New York State Master Teacher's Program Holds
Bots 300!! Competition at R&D Park

The New York State Master Teacher’s Bots 300!! Competition, held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Stony Brook University's
Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT), was an evening of STEM innovation and collaboration. Organized by Derek O'Connor, SBU's Workforce Development Manager, the event showcased the ingenuity of NYS Master Teachers as they competed using Elegoo robots powered by Arduino microprocessors.

This event culminated approximately one year of collaborative efforts between two Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) that worked purposefully to develop the lessons, activities, and presentations that made the evening a success. The competition celebrated teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity, demonstrating the practical applications of robotics in education.

Josephine Salvador, Executive Director of the NYS Master Teacher Program, joined Regional Master Teacher Directors Linda Padwa and Caren Gough at the event. Several professors from SBU departments also attended, contributing their expertise and enthusiasm to the atmosphere of learning and innovation. Yu Sun, CEO, Sunrise Technologies, gave a presentation and live demonstration of how AI can power robotic vehicles. 

Speaking about the event, Linda Padwa remarked, “The Bots 300 event exceeded our expectations, thanks to the hard work of a dedicated group of Master Teachers and the amazing support provided by Derek O'Connor at CEWIT. Events such as this highlight the benefits that come about when different entities on the Stony Brook campus work together to support the broader education community on Long Island.”

The Master Teacher’s Bots 300!! Competition not only highlighted the participants' technical skills it also underscored the value of collaboration in advancing STEM Education. It served as a dynamic reminder of the power of hands-on learning to inspire educators and students alike.