Session 2

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.