2024 CTE Works! Summit

Shop class demonstrations can be improved and I’ve adopted an outside the box approach to get my students more engaged and more efficient in their learning. Utilizing video technology to supplement instruction has worked wonders in my class to increase engagement, rigor, choice, and enjoyment of my students.

I use specialized woodworking plans that cater to student reading/comorehension level. I’ve developed a series of woodworking plans learners can chose from at their appropriate level. My plans include QR codes at each unique step of their project that link to video demonstrations they can access on their device of me completing that step they’re on. I let them know what tools to use, where to find them in my shop, how to complete the step with their correct parts. I use these plans as a supplement to live demonstrations because I’ve found it’s always longer to show live(student management, machine malfunction, no fast forward abilities). It’s also more advantageous to reach students exactly when they are ready for this step. This allows for complete diversified instruction because it is truly student led. Students have also complained to me over the years that they couldn’t see the demo or that they’ve already completed that step. My high flyer students no longer have to wait for me give a demonstration because the information is at their fingertips. Additionally, students can also access the demo several times if they need additional support. I’ve done this with several levels of success/failure over the past few years and would like to walk through how other classes can utilize this teaching method. I would like to share my triumphs and failures on how to use this method successfully in your class.

You'll learn: 

1. Increased Student Engagement through Technology: Participants will be able to implement video technology to supplement live demonstrations in shop classes, resulting in higher student engagement and enjoyment.
2. Differentiated Instruction with Customized Learning Materials: Attendees will learn to create and utilize specialized, scaffolded woodworking plans that cater to students' reading and comprehension levels, allowing for individualized learning experiences.
3. Streamlined and Flexible Demonstration Techniques: Educators will be able to employ video-based QR codes linked to project steps, providing students with instant access to demonstrations and tools, fostering independent, self-paced learning and reducing downtime in the classroom.

Looking for innovative ways to engage your students in STEM and engineering? This session is designed to show CTE educators how Chain Reaction Machines can be a powerful, cross-curricular tool for sparking student interest and creativity across all backgrounds and interests. Unlike many STEM-related projects that often appeal more to boys, Chain Reaction Machines provide an inclusive platform that captivates a diverse range of learners. Learn how to seamlessly integrate these projects into your curriculum to inspire students of all demographics to explore engineering and STEM career pathways. We’ll also introduce the Engineering Machine Design Contest (EMDC), an accessible, low-cost competition that brings real-world context into the classroom. Join us for a hands-on activity where you’ll build your own Chain Reaction Machine and walk away with practical strategies and resources to implement immediately in your classroom.

This session presents an innovative approach for CTE educators to integrate Chain Reaction Machines into their curriculum, fostering student engagement in engineering and STEM fields. Chain Reaction Machines, which consist of simple actions triggering subsequent steps, are a dynamic, low-cost way to teach engineering and technology principles while promoting critical thinking and teamwork.

Participants will learn how to implement these projects in their classrooms, connecting them to relevant career pathways. The session will also introduce the Engineering Machine Design Contest (EMDC), which provides students from all backgrounds and interests with a real-world platform to apply their skills in a low-cost, competitive setting.

Attendees will participate in a hands-on activity, using provided materials to build their own Chain Reaction Machine, mirroring the student experience. This practical exercise will equip educators with the tools and strategies to bring this engaging project to their students, inspiring interest in engineering and technical careers across all student demographics.

The session is designed to be practical and immediately applicable. It offers educators new methods to engage students in cross-curricular engineering design while preparing them for future success in STEM careers.

After this session, you will be able to:

1. Understand how to integrate Chain Reaction Machines into the CTE curriculum to engage students in cross-curricular engineering design.
2. Explore career pathways related to engineering and technical fields using Chain Reaction Machines.
3. Gain knowledge of the Engineering Machine Design Contest (EMDC) and its role in motivating students and applying classroom learning.
4. Participate in a hands-on activity to build a Chain Reaction Machine, developing practical skills for classroom implementation."

K-12 educators were funded to engage in 30+ hours of industry-based work experiences with the goal to enhance an element of their curricula and apply trades skills in the classroom. Learning from their time in the field educators were challenged to build connections with local industries and new experiences for all students.

Rob Sleezer from Minnesota State University Mankato led the professional development in experiential learning and inclusive student education design. Each educator developed and created their own curricula to meet various standards.

Educators in this project are:
Margy Schipper
Jeff Ponto
Stephanie Salisbury

 After this session attendees will be able to:

• Understand the value of hands-on working experience for classroom educators
• Identify ideas for implementing trades skills in their own classrooms
• Motivate the development of local partnerships with local industry and careers

Explore how the Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence, supported by Perkins funding, is transforming STEM education through the Siemens STEM Curriculum. This free, project-based program equips educators with the skills to teach Industry 4.0 concepts, while offering students opportunities for college credit. Discover insights from the recent Siemens Summer Teacher Training, supported by a Perkins grant, which brought together educators from diverse and underserved communities. Attendees will also receive a hands-on activity, ready to implement in the classroom, to bring Industry 4.0 to life for their students.

In the dynamic world of career and technical education (CTE), mental health literacy is paramount both in the classroom and as students transition to their careers. This session will introduce participants to the foundational concepts of Mental Health First Aid and provide practical strategies for integrating this training into CTE programs. Attendees will learn how Mental Health First Aid is inherently culturally responsive and inclusive. The session will highlight the importance of teaching students’ mental health literacy for their personal lives and future careers.

K-12 educators were funded to engage in 30+ hours of industry-based work experiences with the goal to enhance an element of their curricula and apply trades skills in the classroom. Learning from their time in the field educators were challenged to build connections with local industries and new experiences for all students.

Educators:
Tracy Bockbrader
Josten Coleman
Rachel Steil

After this session attendees will be able to:  

• Understand the value of hands-on working experience for classroom educators
• Identify ideas for implementing trades skills in their own classrooms
• Motivate the development of local partnerships with local industry and careers