In this session participants will dissect an LED shadow box that is 100% student made. As we unpack this project, participants will see how multiple STEM disciplines can come together to create something new and unique while linking together applied STEM topics. You'll observe how 3D modeling and design, coding, soldering, and art come together to create a 3D light shadow box. This project's applied concept approach can be adapted to fit any classroom, all it takes is a little creativity and out of the "box" thinking. In this session you'll gain some tips and strategies for creating your own multi-disciplinary project to use in your own educational setting.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will become inspired to create projects of their own and walk away with some tips and strategies for creating their own unique multidisciplinary projects.

SPEAKERS:
Becca Grumdahl, Beth Peppersack

You will learn how to use MFLOW, a web-based programming platform that makes it extremely easy to play with sounds and create sound compositions while learning the basics of programming. You will gain access to an NGSS-aligned curriculum to support students with coding and sound engineering. Music and computer science are highly connected. In fact, most of the popular music we hear now has been created with computers. To engage young children (and teachers!) In programming, we have created MFLOW, a web-based computer programming platform that makes it extremely easy to play with sounds and create sound compositions while learning the basics of programming. MFLOW has an associated curriculum created at UCSD, in collaboration with the Chula Vista Elementary School District, and aligned with the Computer Science Standards. It is super engaging and easy to learn by children as young as fourth grade, and by teachers with no previous experience in programming. In this workshop, participant

TAKEAWAYS:
You will learn how to use MFLOW to sound engineer and code your own sound or music composition. Also, you will learn how to engage your students with coding through engineering design challenges.

SPEAKERS:
Victor Minces, Victor Minces

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 3-dimensional Middle School Science + Computer Science units help students concurrently figure out science ideas and computer science in the context of explaining phenomena. The first of these upcoming, free units, 8.1, focuses on collisions between objects. This poster emphasizes the unique pedagogical approach that leverages hardware (micro:bits and sensors) and software (Makecode block coding) to help students explain collisions and develop force measurement solutions for a wide variety of applications. The presenter can also share more information about the other upcoming CS-integrated units (6.3 Weather, Climate & Water Cycling; 6.5 Natural Hazards; 7.6 Earth's Resources & Human Impact; and 8.2 Sound Waves).

TAKEAWAYS:
Computer science can be used as a tool to help explain science phenomena and develop engineering solutions, with computer science learning integrated with science learning in true STEM fashion.

SPEAKERS:
Dan Voss

In this workshop participants will engage with our innovative computational thinking curriculum unit. Our approach is grounded in phenomena, science storylines, coherence and student modeling. We have innovated upon these time tested NGSS teacher practices by incorporating computational thinking through physical computing (Micro:Bit). In our approach, students use programmable sensors to ask questions, define problems and engage in the rest of the science and engineering practices. The participants will experience these practices in student-hat so that they better understand the student experience and how to implement the units. Participants will write computer programs, collect/analyze data and connect investigations to place-based contexts. Participants will walk away with a co-designed, classroom ready toolkit of resources that they are ready to implement based on the workshop experience. No prior experience using sensor technologies or programming is needed.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to effectively bring computational thinking., data collection, and programming into the middle school classroom, based on curriculum units developed by inquiryHub at the University of Colorado Boulder. Our place-based focus is a powerful promoter of equity for all student

SPEAKERS:
Jeffrey Bush, Greg Benedis-Grab

Explore how middle school students can integrate life science, computer science, and social studies to design sustainable hydroponic systems informed by both data and Indigenous knowledge. In this hands-on workshop, participants will program micro:bits to collect environmental data (light, temperature, humidity) and analyze how these variables influence plant growth. They’ll also examine how cultural perspectives on land and agriculture can inform innovative, equity-centered STEM instruction. Using a classroom-friendly HydroBitBucket system, attendees will participate in activities modeled from an NGSS-aligned unit and walk away with replicable strategies, sample student work, and access to lesson materials that emphasize transdisciplinary problem solving.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore how to implement an NGSS- and CSTA-aligned unit that integrates computer science, data analysis, and Indigenous knowledge to engage students in solving real-world agricultural challenges.

SPEAKERS:
Tom Cozzolino, Justin Cannady

In this workshop we will explore the AIK12 standards through an unpacking activity. We will then explore tested lessons that can engage students in learning about the nature of AI and how to responsibly use it. During the session we will use the lesson materials to have participants reflect on the value of learning about AI and to deepen the conversation on the role of AI in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will gain a deeper understanding of AI, its role in education and how to incorporate AI in your classroom. You will leave with proven lessons that you can add to your classroom to get students thinking about and be critical of AI.

