Thursday's Program

Dustin Burdick & Donna Matteson

Come and hear about the journey of building a full-size R2D2. Robotics students at Indian River High School created a 3D-printed R2D2, developed solutions for durable parts, and added realistic lights, sounds, and movability. In this presentation, you will learn how to build one for your classroom. This includes plans in .stl format, prices and where to buy, what printers to use, how to post-process, and electronic mapping for sound and movement. We will also discuss alternate control systems and builds. 

Dean DeLano

Repeated at S2 Thursday, 10:15 - 11:00  

102 Park Hall (Communications Lab)

Getting an eSports program off the ground may seem like a daunting task. Join us as we share experiences and solidify best practices in securing equipment, embedding your program with education, joining leagues, establishing partnerships, and building a culture of respectful competition. We will share our path at Peru Central School, including some early pitfalls to avoid. 

Jennifer Swanson

Racing Soap Box Derby Cars, students at Frewsburg Central School have taken their experiences beyond the classroom walls. Students have raced locally and traveled to Ohio to race in the First Energy Soap Box Derby World Championship. Learn more about the Soap Box Derby program and explore the educational experiences that have taken these students outside of the traditional classroom setting; creating memories that last a lifetime. 

Matt Starke, Sarah Cerroni, & Jon DiStefano

Learn all about the journey that Liverpool High School tech ed teachers have been on as we build a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) graduation Pathway focused on authentic learning experiences. We will share their journey, the work their current students have been doing, and how the program will develop over the next few years to include work-based learning experiences and academic and industry standards. The CTE Pathway includes programs in Drone Technology, Communication Arts, Pre-Apprenticeship for the Trades, Hospitality, Restaurant Management and Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, and Business Administration. 

Brian Young

Double Session (9:00 - 11:00)

Programmable LED lights are used in various ways in today's residential and commercial lighting applications. In this session, you will learn how to identify programmable LED lighting strips and strings, program and operate an ESP8266 Node MCU for light string control, and build your first synced music to a light show as seen widely throughout the holiday season in many of our communities. This project is intended for middle school students and is an introduction to more widely used programming found in the commercial industry. The software featured during this presentation will be WLED and Xlights. LED strings, Node MCUs, and power supplies will be available for purchase so you can follow along during the session. 

Leif Sorgule

This presentation will go through the build process of creating a mini robotic dog which is inspired by the SPOT robot from Boston Dynamics. Participants will see the design, build, and coding process as well as techniques used to incorporate this large-scale team project into their curriculum. A build guide and project files will be shared with all attendees. 

Karin Dykeman & Rich Sgueglia

Technology and engineering education programs continue to work toward increasing diversity in our classrooms and profession. Increasing representation requires all people to feel not just welcome but valued, as though they really belong— that we really want them to be here. That sense of belonging is a basic human need. However, sometimes connecting with others we perceive as different can be challenging. The social identity model can be used to discover potential areas of connection upon which bonds can be built; fostering a sense of belonging within a classroom or group. Attendees will: be reminded why identity and belonging are crucial to success; use the social identity model to discover potential points of connection; and learn strategies and techniques to use in and beyond the classroom to ensure those we interact with feel valued, welcome, and able to succeed. 

Ryan Novitski

Repeated at S7 Friday, 10:15 - 11:00  

191 Wilber Hall (Polymers Classroom)

This session consists of a comprehensive, PreK-12 solution for Integrative Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (I-STEM) - Engineering byDesign™ (EbD)™. EbD™ is built on the belief that the ingenuity of children is untapped, unrealized potential that, when properly motivated, will lead to the next generation of technologists, innovators, designers, and engineers. EbD™ offers the Premier Standards-Based Curriculum Model designed to be flexible, affordable, and accountable. The PreK-12 curriculum is based on the Standards for Technological and Engineering Literacy, as well as national standards for science and math, Common Core, and the NAE’s Grand Challenges for Engineering. This session will focus on grade bands including 9-12, and highlight our sequence of learning offered to all educational professionals in the secondary setting. We will be featuring Onshape Certification byDesign, AP Computer Science Principles byDesign, and our 9-12 High School Advanced Technology Education pathways. 

Cole Moon

Repeated at S7 Friday, 10:15 - 11:00  

193 Wilber Hall (Woods Lab)

It is always difficult to stay relative to the times and relate to a modern-day woodworking project to students. Using only a 1"x 8"x 11" piece of wood, you can engage students through this handtool woodworking project which opens up the door for an array of hand tools to be used as well as multiple wood joints. 

David Czechowski

Repeated at S3 Thursday, 1:15 - 2:00  

101 Park Hall (CAD Lab)

By September 2024, NYSED wants every school to be implementing Computer Science and Digital Fluency (CSDF) Learning Standards for all K-12 students. During this session, we will take a look at what the 34 new learning expectations are, the ways school districts are beginning to roll them out, how technology and engineering educators can be ready, and what the impacts may be on students. Just like every school's technology and engineering programs are different, the CSDF implementations will all be unique, so come with questions to ask, experiences to share, and ready to hear from your colleagues. 

