TRETC 2025: Full Schedule

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9:15am EST

Future-Focused Frontiers: 4-H Innovations in AI, AR/VR, STEM, Hydroponics, and Embryology

Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:45am EST

Oliver, Room 213

Title: Future-Focused Frontiers: 4-H Innovations in AI, AR/VR, STEM, Hydroponics, and Embryology
Subtitle: Hands-On Learning, STEM Exploration, and Community Impact, In-School and Out-of-School Time Learning, Experiential Learning

Presenter: Stephanie Messer, Reed Messes (Youth) Melonie Androstic, Dr. Michael White
Workshop Summary:
This engaging workshop introduces participants to current and future programs in 4-H, focusing on how they can bring these innovative opportunities to their communities or schools. The session begins with an overview of 4-H's hands-on learning approach, highlighting its impact on AI and STEM exploration, community involvement, and youth development.
Participants will learn about the diverse range of 4-H programs, from STEM-focused initiatives to hydroponics, embryology, and AR/VR projects, and explore how these programs foster collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. In interactive segments, attendees will gain insights into how they can adapt and implement these programs locally, empowering youth and encouraging positive community engagement.
The workshop concludes with a discussion on the future of 4-H and strategies for creating lasting community partnerships that bring these programs to life.
Key Takeaways:

Learn about current and future 4-H programs and their impact on STEM and community development.
Discover how to bring 4-H programs to local schools and communities.
Gain practical strategies for empowering youth through hands-on learning and STEM exploration.

Speakers

Matthew Crutchman

Extension Educator, 4-H Youth, Penn State Extension

Sponsors

Penn State Extension

Monday January 20, 2025 9:15am - 10:45am EST
Oliver, Room 213

Workshop, Create & Explore

Company Penn State Extension, Penn State University
Audience Appropriate for All Audiences
Subject Inclusive Education Through Technology, Integrating AI into the Classroom, Sustainability, Agriculture Technology

10:15am EST

Differentiating the Writing Process with AI

Monday January 20, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am EST

Middle School, Room 103

Many educators are concerned about the future of academic writing assignments due to the unethical and dishonest use of AI writing generators. However, with a writing process approach, AI can enhance, not take over, student writing, and in fact, provide scaffolded support. During this presentation, attendees will learn how to use AI to differentiate instruction for students with diverse learning needs, providing customized support such as personalized feedback for brainstorming, outlining, editing, and revising based on student proficiency levels and needs. For each part of the writing process participants will learn about a specific AI tool that can support students. Participants will leave this session knowing how to apply these resources to their writing instruction.

Objectives:
1. Understand how to use AI to differentiate instruction for students with diverse learning needs.
2. Learn how to provide personalized feedback using AI for tasks such as brainstorming, outlining, editing, and revising.
3. Apply AI tools to customize support based on student proficiency levels and specific learning needs.

Speakers

Jenna Copper

Assistant Professor of Education, Slippery Rock University

Sam Fecich

Instructor, Slippery Rock University

Speaker, author, and podcaster Dr. Sam Fecich is a former special education teacher who shares a passion for teaching and the profession. Today, she balances her work as an instructor at Slippery Rock University by spending time with family and friends, collecting pinball machines... Read More →

Monday January 20, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am EST
Middle School, Room 103

Session, Engage and Connect

Company Slippery Rock University
Audience EdTech Leaders, All grade levels (k-12)
Subject Ethics in AI, AI for All (SEL), Integrating AI into the Classroom, EdTech Accessibility, Inclusive Education Through Technology, Emerging Tech

12:00pm EST

Innovation Hall: Exhibitor, Vendor, Poster Sessions, and Student Showcase

Monday January 20, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST

Snyder Gym

Earn TRETC Cash for just entering the Innovation Hall! Then collect more TRETC Cash as you visit each table. There is SO much to explore. You will use your TRETC cash at the TRETC Auction in the REA Auditorium at the end of the day!

