What if your students could use programming and technology not as an extra, but as a core part of making sense of science? In this session, explore a new model for STEM integration through free and open OpenSciEd + Computer Science middle school units. These phenomenon-driven units engage students in real-world investigations where they build and use technology, including programming, to explain scientific ideas and design solutions for local challenges. Career-connected features highlight pathways in STEM and computer science. Think of STEM integration like a soundboard, where disciplines can be “turned up” based on learning goals. These units are turned and designed with support for teachers new to computer science!

TAKEAWAYS:
Explore how new OpenSciEd + Computer Science units authentically integrate science and computer science. Students use programming and build tools to explain phenomena and solve problems. Educators will see how integration is accessible, engaging, and aligned to three-dimensional teaching and learning.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Novak, Nicole Vick

OpenSciEd’s free, upcoming middle school Contact Forces + Computer Science unit helps students develop a deep conceptual understanding not just of forces, but also of computer science and engineering principles. Rooted in the phenomenon of collisions (just like the science-only unit), students figure out that their work would be easier if they could measure forces with a digital sensor. They engage with a variety of sensor systems, make sense of hardware and software, and develop and test a series of increasingly complex and independent designs that allow for measurement of forces in collisions or a variety of other applications. Participants will see how micro:bit devices and MakeCode block coding are integrated into the unit and leveraged for deeper physical science sensemaking.

TAKEAWAYS:
Students’ investigations of forces are enhanced by development of sensor systems that measure forces for a variety of applications, with students also having opportunities to build computer science and engineering practices and understandings along the way.

SPEAKERS:
Dan Voss

Learn how OpenSciEd’s new middle school units are intentionally designed to expand access to computer science by integrating it directly into science instruction. This session will introduce an instructional model that addresses longstanding equity gaps in computer science education by embedding programming, computational thinking, and engineering design into phenomenon-based science investigations. Explore how this approach not only deepens science understanding but also inspires students—especially those historically underrepresented in STEM—to pursue advanced computer science courses and careers. Participants will also learn about the career exploration opportunities woven into the units that help students make meaningful connections to their futures in STEM fields.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will understand how OpenSciEd’s integrated model expands access to computer science by embedding it in science instruction, engaging all students in authentic, career-connected learning that builds pathways to future STEM opportunities

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Vick, Tiffany Neill, Michael Novak

How do the order of lessons shift when infusing computer science into a science storyline while maintaining student coherence? Discover what is different in a free, upcoming OpenSciEd 8th grade middle school science + computer science unit on Sound Waves, when students use computer tools and engage in computational thinking more extensively to develop disciplinary core ideas related to physical science and life science. Using the same anchoring phenomenon of loud music from a truck making a window move, students use micro:bits (pocket-sized computer) to collect and analyze data to deepen their science understanding of sound wave characteristics. Students use micro:bit devices and MakeCode block coding throughout the unit to make sense of sound waves, how our ears detect them, and design devices to detect sound waves to help people experiencing hearing loss.

TAKEAWAYS:
Student’s investigations into sound waves and hearing are enhanced through the use of computing devices which also allow for the development of computer science and engineering practices embedded throughout the unit.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Novak, Nicole Vick

How could using a micro:bit (pocket-sized computer) promote deeper development of science ideas, and support development of computer science ideas? Examine classroom video of middle school students engaging in science thinking about sound sources and wave characteristics without the use of micro:bits and a spreadsheet. Then, put on your student hats to experience the same lesson using micro:bits to record the motion of a moving stick to develop science ideas related to wave characteristics. Reflect on your experience and discuss the affordances of having students transform data using computer science thinking to make sense of science ideas.

TAKEAWAYS:
Student’s sensemaking around wave characteristics in the context of sound is enhanced through the use of real-time data collection of a moving object with micro:bits.and transformation of that data in a spreadsheet.

SPEAKERS:
Nicole Vick, Michael Novak