Learn the basics of using GeoGebra, including pre-made apps and lessons. Learn basic tools and commands, including using variables and sliders for interactive content. No prior knowledge of GeoGebra is needed.
Join this interactive session on using Polypad to visualize math concepts with your students in grades 6-12 and deepen connections to Computational Thinking. Learn how Polypad can make topics like algebra, geometry, and probability more accessible. Experience how this free suite of virtual manipulatives can bring out the beauty and excitement of math, and leave with new ideas for engaging and inspiring your students.
Note: Polypad is also excellent to use with elementary students; All are welcome!
Becky Tapley is a STEM Education Specialist at the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance. She serves as the Project Manager of the STEM WorkForce Ready 2030 project, as well as a math consultant and ACRES (Afterschool Coaching for Reflective Educators in STEM) coach.After growing... Read More →
I am a Co-PI on Workforce Ready 2030, and have worked at MMSA in STEM education research for nearly a decade. I'm especially interested in the integration of CS into rural classrooms around Maine.
How does that device in your hands actually work? This session will highlight the CS Unplugged curriculum I currently use in my 5th grade classroom, however I have taught it at the 9-12 level in the past and it can be adapted for younger grades as well. This curriculum is a progression of hands-on and interactive activities using basic props, but no computers. During our session, we will explore topics from binary numbers and searching/sorting algorithms to cryptography (code breaking) and artificial intelligence. This is the first in a multi-part series presented throughout the day. It is recommended to attend the whole series if possible, but each portion could be attended on its own if needed.
CS Discoveries is an introductory computer science course for students in grades 6 - 10 that empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun. Participants will be introduced to coding in javascript to create an animation artifact. The project options are open-ended, and students can demonstrate knowledge across the curriculum.
Learn how to use GeoGebra geometry tools and commands to create and manipulate geometric constructions and how to create interactive geometry explorations for learners. Explore existing GeoGebra resources and activities that you can use as-is or adapt.
How does that device in your hands actually work? This session will highlight the CS Unplugged curriculum I currently use in my 5th grade classroom, however I have taught it at the 9-12 level in the past and it can be adapted for younger grades as well. This curriculum is a progression of hands-on and interactive activities using basic props, but no computers. During our session, we will explore topics from binary numbers and searching/sorting algorithms to cryptography (code breaking) and artificial intelligence. This is the second in a multi-part series presented throughout the day. It is recommended to attend the whole series if possible, but each portion could be attended on its own if needed.
We’ll discuss strategies on how to integrate UDL principles into CS lessons. We will do this by looking at example computer science lessons to see UDL practices already in place and workshop ways to add/change the lesson to integrate more. Feel free to bring a computer science lesson of your own to workshop.
Introduction to Tinkercad is designed specifically for teachers with little to no experience in Tinkercad. In this workshop, we will cover essential topics such as:
Tinkercad basics
Understanding the Tinkercad Desktop and its icons
Creating 3D shapes
Using the hole tool
Importing and exporting files for 3D printing
Utilizing the Classroom feature
Exploring specific project ideas for elementary school students
Sharing free resources, including Thingiverse and step-by-step videos
Testing continuous motion in the Sim Lab
Enhance your skills and learn how to provide exciting learning opportunities for students.
The target audience for this activity is middle school students studying physical science. There are ways to differentiate this material, allowing the activity to be used with novice, intermediate, and advanced groupings. This activity is a hands-on workshop and involves programming the micro:bit to test acceleration. You can attach the micro:bit to any object (coaster cars, and other toys will be provided for you to test) and use the data logger extension provided by Micro:bit, to determine the acceleration of your object. The program is written in block coding and will graph x, y, and z coordinates. After completing this activity, we will analyze the graphs created and formulate a claim, provide evidence, and justify our reasoning. Extensions using Sphero Bolts and LEGO BricQ will be an options to mess around with as well.
Micro:bits, toys to attach Micro:bit to, and adaptors will be provided. Come have a fun time messing around!