Dean DeLano

Repeated from S1 Thursday, 9:00 - 9:45  

102 Park Hall (Communications Lab)

Getting an eSports program off the ground may seem like a daunting task. Join us as we share experiences and solidify best practices in securing equipment, embedding your program with education, joining leagues, establishing partnerships, and building a culture of respectful competition. We will share our path at Peru Central School, including some early pitfalls to avoid. 

Tom White

Repeated at S8 Friday, 1:15 - 2:00  

203 Park Hall (Design Lab)

Assessments for project/problem-based learning and the role of the teacher in the learning process - Documentation of the Engineering Design Process for assessment - Assessing student research when solving design problems - Using rubrics as a tool in technology classrooms. This presentation is based on the Siemens Engineering Pathway Program, a sequence of courses and software provided to schools at no cost.  

Christopher Stein & Richard Bush

The Technology Management degree is the perfect course of study for young people who don't want to be engineers or educators but are passionate about the field of technology. Come learn about how we are trying to get more students into this amazing program and how you can help us!   

Brian Young

Double Session (9:00 - 11:00)

Programmable LED lights are used in various ways in today's residential and commercial lighting applications. In this session, you will learn how to identify programmable LED lighting strips and strings, program and operate an ESP8266 Node MCU for light string control, and build your first synced music to a light show as seen widely throughout the holiday season in many of our communities. This project is intended for middle school students and is an introduction to more widely used programming found in the commercial industry. The software featured during this presentation will be WLED and Xlights. LED strings, Node MCUs, and power supplies will be available for purchase so you can follow along during the session.

Jeff Abbott, Matt Brennan, & Glenn McCaffery

Repeated at S3 Thursday, 1:15 - 2:00  

215 Park Hall (Methods Lab)

This presentation explores how to enhance a middle school technology class with agricultural and biological technologies while engaging in hands-on experiences. Attendees will be able to see student projects and plans for the implementation of classroom structures for management of materials. Middle school students use the information taught within the classroom, including where and how the food we consume is produced, to design scale models of systems. Projects that will be discussed are aquaponics, hydroponics, DEC trout/salmon in the classroom, community gardens, compositing, maple syrup making, and sustainable habitat development (bee and bat boxes). 

Diego Ibanez & Yahya Ibrahima Ndiaye

Diego and Yahya will present their progress on MagRetract, which is an autonomous cleaning robot that specializes in clearing small metallic objects off of workshop and factory floors. 

Angelina Fontana & Avery Croucher

Angelina and Avery will present their progress on producing a watch that uses GPS signals to align with atomic clocks. The target market of the project is military use where accuracy and dependability are of utmost importance. 

Cole Moon

Repeated at S7 Friday, 10:15 - 11:00  

193 Wilber Hall (Woods Lab)

It is always difficult to stay relative to the times and relate to a modern-day woodworking project to students. Using only a 1"x 8"x 11" piece of wood, you can engage students through this handtool woodworking project which opens up the door for an array of hand tools to be used as well as multiple wood joints.

David Czechowski

Repeated from S2 Thursday, 10:15 - 11:00  

101 Park Hall (CAD Lab)

By September 2024, NYSED wants every school to be implementing Computer Science and Digital Fluency (CSDF) Learning Standards for all K-12 students. During this session, we will take a look at what the 34 new learning expectations are, the ways school districts are beginning to roll them out, how technology and engineering educators can be ready, and what the impacts may be on students. Just like every school's technology and engineering programs are different, the CSDF implementations will all be unique, so come with questions to ask, experiences to share, and ready to hear from your colleagues. 

Mike Amante

Google offers so many hidden features in the existing tools and is always developing new emerging tools that are often interesting, fun, and downright useful. Come to this session to learn about (or perhaps share) some of these wonders. You’ll want to tell everyone about what you learned in this presentation! 

John La Cascia, Peter Orlando, & Sean Michel

Repeated at S8 Friday, 1:15 - 2:00  

115 Park Hall (Transportations Lab)

We would like to take you on the journey of how we built and tripled our Technology Program in seven years at Oceanside High School. With the support of our district and community, we set out with our advanced materials class to build a 1947 Rat Rod from scratch with no auto shop program; showing the district the need and desire for an auto program in our district. 

David Banister '93

Emeriti Professors, John and Judith Belt

Richard Bush '92 M'97

Charles Goodwin '67 M'73

Dean, School of Education, Laura M Spenceley, Ph.D.