Also,jump in and join the Goosechase!
https://goosechase.com/uses/education

Sponsors:
Fluxspace, Erin Whitaker
Point Park University, Abby Kneuss
Penn State University Extension, Matthew Crutchman
Eduaide, Thomas Thompson
College in High School, University of Pittsburgh, Lesa Skukan
American College of Education
Prisms, Beth Carr
XYCOM, Chad Hill, Sean Davis
Duolingo, Sean Bueford, Kendra Janelle Ross
DQE Communications, Remy Bibaud
Wisdom K12, CR Knight
Play Piper, Chris Bouman
Vex Robotics, AJ Nehme
Steelcase, Doug Rieger
Pittsburgh Opera, Wendy Parkulo
Sphero, Lindsay DeLong
Catalyst Connection, Scott Dietz, Heather Kusenko
Allegheny Education Systems, Melissa Charlson
Howard Industries, Inc, Neal Newmark
ThinkSync, Vince Duffy
Typesy, Matthew Strine
PAECT, Dominic Salvucci
Magic School, Kendall Howard
Goosechase, Zee Poerio

Student Showcase Exhibitors:
Band of Steel
Crohn’s Care Alliance
Girl Scouts Troop 28845
Girls of Steel Robotics
L.A.U.N.C.H.
North Catholic Robotics Team 5740 The Trojanators
Psyche & Cycle
Quasics Robotics
ROGO (Robotics Offering Girls Opportunities)
S.A.F.E. Club
Spark
United Drone Adventures
USC Robotics Club

Poster Sessions Presented By:
Ewrin Czerwinksi, CMU: Truly Useful Data Analysis: Lessons of CMU Learning Engineering
Hunter Dyer, Chatham University
Steven Maker, Beaver Area School District, The Magic Behind MagicSchool
Justin Starr, CCAC, Free Pathways to Implementing Industry Recognized Credentials
Kelsey Kman, NCWIT C4C, Fail Forward Mindset
Damola Idowu,Toyz Electronics Inc, TOYZSTEAM Empowering Gen Z To Be What They Want to Be
Rob Cierniakoski, Crawford Central School District, Leveling Up with Gaming: Students Build PCs to Develop Tech Skills
Melissa Krenzer, Grove City Area School District, Math in Space- My Gamified 6th Grade Math Class
Craig Wetzel, Keystone Oaks School District, Incorporating Entrepreneurship and Technology Education Through a Student Run Business

Sponsors

Allegheny Education Systems

Catalyst Connection

DQE Communications

Duolingo

Eduaide.Ai

Fluxspace

The mission of Fluxspace is to revolutionize learning environments and help educators understand the innovative programs, products, experiences, and mindsets that should take place in them.

Goosechase

Jump in and join the TRETC goosechase!https://goosechase.com/uses/education

Howard Industries, Inc

Kenall Howard

Sr. Events and Partnership Manager, Magic School Ai

Teachers are overworked and burnt out.More than four in ten K-12 teachers in the U.S. (44%) say they "always" or "very often" feel burnt out at work—outpacing all other industries nationally. (Gallup)At the core of teaching is interacting with a child to help them grow—a deeply... Read More →

PAECT

PAECT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer-led organization supporting and speaking for educational technology in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Our members consist of classroom faculty, educational technologists, librarians, school administrators and technology directors, spanning... Read More →

Penn State Extension

Pitt College in High School

Pittsburgh Opera

Play Piper

We founded Piper in 2014 with a simple vision: to create experiences around learning with technology that are hands-on, effective, and fun. Since then, Piper has grown into an award-winning EdTech company based in San Francisco, CA committed to providing quality STEAM educational... Read More →

Point Park University

Prisms

Prisms, founded in 2020, is pioneering efficacious learning experiences in virtual reality. Backed by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, Prisms is the first spatial learning platform for K-12 STEM education, scaling a new way of learning core math... Read More →

Sphero

Steelcase

ThinkSync

Typesy

The premium keyboarding program for education!Fast typing and computer skillsImproves state test resultsOver 16,507 standards-aligned lessonsStudents type and boost literacyTyping is an essential skill for every student.You have probably heard about the push to teach keyboarding (typing... Read More →

