data they can measure, question, analyze, and use to make decisions. Participants will leave with practical ideas for bringing sensor-based investigation and computation into their own Technology Education classrooms.

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How to Start a Trap Shooting Team at Your School (or Get Involved in an Existing One)

Location: Transportation Lab 115 Park

Presented by Ben Reynolds and Ryan Herman

Want to offer the fastest growing sport in America to your students?  Want to incorporate more technology students in after school programs?  Trap shooting is a great way to involve students from 6th to 12th grade.  Trap shooting helps to engage students who often do not participate in other school sports or activities and promotes the development of life skills.  Come hear from experienced technology teacher coaches about their experiences and learn how to set up a team or assist a current team.

Repeats in Session 3: 1:15 - 2:00 pm in the Metals Lab 163 Wilber

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CTE Meets Engineering Innovation: Siemens Pathway to Learning Engineering and Automation
Location: Methods Lab 213 Park

Presented by Dr. Ryan Novitski

Explore with Siemens cutting-edge engineering education that is transforming today’s CTE classrooms. This session begins with an introduction to emerging initiatives that strengthen high-quality engineering pathways and workforce readiness across schools. Siemens will showcase its Pathway to Learning Engineering (PLE) suite—a comprehensive, project-based curriculum co-developed by Siemens engineering experts and educators. These resources challenge students to collaborate on authentic design problems and prepare for industry-recognized certifications in NX X Essentials and Siemens Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). Participants will learn how to access the curriculum, secure academic software licenses, explore professional development opportunities, and register students for certification exams. The session concludes with a hands-on activity simulating the student experience, offering a practical look at how these tools can be implemented in any classroom to foster innovation and career readiness.

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Sustainable Technology & Conservation

Location: Design Studio 203 Park

Presented by David Beard and Nate Brown

Explore how Technology Education can connect students to real-world challenges in conservation, agriculture, and environmental stewardship. This presentation showcases a hands-on course built around beekeeping, maple syrup production, forestry, tree conservation, and the National Park Service philosophy, while incorporating design, engineering, and problem-solving. Attendees will take away a framework for developing their own course, hands-on project ideas, strategies for using local resources and community partnerships, and ways to connect sustainability to Technology Education standards.

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Forest to Finish: Bringing the Sawmill into Technology Education (Part 1)

*Note: This is a 90 minute, double session (Sessions 1 & 2)

Location: Woods Lab 193 Wilber

Presented by Mike Petrie, Jeremy Calkins, and Jake Bates

This 90-minute hands-on presentation during sessions 1 & 2 will explore how introducing a sawmill can transform raw logs into meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. We will share our journey at Camden High School: how we acquired a sawmill through a local grant, how students use the mill safely as a part of their learning, and how we source logs from our community. We’ll also discuss how milling our own lumber has helped us reduce costs and stretch our budget. Participants will gain practical ideas, see a demonstration of the sawmill in action, and have an opportunity to operate it themselves. 

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Make a Positive Impact on Your School Community With a Morning Show

Location: Communications Lab 102 Park

Presented by Michael Fisher

The Scotties Rundown is a weekly morning show built on a simple promise: "Your School, Your Stories." We’ll show you how we use our platform to shine a light on the hidden gems, quiet clubs, and incredible students whose stories usually go unheard. In this session, we’ll open up our playbook. You'll get an inside look at how we structure our class to keep students accountable, collaborating seamlessly, and taking true ownership of their work—from anchor desks to editing bays. Plus, we’ll break down our tech set up, offering realistic equipment ideas for every budget. Walk away with practical ideas and fresh inspiration to help your students create a show that connects your whole building. As always, it's a great day to be a Scottie!

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Semiconductor Revolution: A Guide for Modern Educators

Location: Polymers Classroom 191 Wilber

Presented by Alexis Williams and Brian Heffron

Join the Micron Education Fellows in exploring how Micron’s investment in Central New York is reshaping our regional technology landscape and creating new high-tech pathways right in our backyard. Attendees will learn how to seamlessly integrate chip technology into everyday classrooms. Designed for educators eager to lead the shift, this presentation delivers actionable curriculum tools and career context to help us prepare our local K–12 students for the expanding workforce. Join us to uncover the science of the microchip, the impact of the growing chip industry, and why semiconductors are one of the most critical building blocks of our future society.

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Running a Student-Run Design and Manufacturing Business

Location: Metals Lab 163 Wilber

Presented by Austin Dodge and Ryan Wall

Learn how to successfully coordinate and manage a student-run design and manufacturing business. Topics include: how we started, why we started, quickbooks, finding customers, class size, teacher support, lessons learned, and more.