An informal conversation demonstrating the impact of philanthropy. Hearing from the perspective of legendary-past professors, alumni, and our Department Chair - who have all done just that - in the form of scholarship support. Along with meeting the technology teachers of the future and hearing how philanthropy has positively shaped their Oswego experience…over coffee. 

Jeff Abbott, Matt Brennan, & Glenn McCaffery

Repeated from S2 Thursday, 10:15 - 11:00  

215 Park Hall (Methods Lab)

This presentation explores how to enhance a middle school technology class with agricultural and biological technologies while engaging in hands-on experiences. Attendees will be able to see student projects and plans for the implementation of classroom structures for management of materials. Middle school students use the information taught within the classroom, including where and how the food we consume is produced, to design scale models of systems. Projects that will be discussed are aquaponics, hydroponics, DEC trout/salmon in the classroom, community gardens, compositing, maple syrup making, and sustainable habitat development (bee and bat boxes). 

Rob Leonard & Tim Raney

This presentation will outline the steps you need to take in reaching out to the trades in your community in an effective way that will benefit your Technology Education Program. Reaching out and asking local trades what skills they see lacking in their new hires, as well as, looking at ways that the trades can help you in your technology labs is a rewarding and easy way to both promote support from your community and guarantee that what you are teaching is truly what they need! 

Miranda Carman & Tyler Carman

Are you having trouble coming up with new and exciting projects to teach basic technology concepts AND keep students engaged? We want to share three new projects with you, complete with ready-to-borrow/make-your-own plans. Utilize your 3D printers in a molding and casting project that will have students turning into chocolatiers. Join forces in a cross-curricular CNC art installation project, utilizing your CNC router table. Have students create interactive experiences to liven up school hallways with your vinyl printer. All this, plus our do’s, don’ts, and alternative options. Come join us to spice up your curriculum! 

Ken Volk

The 1960s and 1970s were the “Golden Age” of Industrial Arts – when teacher education programs produced thousands of graduates and IA served a diverse student population. During the past 40 years, political mandates, public misunderstanding, and even professional righteousness marginalized IA. With the rhetoric for integrative Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) being critiqued for the lack of “A” (Art) in programs, IA may actually fulfill this need in a much more authentic, creative, personal, and emotional way than many corporate-produced STEM programs/projects that claim to “lead the way”. Debate is encouraged and welcomed! 

Donna Matteson & Jake Mulderig

Repeat: S9 Friday, 2:30 - 3:15  

101 Park Hall (CAD Lab)

The SUNY Oswego Department of Technology offers the opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit for TEL 101 Engineering Graphics and Technical Illustration. This presentation will discuss the logistics, school and teacher requirements, and curriculum and instructional support. Attend this session to learn how you can get started. 

Tracy Young & Margaret Romano

Repeat: S5 Thursday, 3:45 - 4:30  

102 Park Hall (Communications Lab)

Integrated STEM is a powerful way to engage students in critical thinking and problem-solving learning experiences. With a seemingly endless supply of resources, it can be hard to know where to start. This workshop focuses on proven strategies and highlighting effective resources to implement STEM in elementary schools and build a sustainable STEM program. Tracy will share her experience in the STEM field to show how easily the ITEEA Engineering by Design program can be carried out in the elementary classroom. In addition to discussing integrating STEM, Margaret will inform participants about the ITEEA Elementary STEM Council and the opportunities that are offered to them. 

Ronald Alexander

With advancements in electronic vehicle controls and a need for safer vehicle operation, the automotive industry has been developing systems that will allow automatic collision avoidance and near-autonomous vehicle operation. The suspension systems and body control systems work together as a high-speed data acquisition and processing network to achieve this. Building on past advancements such as ABS, stability control, electronic throttle control, electronic power steering, navigation, infrared, and other widely used technologies multiple levels of autonomous driving can and will be achieved. This session will provide you with an understanding of the history, operation, and future of ADAS and autonomous vehicle technologies. We will also discuss the social and industrial aspects of the future of a driverless car. This will allow you to introduce and understand these technologies and discuss their implications of this in modern society.  

Mike Amante

The NYSMTP celebrates the work of the highest-performing STEM teachers by establishing an expert community dedicated to developing expertise in the areas of content, pedagogy, and students’ families and communities. These presenters have been through the hoops and will share what to expect and how to navigate the hurdles. The process may seem daunting, but it's actually very reasonable and attainable. Let us help you as you consider applying for this incredible program! 

Gregory Bailey

Double Session (2:30 - 4:30)

Participants in this workshop will work in teams to complete four hands-on problem-solving activities. All supplies and handouts will be provided. Come see if you can build the strongest foil boat, the tallest ping pong ball tower, build an index penny tower that is worth the most points, and train your “Eggstronaut” to be the fastest in the egg obstacle course. These are fun activities that can be added to your class curriculum at any time. Each event winner will receive an award. 

