2024 Conference Activities and Field Trips Registration

The 2024 ILC is offering new and exciting opportunities for hands on experiences throughout the conference and surrounding Penn State area.

Space is limited for these events and are available on a first come first serve basis for conference attendees. Transportation will be provided for off-site activities.

We would like to thank our partners at FTW Robotics, Innovation Institute for Tomorrow, Clean Energy Center, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, Penn State K12 Engagement Network, the Penn State Center for Science and the Schools, and The Penn State Professional Personnel Development Center for their hard work in putting these tours and experiences together.

*Please note you must be registered for the conference on the day of the experience you sign up for. We ask that you sign up for one experience to let everyone have the opportunity to experience these events.

 Wednesday, November 6:

• In Person MyCIP Session
  Time:  1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  Location:  Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center
  Modeled after Penn State’s “MY CIP” Online Teacher Networking Sessions, this interactive workshop provides practical teaching tips and networking opportunities for instructors in a shared pathway. The focus is on enhancing students’ essential skills in literacy and numeracy for classroom and career success. Participants are encouraged to bring their task list and a laptop for an immersive, hands-on experience.

• Microbiology Experience Tour
  Time:  1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  Location:  Penn State
  The Biotechnology Experience will highlight Penn State research in biotechnology and microbiome sciences while offering a behind-the-scenes tour of three labs within the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Eberly College of Science. Participants will explore the role of microbes in food safety, food quality, and the management of mosquito-borne diseases. After touring the labs, we will discuss classroom implementation and explore opportunities for partnership.

• Mid-Atlantic Semiconductor Hub (MASH) Tour
  Time:  1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  Location:  Penn State
  Nearly 115K smart manufacturing jobs are expected to be created in the next decade through the semiconductor industry and the CHIPS and science act. In this tour, participants will tour semiconductor “Clean Rooms” to see semiconductor work in progress. Participants will also experience “Digital Twinning” technology in smart manufacturing as well as meet with a semiconductor K-16 professional.

• Weatherization Workshop and Tour
  Time:  1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  Location:  Central PA Institute of Science and Technology
  An engaging hands-on workshop that introduces to participants the organizations involved, some sample activities included in their pilot programs, and a hands-on demonstration of a Blower Door. This session will take place at the Central PA Institute of Science and Technology in Pleasant Gap.

• Turf Management and Mushroom Research Facilities
  Time:  1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  Location:  Penn State
  This session will take participants on a tour of the Penn State Mushroom Research Facility and The Penn State Valentine Turf Research Facility as examples of outdoor learning labs that can be replicated at both career and technical centers and/or secondary comprehensive schools. Participants will not only learn about actual research taking place at each of these locations, but also see industry-relevant equipment/ machinery in action, use and management of physical spaces, and identify the carious career and technical education trades/content areas represented. The intent of this session is to inspire CTE administrators and instructors with ideas for similar outdoor learning labs that can be replicated and utilized at their home schools.

Thursday, November 7:

• CSinPA Build Fly Code® – Experience Session
  Time:  9:00 AM – 11:15 AM and 12:45 PM – 3:00 PM
  Location:  Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center
  In this session attendees will build their own Hopper® drone, from installing motors to the printed circuit board, highlighting the accessibility of drone technology and the practical engineering and problem-solving skills essential to maintaining Hopper. This session will also feature an in-depth presentation of the Build Fly Code platform, showcasing how educators bring classroom lessons to life through interactive, hands-on flying and coding activities. Lastly, attendees will participate in a Build Fly Code Live competition, applying their newfound skills in a fun, fast-paced game against fellow attendees. Build Fly Code Live is a national competition that simulates real-world problem-solving created to inspire students to pursue careers in technology. The Build Fly Code Live competition manual, leaderboard scoring system and its on the ground implementation will be covered.

• Build Fly Code Networking Reception
  Time: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
  Location:  Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center
  Join us for an after-hours event designed for those interested in technology, drones and networking. Participants will have the opportunity to learn basic flight skills using the Hopper drone, while meeting and interacting with other attendees. This hands-on event is open to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced pilots, with prizes available for top performers. Refreshments and light snacks will be served.This event is free, but space is limited—reserve your spot now.