Forest to Finish: Bringing the Sawmill into Technology Education (Part 2 continuation from Session 1)

*Note: This is a 90 minute, double session (Sessions 1 & 2)

Location: Woods Lab 193 Wilber

Presented by Mike Petrie, Jeremy Calkins, and Jake Bates

This 90-minute (sessions 1 & 2), hands-on presentation will explore how introducing a sawmill can transform raw logs into meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. We will share our journey at Camden High School: how we acquired a sawmill through a local grant, how students use the mill safely as a part of their learning, and how we source logs from our community. We’ll also discuss how milling our own lumber has helped us reduce costs and stretch our budget. Participants will gain practical ideas, see a demonstration of the sawmill in action, and have an opportunity to operate it themselves. 

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New York State Master Teacher Program ($60,000 STIPEND opportunity!)

Location: Computer Lab 208 Park

Presented by Adam Seelig

Learn about the application process and the overall program. The New York State Master Teacher Program (NYSMTP) is a prestigious statewide initiative established in 2013 to recognize, support, and develop outstanding K-12 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) educators and counselors across New York State. Administered through SUNY, the program creates a professional network of exemplary educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching, leadership, and student engagement. Master Teachers collaborate with fellow educators, participate in high-quality professional learning opportunities, mentor peers and pre-service teachers, and share best practices to strengthen STEM education throughout the state. The program aims to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals while advancing educational innovation and equity. Selected educators receive recognition as instructional leaders and receive a $15,000 annual stipend for four years in support of their continued professional growth and contributions to education.

This session repeats in Session 7: Friday, 10:15-11:00 am in the Communications Lab 102 Park. 

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Micron Manufacturing Pilot at Indian River: From Curriculum to Capstone

Location: Polymer Classroom 191 Wilber

Presented by Sarah Duarte, Dustin Burdick, and Daniel Duarte

This presentation will provide an update on Indian River High School’s work as part of the NYS Micron Manufacturing Pilot Program. We will share curriculum developed and implemented in the classroom, including introductory manufacturing content, student activities, worksheets, assessments, and other resources. A major focus will be our hands-on capstone projects. We will showcase our Year 1 bionic/robotic hand project and our Year 2 robotic arm project, with both projects available for attendees to see in person. We will discuss how these projects have helped students apply concepts in advanced manufacturing, electronics, robotics, 3D printing, programming, automation, and IoT. We will also share our work connecting the program to postsecondary opportunities through the Clarkson manufacturing microcredential program. The presentation will highlight what we have learned during the pilot, what has worked in our classrooms, and how we are continuing to develop the program and its industry connections.

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Reimagining Technology Education Through Innovative Projects

Location: Design Studio 203 Park

Presented by Matt Starke

The need to innovate our Technology Education curriculum has never been greater. As Artificial Intelligence, drone technology, robotics, and digital fabrication continue to influence nearly every area of life, Technology Education programs have an exciting opportunity to evolve. At Liverpool High School, we have embraced this opportunity through a three-year Drone Technology program that has engaged students for the past five years. This hands-on, project-based program explores engineering, graphic design, robotics, 3D printing, electronics, and the many emerging applications of drone technology. This workshop will showcase innovative projects that bring modern technology to familiar Tech Ed concepts, including reimagined versions of the egg drop, puzzle cubes, robotics challenges, and vehicle races. Whether you teach middle school or high school, engineering or the skilled trades, you will leave with practical project ideas and fresh approaches for creating engaging, contemporary learning experiences that connect with today's students.

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WHAT?! You Want Me to Teach Intro to Sculpture?

Location: Transportation Lab 115 Park

Presented by Chad Allen

As Technology and Engineering Educators, we are sometimes called upon to go outside our wheelhouse. Join me as I navigate my way through teaching an art class: finding the parallels between the disciplines, keeping in line with the state learning standards, and focusing on what we know instead of reinventing the wheel. By the end of the session all participants will create a small, quick sculpture. 

This session repeats in Session 7: Friday, 10:15 - 11:00 am in the Metals Lab 163 Wilber

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Hydroponics - Design, Create and Grow 

Location: Methods Lab 213 Park

Presented by Scott Stagnitta

Hydroponics Design Engineering is a fresh, innovative, and intriguing STEM course that has boosted student engagement and grown our program enrollment. By integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, this unique hands-on class allows students to explore and apply cutting-edge technology to solve real-world problems.