Explore the use of CODAP within a science context. Explore the use of your local weather data and samples of over 60 years of weather data from Mount Washington in NH. You will learn about the basic CODAP tools and explore a freely available curriculum. You will explore free open-source teacher and student resources including a suite of videos.
Pam Buffington is the co-PI of WFR and Director of Rural STEM Initiatives at EDC. She has over four decades of experience in education, including teaching computer science, mathematics, physics, and instructional technology classes. She has also led numerous STEM projects and initiatives... Read More →
How does that device in your hands actually work? This session will highlight the CS Unplugged curriculum I currently use in my 5th grade classroom, however I have taught it at the 9-12 level in the past and it can be adapted for younger grades as well. This curriculum is a progression of hands-on and interactive activities using basic props, but no computers. During our session, we will explore topics from binary numbers and searching/sorting algorithms to cryptography (code breaking) and artificial intelligence. This is the third in a multi-part series presented throughout the day. It is recommended to attend the whole series if possible, but each portion could be attended on its own if needed.
Explore the amazing world of book creator. Learn ways to get your students excited about writing and sharing their books online. Explore all the templates that Book creator has to offer as well such as graphic novels, graphic organizers, monthly planners and so much more!!
Description:Tinkercad is a fantastic web-based app teachers and students can utilize to create CAD drawings and output them to a 3D printer. It's also a great tool for teaching electronics and coding - from basic circuits through coding virtual Arduinos and MicroBits. Join us for everything you need to know - from setting up student accounts to a step-by-step experience on how to utilize this tool in the classroom. There will be plenty of time for experimentation. For those with some Tinkercad experience, here's a chance to take things to the next level - with answers in ideas you can utilize in the fall!Target Audience:Everyone from beginners (who are experienced in using their device but new to Tinkercad) all the way up to the experts. Session Format: Workshop - a series of brief show-and-tell presentations with time to try things out.(Please let me know if anything needs additional information.)
Experience hands-on explorations of engineering principles and robotics using Lego Spike Prime kits. Use Lego builds to measure and graph data collected during the use of the Lego creations.
Pam Buffington is the co-PI of WFR and Director of Rural STEM Initiatives at EDC. She has over four decades of experience in education, including teaching computer science, mathematics, physics, and instructional technology classes. She has also led numerous STEM projects and initiatives... Read More →
Bring creativity and computational thinking into your classroom with Keynote! In this hands-on session, educators will learn how to use Keynote’s shapes and animation tools to create engaging, subject-specific animated GIFs. Participants will explore how computational thinking—decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithmic thinking—can enhance learning in social studies, ELA, and science. From illustrating historical events and visualizing scientific processes to animating story elements, educators will design GIFs that make abstract concepts more concrete. No prior animation experience is needed—just a willingness to explore and create! By the end of the session, participants will leave with ready-to-use classroom examples and the skills to guide students in making their own educational animations.
I am a lifelong learner, middle level educator who started out teaching ELA and Social Studies! I've also had a hand in teaching math intervention. All in all, I love using technology and finding ways to integrate it in the classroom which lead me to my current position as a technology... Read More →
How does that device in your hands actually work? This session will highlight the CS Unplugged curriculum I currently use in my 5th grade classroom, however I have taught it at the 9-12 level in the past and it can be adapted for younger grades as well. This curriculum is a progression of hands-on and interactive activities using basic props, but no computers. During our session, we will explore topics from binary numbers and searching/sorting algorithms to cryptography (code breaking) and artificial intelligence. This is the first in a multi-part series presented throughout the day. It is recommended to attend the whole series if possible, but each portion could be attended on its own if needed.
In this workshop, participants would have the opportunity to see how Computer Science activities can be integrated into social studies learning. As an elementary classroom teacher, there are many ways to integrate technology into the classroom. The target audience, elementary educators, primarily 3-6 grade, will get the opportunity to see some examples of integrated CS lessons in social studies, as well as have some time to explore some of the resources used. Resources for these lessons include code.org, microbits, and Scratch. The example lessons relate to geography, history, and civics and government, and are just a few examples of how to integrate CS into the social studies curriculum, to make the learning more engaging for students.
