CS Summer of Fun 2025

Intended Level:Novice – ideal for educators new to CS/CT concepts or those looking for accessible, tech-free ways to engage students.Session Format:Workshop – interactive and hands-on, providing participants with a practical activity they can immediately apply in their classrooms.Content Description:This session focuses on introducing computational thinking and computer science through unplugged, hands-on activities that require no computers or technical equipment. Participants will explore a flexible, age-appropriate lesson that engages students in problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking while building a foundation for future CS/CT learning.

Code is a powerful tool for creation. This goes far beyond making programs and games. In this full day, intermediate workshop attendees will code creative works of art starting with two dimensional imagery, converting 2D to 3D models and explore those creations in 3D virtual space. Throughout the process we will use a variety of tools that incorporate the principles of design, appropriate use of A.I. and encourage creativity. The tools used will be free or a worthwhile freemium, platform neutral, developmental appropriate for students. Once complete, attendees will leave with lessons and video tutorials for a variety of grade levels and content areas.

For more info visit: bit.ly/CSFUN25

Join us for an engaging hands-on workshop where you'll discover the magic of creating interactive projects with the Micro:bit microcontroller. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some coding experience, you'll learn how to write simple JavaScript code using a visual block-based editor that makes programming accessible and fun. Together, we'll explore how to use the Micro:bit's built-in sensors and LED display to create engaging projects like virtual pets that respond to motion and light, smart security systems that detect when a door opens, and automated lighting controls that respond to environmental conditions.  You’ll leave with the confidence to guide students in creating meaningful projects that combine coding, electronics, and creative problem-solving.BRING YOUR LAPTOP DEVICE!

Code is a powerful tool for creation. This goes far beyond making programs and games. In this full day, intermediate workshop attendees will code creative works of art starting with two dimensional imagery, converting 2D to 3D models and explore those creations in 3D virtual space. Throughout the process we will use a variety of tools that incorporate the principles of design, appropriate use of A.I. and encourage creativity. The tools used will be free or a worthwhile freemium, platform neutral, developmental appropriate for students. Once complete, attendees will leave with lessons and video tutorials for a variety of grade levels and content areas.

For more info visit: bit.ly/CSFUN25

Come learn about an interactive unit creating a fictional town using Indi Sphero and/or BeeBots. This unit works well with a community helpers theme or beginning of the year introduction to coding tools. Participants will see an example town and walk through a sample unit. They will be given the time to explore these tools and begin creating their own unit. If possible, participants can share connected ways they have used these tools in their own experiences.

Introduction to Edison robots. Educators will learn how to use Edison robots and be given a chance to try coding them and completing simple tasks. This workshop is hands on with access to lessons already created.

The target audience for this session is middle school science/STEM teachers. The intended level is intermediate to advanced due to the science content standards. The session format is a hands-on workshop. 

Students graph data using Lego Spike Prime kits; they build several devices to visualize energy through graphing data. From Lego - “In this unit, your students will construct, analyze, and/or interpret graphical displays of data to describe the relationships between types of energy (i.e., metabolic, potential, and kinetic) and an object's acceleration. Developing models to illustrate the amount of energy stored in a system, they'll practice finding mathematical relations and play with statistics and probability to find answers to a scientific question. In doing so, your students must consider the limitations of data analysis (e.g., measurement error) and/or seek to improve the precision and accuracy of data using better technological tools and methods (e.g., multiple trials).”

The lessons are: 1. Stretch the Data: Match graph values and explore margins of error qualitatively. 2. This is Uphill: Graph energy consumption to gain potential energy. 3. Time for Squat Jumps: Graph potential energy at the maximum height of a jump. 4. Watch Your Steps: Explore kinetic energy during a movement at a constant speed. 5. Aim for It: Explore kinetic energy during a movement using variable speed. 6. The Obstacle Course: Illustrate potential and kinetic energy transfer. 

Lessons are aligned to NGSS, CSTA, and ISTE standards. Come and play to learn!

Get ready to combine coding, creativity, and problem-solving with Sphero BOLTs! In this interactive session, educators will learn how to design and program a mini golf course where Sphero BOLTs act as the golf balls. Participants will explore block-based coding to navigate obstacles, adjust speed and angles, and create engaging course challenges. Through this hands-on experience, educators will discover how computational thinking, physics, and engineering concepts come to life while fostering collaboration and critical thinking in the classroom, making the learning both fun and interactive!

Your calculator is not just for math class anymore!  Come learn how you can code on your calculator.  No experience needed.  If you can read, you can code!  This hands on workshop is designed for educators who would like to learn how to incorporate coding in their 5-12 classrooms, in after school STEM clubs, summer camps, you name it!  We will work through several different coding activities that will bring your classroom to life.  These activities increase student engagement ~ they'll never want to leave your class!

Code is a powerful tool for creation. This goes far beyond making programs and games. In this full day, intermediate workshop attendees will code creative works of art starting with two dimensional imagery, converting 2D to 3D models and explore those creations in 3D virtual space. Throughout the process we will use a variety of tools that incorporate the principles of design, appropriate use of A.I. and encourage creativity. The tools used will be free or a worthwhile freemium, platform neutral, developmental appropriate for students. Once complete, attendees will leave with lessons and video tutorials for a variety of grade levels and content areas. 

Join us for an engaging hands-on workshop where you'll discover the magic of creating interactive projects with the Micro:bit microcontroller. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some coding experience, you'll learn how to write simple JavaScript code using a visual block-based editor that makes programming accessible and fun. Together, we'll explore how to use the Micro:bit's built-in sensors and LED display to create engaging projects like virtual pets that respond to motion and light, smart security systems that detect when a door opens, and automated lighting controls that respond to environmental conditions.  You’ll leave with the confidence to guide students in creating meaningful projects that combine coding, electronics, and creative problem-solving.BRING YOUR LAPTOP DEVICE!

Your calculator is not just for math class anymore!  Come learn how you can code on your calculator.  No experience needed.  If you can read, you can code!  This hands on workshop is designed for educators who would like to learn how to incorporate coding in their 5-12 classrooms, in after school STEM clubs, summer camps, you name it!  We will work through several different coding activities that will bring your classroom to life.  These activities increase student engagement ~ they'll never want to leave your class!

Code is a powerful tool for creation. This goes far beyond making programs and games. In this full day, intermediate workshop attendees will code creative works of art starting with two dimensional imagery, converting 2D to 3D models and explore those creations in 3D virtual space. Throughout the process we will use a variety of tools that incorporate the principles of design, appropriate use of A.I. and encourage creativity. The tools used will be free or a worthwhile freemium, platform neutral, developmental appropriate for students. Once complete, attendees will leave with lessons and video tutorials for a variety of grade levels and content areas. 

Target audience: Third grade lesson but can be adapted for any grade level 3-8
Intended level: Novice
Session format: Session/workshop. 
Content description: We will demonstrate an introductory lesson about 3D printing using a lesson on empathy. Read a story called, "The Gift Inside the Box." Talk about the book and the empathy lesson. Then partner up and interview each other to get to know a bit about them. Design a backpack tag on paper first, one design at a time, showing the partner to see if they like it or if they would like you to fix anything. Once the design is complete, start on TinkerCAD with the assigned template of a backpack tag, and design it like the drawing. Then print it on the 3D printer and gift it to their partner.