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Get Hooked: Form, Cut & Catch with Sheet-Metal Spoon Jigs

Location: Metals Lab 163 Wilber

Presented by Leif Sorgule

Turn a simple piece of sheet metal into a working fishing lure that students can take home and actually use. This hands-on session walks through the full process of making a classic spoon jig, then allows every participant to use a premade form so they can cut, shape, and finish their own. Designed for grades 7–12 and easily adapted for either a general technology education class or a dedicated metals shop, the project hits measurement, layout, cutting, forming, finishing, and real-world function in one compact, high-interest activity.

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Young Engineers in Action: Designing, Creating, and Innovating with Engineering byDesign

Location: Communications Lab 102 Park

Presented by Tracy Young

What happens when elementary students are given the opportunity to think, design, create, test, and improve like real engineers? In this student-led session, third, fourth, and fifth grade students from Benton Hall Academy will showcase their Engineering byDesign projects and share their experiences as young engineers. Ms. Young’s students will explain how they identified problems, developed ideas, tested their designs, and made improvements. They will discuss challenges, successes, and the creative thinking and collaboration that helped bring their ideas to life. Attendees will hear directly from students about the engineering design process and discover how authentic, hands-on STEM experiences can build confidence, creativity, problem-solving skills, and perseverance. This session celebrates the power of giving young learners the opportunity to see themselves as engineers and innovators.

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New York State Education Department: Technology Education and CTE Update

Location: CAD Lab 101 Park

Presented by Roman Kelsey and Greg Soresino

This session will provide an overview of the current career and technical education (CTE) landscape in New York State, with a focus on technology education. Presenters will review current Commissioner’s Regulations, discuss how technology education can be leveraged to meet diploma requirements, and highlight the role of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Career and Technical Education in supporting CTE programs, educators, and students.

Student Teaching Survival Guide: From Placement to Employment

Location: Methods Lab 213 Park

Presented by Cristianna Fallacaro and Robert Sansone

This roundtable discussion is intended for undergraduate students who are preparing for or currently completing their student teaching placements and beginning to think about their first teaching position. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss what to expect during student teaching, ways to make the most of their placement, applying and interviewing for teaching positions, and navigating the job search after graduation. The session will provide an open environment for students to hear firsthand experiences, share questions and concerns, and gain practical advice about successfully moving from student teaching into their first classroom.

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TEL 101 and 120 in the high school: Earn college credit for your students

Location: CAD Lab 101 Park

Presented by Tyler Morris and Jacob Mulderig

This session will give you the information you need if you would like to offer SUNY Oswego credit to your high school students. Students can earn TEL 101 and TEL 120 credit during their time in high school and bring those credits with them. Questions will be answered about how you can set these courses up in your district.

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Straw Rockets: Extreme Edition

Location: Woods Lab 193 Wilber

Presented by Shaun Donegan and Chris Mosher

Come learn how to build and launch Extreme Straw Rockets! These rockets are capable of flying over 200 feet and are powered by compressed air. Created by Shaun Donegan in 2020, Extreme Straw Rockets has quickly become one of his middle school students' favorite units in which they learn about Problem Solving, Design, 3D printing and  Physics. This is a very budget friendly unit with each rocket costing as little as $0.19!  We will cover how the rockets can be made and how to make the rocket launcher we use to fire them. This interdisciplinary unit relates well to other classes such math, science and even social studies.  Notes, blueprints and diagrams will be provided and, of course, we’ll fire off some rockets! 

This session repeats in Session 4: Thursday, 2:30 - 3:15 pm in the Woods Lab 193 Wilber.

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TSA in the Classroom - How to integrate TSA into your class

Location: Transportation Lab 115 Park

Presented by Jonathan Shyne, Carson Case, and Ian Krywe

Technology Student Association is the longest running CTSO in the country. With Portrait of a Graduate beginning to roll out across the state, TSA can be one of the ways that schools can meet the criteria. Schools in NYS are beginning to take another look at TSA and chapters are forming as we speak. This year's State Conference is right here at SUNY Oswego and now is the time to form your chapter, get armed with the tools and resources, and get started on your event work. We will feature current examples of how TSA has become a class at one school and highlight some key events that will be running at the State Conference. Are you a new teacher or don't know where to start? We have built an evolving and growing catalogue of great resources for materials and kits to get you and your students started. 

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ADOBE AI CREATIVE CLOUD

Location: Communications Lab 102 Park

Presented by David Faux

Adobe’s AI platforms, Sensei and Firefly—the underlying machine-learning and generative technologies within Creative Cloud—will be demonstrated through selected applications and workflows. The demonstration will highlight how artificial intelligence can be used to generate, edit, and enhance images.

