CS Summer of Fun 2025

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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. 

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. 

Come learn about the exciting opportunities presented at this year's national CSTA conference. 

Cybersecurity is now a foundational skill for students living and learning in an increasingly digital world. In this informational session, administrators will be introduced to our K–12 cybersecurity curriculum and support services. Attendees will gain an understanding of the content we offer, how it aligns with state and national standards, and the various ways schools and districts can begin or expand their cybersecurity education efforts. Whether you're just exploring the topic or looking to build on existing efforts, this session will provide a clear picture of what's possible,and how we can support you.

Do you wonder about how to include CS and CT content in your classroom? Are you interested in finding out HOW to teach, not just what to teach? Then this workshop is for you! We'll explore the state of the art in terms of teaching computer science concepts as well as how to consider all students while designing lessons. Participants will leave with resources necessary to continue their CS journey in their classrooms for the following year.

BEYOND FLAT: Exploring Extended Reality (XR)
Every educator will benefit from understanding XR because it’s redefining the computer and how we interact with it, with extraordinary applications across industries and in education. In this session, you’ll explore the fundamental concepts behind XR, see wearable and non-wearable systems in action, and experience hands-on demos of VR/AR and haptic tools that engage multiple senses. Your vision of what’s possible in the classroom and beyond will be expanded as you discover how immersive, interactive environments are transforming every field.

This session will provide information about groups that help create communities of practice within CS, both in the K-12 space and beyond.  In addition to providing a time for participants to share challenges that they have, we will talk about opportunities for students to join similar communities and what benefits those may have.

Welcome to the Husson Esports Arena! Come in to tour and learn about our state of the art facility equipped with 35 high-end gaming PCs, 5 Console stations each with an Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch1, and Play Station 5, and dedicated broadcast streaming and competition room. Learn how this space is used for both recreation events, learning opportunities, and as a competitive space to foster team work, collaboration, and acceptance to players of all skill levels.

Artificial intelligence has had a dramatic impact on education and how we serve students, as well as everyday lives. In this birds of a feather session, join Dr.s Alan and Lindsay Jamieson from Khoury College of Computer Sciences at Northeastern University to have an open discussion of artificial intelligence in schools, assessment impacts, and everyday use to help reduce time spent on administrative tasks. Any educators or administrators curious about how to integrate artificial intelligence into their day-to-day, or wanting to talk about strategies for working with student use of AI, are welcome.

Computer Science carries with it a stereotype about the kind of person that is best suited for being a successful computer scientist. Learners of all ages tend to assume that if they lack a singular obsession with all things computers, then they are not capable of learning computer science. This session shares research findings on nontraditional pathways into computer science careers. Participants will workshop methods for highlighting nontraditional pathways into computer science to encourage more diverse enrollment in computer science classes and interest in computer science as a subject. This session targets computer science educators of all expertise, but particularly those looking to convince middle and high school students that they might enjoy computer science from a different perspective. As children transition into adolescence, stereotypes around computer science expertise can push them away from learning more about the subject. While not every student needs to grow up to be a professional computer scientist, every student should at least learn enough about computer science to ensure they can live autonomously in a technology-dependent society once moving on to college. This workshop will open with a brainstorming session on current stereotypes around computer scientists, and then review research into those stereotypes as well as stereotype threat as a phenomenon in CS education. Then, the workshop will move to brainstorming different interests that might tie into computer science that are less commonly associated with it. Workshop participants will collaborate in breakout groups to create a pitch for learning computer science that leverages a unique interest or career separate from the field of computer science. The session will end with participants sharing those pitches.

Description:Every day, our students load us up with tough questions. "I won't ever take another technology class, so why do I have to do this?" or  "So what if I play games during class time - what's the big deal?" My favorite this year was handling a group of students who felt hacking into a system they didn't have permission to use was only bad if they got caught. So share some of your challenging situations and see if our panel can give you some short answers to the big issues of the day.