Vex Robotics

WisdomK12

XYCOM

Redefining What It Means To Be Connected.What do we do? We make technology work for businesses large and small. We like to call it technology construction because on the commercial level we fall between the IT guy and the electricians.Our team handles the installation, management... Read More →

Monday January 20, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Snyder Gym

Booth Showcase

Audience Appropriate for All
Subject AI for All (SEL), Career Connections, Computational Thinking Pathway, Data Driven Education, Design Thinking, EdTech Accessibility, EdTech for Equity, Effective Assessment Strategies, Emerging Tech, Ethics in AI, Inclusive Education Through Technology, Integrating A

12:50pm EST

Innovation Hall: Lighting Talks

Monday January 20, 2025 12:50pm - 1:45pm EST

Snyder Gym

Earn TRETC Cash for just entering the Innovation Hall! Then collect more TRETC Cash as you visit each table. There is SO much to explore. You will use your TRETC cash at the TRETC Auction in the REA Auditorium at the end of the day!
Earn TRETC Cash for just entering the Innovation Hall! Then collect more TRETC Cash as you visit each table. There is SO much to explore. You will use your TRETC cash at the TRETC Auction in the REA Auditorium at the end of the day!

Also,jump in and join the Goosechase!
https://goosechase.com/uses/education

Sponsors:
Fluxspace, Erin Whitaker
Point Park University, Abby Kneuss
Penn State University Extension, Matthew Crutchman
Eduaide, Thomas Thompson
College in High School, University of Pittsburgh, Lesa Skukan
American College of Education
Prisms, Beth Carr
XYCOM, Chad Hill, Sean Davis
Duolingo, Sean Bueford, Kendra Janelle Ross
DQE Communications, Remy Bibaud
Wisdom K12, CR Knight
Play Piper, Chris Bouman
Vex Robotics, AJ Nehme
Steelcase, Doug Rieger
Pittsburgh Opera, Wendy Parkulo
Sphero, Lindsay DeLong
Catalyst Connection, Scott Dietz, Heather Kusenko
Allegheny Education Systems, Melissa Charlson
Howard Industries, Inc, Neal Newmark
ThinkSync, Vince Duffy
Typesy, Matthew Strine
PAECT, Dominic Salvucci
Magic School, Kendall Howard
Goosechase, Zee Poerio

Student Showcase Exhibitors:
Band of Steel
Crohn’s Care Alliance
Girl Scouts Troop 28845
Girls of Steel Robotics
L.A.U.N.C.H.
North Catholic Robotics Team 5740 The Trojanators
Psyche & Cycle
Quasics Robotics
ROGO (Robotics Offering Girls Opportunities)
S.A.F.E. Club
Spark
United Drone Adventures

Poster Sessions Presented By:
Ewrin Czerwinksi, CMU: Truly Useful Data Analysis: Lessons of CMU Learning Engineering
Hunter Dyer, Chatham University
Steven Maker, Beaver Area School District, The Magic Behind MagicSchool
Justin Starr, CCAC, Free Pathways to Implementing Industry Recognized Credentials
Kelsey Kman, NCWIT C4C, Fail Forward Mindset
Damola Idowu,Toyz Electronics Inc, TOYZSTEAM Empowering Gen Z To Be What They Want to Be
Rob Cierniakoski, Crawford Central School District, Leveling Up with Gaming: Students Build PCs to Develop Tech Skills
Melissa Krenzer, Grove City Area School District, Math in Space- My Gamified 6th Grade Math Class
Craig Wetzel, Keystone Oaks School District, Incorporating Entrepreneurship and Technology Education Through a Student Run Business

Sponsors

Allegheny Education Systems

Catalyst Connection

DQE Communications

Duolingo

Eduaide.Ai

Fluxspace

The mission of Fluxspace is to revolutionize learning environments and help educators understand the innovative programs, products, experiences, and mindsets that should take place in them.