Nathan Smith, Kelsey Roman, & Mike Woods

NYSTEEA is the New York State Technology and Engineering Educators Association and you should be a part of it! Come learn about what's new with NYSTEEA, including updates from the State Education Department, our partnership with the CTE TAC of NY, the return of Tech Ed Teacher Talks, and our new mentoring program. 

Ryan Czeck & Nicole Pauldine

A comprehensive look at creating and adapting a Computers in Manufacturing curriculum for high school students through a hybrid lens of project-based learning and various methodologies. This presentation will highlight challenges, successes, and possible avenues of machine and funding opportunities while comparing and contrasting instructional methodologies from primary and secondary education environments. 

Jake Folts

Repeat: S9 Friday, 2:30 - 3:15  

101 Park Hall (CAD Lab)

Technology and music interdisciplinary learning opportunity! Students can design and manufacture ukuleles with the use of CAD software and CNC machines. The prototype was developed using a CNC router, laser cutter, 3D printers, Fusion 360, and Mastercam. This presentation will demonstrate multiple ways to create the ukulele for different age groups, skill levels, and availability of machines. 

Timothy Skurka, Alec MacDonald, & Zac Case

Slot car racing is an interactive fun STEM activity for all grade levels. Join us for an opportunity to bring this racing STEM fun to your classroom! 

Donna Matteson

Come have cake and celebrate 25 years of PLTW. This informal session is for new, novice, and longstanding PLTW teachers. Take advantage of the opportunity to socialize and share our PLTW experiences, stories, and strategies for success. Let’s reinforce our network and welcome the new teachers just starting PLTW. 

Tracy Young & Margaret Romano

Repeated: S4 Thursday, 2:30 - 3:15  

102 Park Hall (Communications Lab)

Integrated STEM is a powerful way to engage students in critical thinking and problem-solving learning experiences. With a seemingly endless supply of resources, it can be hard to know where to start. This workshop focuses on proven strategies and highlighting effective resources to implement STEM in elementary schools and build a sustainable STEM program. Tracy will share her experience in the STEM field to show how easily the ITEEA Engineering by Design program can be carried out in the elementary classroom. In addition to discussing integrating STEM, Margaret will inform participants about the ITEEA Elementary STEM Council and the opportunities that are offered to them. 

Leif Sorgule

Repeat: S6 Friday, 9:00 - 9:45  

115 Park Hall (Transportation Lab)

Drone package delivery prototypes are on the horizon. This presentation will go through an example of a hands-on project incorporating this new technology. Participants will see how students can use applied math skills to construct containers and parachutes to be deployed safely by drone. This presentation will end with a demonstration of the concept in action. 

Christopher Stein

Repeat: S7 Friday, 10:15 - 11:00  

203 Park Hall (Design Studio)

Come learn how to use iPads and a stylus to engage your students in design sketching and ideation. Learn the basic interface of the Procreate software and have time to play and sketch. Due to a limited quantity of iPads, there is a limit of 20 participants in this presentation.

Nathaniel Horn

Looking to up your classroom décor or enhance your learning atmosphere but don't have the time to design your own posters? Or do you want to have your students create digital posters or other graphic designs but only have access to Chromebooks? Canva is an online platform that is free to educators with thousands of templates. Learn how to modify templates for your own use, create your own designs and theme for your classroom, and how to invite students from google classroom to create and edit designs. 

Gregory Bailey

Double Session (2:30 - 4:30)

Participants in this workshop will work in teams to complete four hands-on problem-solving activities. All supplies and handouts will be provided. Come see if you can build the strongest foil boat, the tallest ping pong ball tower, build an index penny tower that is worth the most points, and train your “Eggstronaut” to be the fastest in the egg obstacle course. These are fun activities that can be added to your class curriculum at any time. Each event winner will receive an award. 

David Buchner

Want to earn some extra money doing what you are already good at… which is teaching? Think about becoming a NYS-licensed home inspector. Good home inspectors need to be able to work with people and know something about technology, specifically building systems. This presentation will walk through how to become an inspector, how to set up your business, and how to perform an actual inspection. 

Brad Smith

Repeat: S6 Friday, 9:00 - 9:45  

191 Wilber Hall (Polymer Classroom)

One of the greatest threats to society today is the uncertainty of the global energy industry. High fuel prices, increasing electricity bills, and heating and cooling costs, just to name a few, are items impacting our society, economy, and security as a nation. Changing state and federal laws and policies are impacting energy production levels and emphasizing clean renewables. Can the energy technology of today meet the production and consumption demands of tomorrow with “clean” renewable energy? This presentation will provide resources to help you teach and lead discussions focused on the impacts and future of energy technology. Data and statistics from the U.S. Department of Energy will be the focus of the shared curriculum connections, online resources, and activity ideas used to teach this subject matter.