CNF continues to support the educational development of the next generation of scientists!
On July 17th, CNF’s Tom Pennell and Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services (TST BOCES) teacher David Syracuse attended the second day of a summer learning session, focusing on training teachers and professionals to integrate nanoscience and manufacturing topics into their curriculua. The Three-Day Summer Session was a collaboration between the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), United Federation of Teachers (UFT), NYS United Teachers (NYSUT), and Micron at the NYSUT Syracuse Regional Office. As teacher unions, members of AFT, UFT, and NYSUT engage in opportunities to improve their schools through ongoing professional development. This summit encouraged educators and professionals to realign aspects of their K-12 curriculum to match the needs of STEM industries. Those in attendance gained an essential understanding of advanced manufacturing and nanotechnologies, and the ability to translate them into lessons for students.
The event consisted of three days of experiential learning and networking. Day 1 focused on Advanced Manufacturing and Semiconductors, day 2 on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Applications and Nanotechnology, and day 3 on using Raspberry Pi.
Micron Technologies gave background on advanced manufacturing, teachers engaged in hands-on workshops in fabrication processes and techniques, and learned about the applications and ethical considerations of nanotechnology in manufacturing. As well as a crash course in AI and Machine Learning, basic hardware computer science skills and Python programming were also discussed.
On behalf of CNF, Tom and David demonstrated CNF’s virtual reality (VR) gowning module, highlighting how VR is an ideal way to educate students on these topics. David also explained how the NYSSLS (New York State Science Learning Standards) dovetail with education surrounding nanoscience. There are numerous intersections between the two, and it will be critical for teachers to highlight these connections to prepare the US workforce for the coming economic shift.
“We made a great impression on the teachers from across the state and connected with a few BOCES to continue expanding the number of BOCES offering orbital welding/precision welding programs—skills needed as more facilities like Micron’s in Clay come online.” -David Syracuse