Goosechase

Jump in and join the TRETC goosechase!https://goosechase.com/uses/education

Howard Industries, Inc

Kenall Howard

Sr. Events and Partnership Manager, Magic School Ai

PAECT

Penn State Extension

Pitt College in High School

Pittsburgh Opera

Play Piper

Point Park University

Prisms

Sphero

Steelcase

ThinkSync

Typesy

Vex Robotics

WisdomK12

XYCOM

Monday January 20, 2025 12:50pm - 1:45pm EST
Snyder Gym

Booth Showcase, Create and Explore

Audience Appropriate for All
Subject AI for All (SEL), Career Connections, Computational Thinking Pathway, Data Driven Education, Design Thinking, EdTech Accessibility, EdTech for Equity, Effective Assessment Strategies, Emerging Tech, Ethics in AI, Inclusive Education Through Technology, Integrating A

1:45pm EST

Plant to Plate Hydroponics: Inspiring 4-H Youth with The Forge of Creation

Monday January 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm EST

Middle School, Room 209

Plant to Plate Hydroponics: Inspiring 4-H Youth with The Forge of Creation
Subtitle: Experiential & Hands-On Learning, STEM Exploration, and Community Impact
Speakers: Andrew Beers & Derek Jeremias & Matthew Crutchman

Summary:
Today's educators face the challenge of making learning engaging and relevant. Hydroponics offers a unique opportunity to bring science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) principles to life. The Forge of Creation, an innovative hydroponic system powered by AI, makes this easier than ever before. Exciting news for 2025! Introducing the 2025 Plant to Plate Pilot with The Forge of Creation, brought to you by Allegheny County 4-H. In this program we will be focusing on youth and educator learning and advancement in the world of Agriculture Technology.
This presentation will explore
The partnership with Allegheny County 4-H. Introduction to 2025 Pilot program: Plant to Plate Hydroponics with The Forge of Creation
The evolution of food production and why efficient, high-yield solutions are desperately needed.
The various hydroponics growing styles, including the limitations of existing approaches.
How The Forge of Creation’s unique design and AI-powered Plant Coach overcome these challenges to empower both educators and home growers.
How to use The Forge of Creation to create hands-on learning experiences that engage students across various subjects, including biology, environmental science, and technology.
The potential of The Forge of Creation to foster community engagement, promote food sustainability, and inspire the next generation of innovators.

Speakers

Matthew Crutchman

Extension Educator, 4-H Youth, Penn State Extension

Sponsors

Penn State Extension

Monday January 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:30pm EST
Middle School, Room 209

Session, Engage & Connect

Company Penn State Extension, Penn State University
Audience Appropriate for All Audiences
Subject Agriculture Technology, Sustainability, Inclusive Education Through Technology

1:45pm EST

Origametria: Teaching K-7 Geometry Curriculum with Origami

Monday January 20, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EST

Oliver, Room 106

Join educators Elizabeth King and Autumn Dillaman for a workshop focused on teaching students from Kindergarten to Middle School geometry through origami. Origametria is a multi-award-winning digital environment for teaching the full geometry curriculum through paper folding. It was founded by Miri Golan and Paul Jackson, world-renowned origami educators. Together, they developed a hands-on platform of 200 animated lessons that are investigative and engaging for all students, including students with learning differences such as ADHD and dyslexia. During this workshop, Elizabeth and Autumn will share their experiences implementing Origametria lessons in grades 2-5 at Falk Lab School. They will also lead participants through several Origametria experiences, which will include easy activities to take back to the classroom.

Learning Objectives:
1. Get introduced to the Origametria curriculum, pedagogy, and online platform.
2. Hands-on experience of a geometry lesson delivered through paper folding.
3. Paper folding geometry activities to take back to your school community.

Speakers

Autumn Dillaman

Division Director, Elementary, Falk Lab School

As the Division Director of Falk’s elementary grades, I oversee programs and experiences for students and faculty from kindergarten to fifth grade. For a bit of history, I have been part of the Falk community since beginning my master’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh in... Read More →