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Filament and Fabrication: Building an Advanced Manufacturing Curriculum

Location: Polymer Classroom 191 Wilber

Presented by Jack Donohue

Explore the development and implementation of an introductory Advanced Manufacturing curriculum for high school Technology Education classes. This presentation will share a new teacher’s perspective on developing course content aligned with state and ITEEA standards. Participants will see hands-on projects involving 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC routing, while exploring strategies for engaging students through modern manufacturing technologies. The session will also provide opportunities for discussion and collaboration around successful practices used in other Advanced Manufacturing classrooms.

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

Location: Design Studio 203 Park

Presented by Clark Greene and Ronald Todd

This session will chronicle one participant’s involvement from the very beginning of technology education (starting in 1985) and its evolution in New York State. As 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 in Session 6: Friday, 9:00 - 9:45 am in the Methods Lab 213 Park

Keep It Running: Practical Maintenance and Repairs for Classroom Technology (Part 2 continuation from Session 4)

*Note: This is a 90 minute, double session (Sessions 4 & 5)

Location: Metals Lab 163 Wilber

Presented by Matthew Gibbon

Downtime can quickly disrupt hands-on learning, but many common equipment issues can be prevented or resolved with basic maintenance and troubleshooting skills. In this practical workshop, the Allegheny Educational Systems technical team will demonstrate routine maintenance, simple repairs, and troubleshooting techniques for laser cutters, vinyl printer/cutters, and 3D printers commonly used in technology and STEM classrooms. Attendees will learn how to identify common problems, perform preventative maintenance, recognize consumable or wear items, address basic print, cut, and material issues, and determine when professional services are needed. This session is designed for technology educators, STEM teachers, lab managers, and others responsible for keeping classroom equipment operating reliably while minimizing downtime and interruptions to student projects.

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Driver Education Certification Update

Location: Transportation Lab 115 Park

Presented by Ronald Alexander

This presentation is designed for technology teachers interested in adding Driver and Traffic Safety Education certification to their professional credentials. Participants will receive an overview of New York State certification requirements, a review of the required state curriculum, and updates on SUNY Oswego’s Driver and Traffic Safety Education microcredential. The session will also highlight partnerships with state professional associations and explore practical in-car and classroom activities that teachers can incorporate into their driver education programs. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the certification pathway and resources available to support their professional development.

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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 8: Friday, 1:15 - 2:00 pm in the Woods Lab 193 Wilber

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Artificial Intelligence for Educators

Location: CAD Lab 101 Park

Presented by Robert Hesch and Tyler Morris

This session will help educators utilize artificial intelligence in education. Educators and potential educators will learn about and practice ways that AI can be integrated into the classroom so they and their students can be more efficient and effective in their work.  We will also examine how AI can help with cross-curricular work.  Attendees will walk out of this session with real world AI skills that can be utilized immediately. 

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Building Paper Towers and Fabricating Phone Stands: Two Middle School Projects That Work

Location: Communications Lab 102 Park

Presented by Mark Millisci

This presentation features two middle school tech projects that combine hands-on engineering, digital fabrication, and simple classroom management. First, The Paper Tower Challenge offers an effective way to manage middle schoolers by using a sports-themed grading system. Student behavior and decision-making directly impact their score. Next, The Phone Stand Project walks through a four-step pipeline where students fabricate a customized final stand developing CAD and basic woodworking skills. Students will complete this through:

1. SketchUp: Designing the 3D base model.

2. Cardboard Mockup: Building a test model for fit and angle.

3. Google Drawings: Brainstorming and creating design plan

4. Fabrication: Using the tools and machines to create a final product

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Beyond the Classroom: Work-Based Learning & the Portrait of a Graduate

Location: Polymer Classroom 191 Wilber

Presented by Dr. Cynthia Thomas and Dr. Donna Matteson

Explore SUNY Oswego’s Work-Based Learning Program and the New York State WBL certification pathway. This session will provide an overview of certification requirements, program benefits, and opportunities for technology educators while highlighting how WBL supports career readiness and the NYS Portrait of a Graduate. Participants will also have an opportunity to ask questions and learn how to take the next steps toward WBL certification.

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Teaching Communication Classes in NY

Location: Design Studio 203 Park

Presented by Christopher Stein

Do you teach Communications systems, photography, video production, media literacy or some other variation in NYS? Come to this informal round table discussion about projects, software, and AI. Share your thoughts as these technologies evolve across the state.