SPEAKERS:
Jeffrey Bush, Greg Benedis-Grab

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

How can you engage learners in creating projects to share their ideas and observations in motivating and meaningful ways? Join us to make an interactive animation or mini-game featuring an animal in nature that interests you. Experience how you and your students can create projects with OctoStudio, a free creative coding app from MIT that bridges physical and digital making. Access new open-educational resources you can use and adapt for 3D learning and sensemaking, developed by National Geographic Society in collaboration with the MIT Media Lab.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how they can engage learners in creating interactive projects to share their ideas and observations about the natural world, using an engaging set of open-educational resources created by National Geographic and the creators of OctoStudio and Scratch at the MIT Media Lab.

SPEAKERS:
Teo Xisto, Audrey Everett

Step into our Sugarbush camp—a place-based, interdisciplinary learning experience that weaves together the cultural tradition of maple syrup production with engaging, standards-aligned instruction in science, math, Ojibwe language, and computer science. Rooted in local Indigenous knowledge and outdoor learning, this unit invites students in both elementary (4th-grade) and high-school grade levels to explore data collection, temperature monitoring, graphing, analysis, and coding through real-world, hands-on activities. From collecting and analyzing temperature data with Micro:bit computing devices to investigating the physical science of syrup production, discover how this model extends classroom learning into their local forest, fostering deeper connections between students, community, and land. Leave with adaptable, cross-curricular ideas to bring fun and engaging activities to your own learning environment.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will explore how maple syrup production connects outdoor learning with STEM through hands-on, cross-curricular lessons. They’ll leave with micro:bit coding experience, student-friendly data analysis activities, and adaptable curricular resources including a teacher guide and slides.

SPEAKERS:
Paul Schonfeld

Empower students for tomorrow! This workshop highlights the pivotal role of counselors in K-12 computing education. Learn to advise on future tech-related career trends and champion early exposure, CTE, and dual-enrollment pathways in computing. Equip yourself to advocate for these vital opportunities and boost student career readiness.

TAKEAWAYS:
Counselors are key to unlocking future-ready pathways in computing for all K-12 students through early exposure, CTE, and dual enrollment advocacy

SPEAKERS:
MaKenzie Johnson

We’re hearing a lot these days about the importance of computational thinking skills to a well-rounded education. Join Science from Scientists, a STEM education nonprofit that partners with schools, to explore how computational thinking can be part of science learning. Together with computer science specialists from a partner school we’ve developed interdisciplinary learning experiences that deepen science learning through computer science extension lessons that reinforce key science concepts, introduce students to new ways of thinking and problem-solving, and explore how computer science skills apply across diverse careers and fields of study.

TAKEAWAYS:
In this session, participants will explore computational thinking concepts through an example lesson and then work together to identify opportunities to incorporate computational thinking skills in their science teaching.

SPEAKERS:
Renee Nesnidal

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

Computer science is woven into the 2019 Minnesota Academic Standards in Science through benchmarks that emphasize modeling, data analysis, and computational thinking. Participants in this session will learn practical, flexible strategies to help them bring these concepts to life—regardless of grade level, setting, or access to technology. Participants will explore a real-world classroom example, engage in collaborative planning, and leave with tools to support meaningful integration of computer science into science instruction in ways that align with the Minnesota standards and support student inquiry.

TAKEAWAYS:
Planning tools and ideas to support integrating computer science (including modeling, programming, and data science) into your K-12 science classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Sarah Carter, Haley Kalina

In this workshop participants will engage with our innovative Self Driving car unit. Our approach is grounded in phenomena, science storylining, coherence and student modeling. We have innovated upon these time tested NGSS teacher practices by incorporating AI and computer science. In our approach, students explore the phenomenon of Self Driving Cars to ask questions, define problems and engage in the rest of the science and engineering practices. The participants will experience these practices in student-hat so that they better understand the student experience and how to implement the units. Participants will engage with Teachable Machines to create their own AI image classifier.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will leave ready to implement our high quality unit with your students engaging student interest and using powerful storylining teaching routines. You will also have authentic student assessments to accompany the unit.

SPEAKERS:
Jeffrey Bush, Greg Benedis-Grab

Unlock problem-solving power! This workshop defines Computational Thinking (CT) and its core components, connecting it directly to ASCA Student Standards for academic and career success. Discover how CT skills enhance learning across all subjects and gain practical strategies to spark student interest in computing and tech careers school-wide. Develop actionable plans to create computing exploration opportunities and engage your entire school community in supporting this vital education.

TAKEAWAYS:
Computational Thinking (CT) builds crucial problem-solving skills relevant across all subjects and careers. Learn practical strategies to cultivate CT and spark interest in computing school-wide.

SPEAKERS:
MaKenzie Johnson

In this workshop participants will engage with our innovative STEM unit on MagLev trains. We will engage as a group in the anchoring phenomenon routine to rehearse the unit. We will also explore the freely available materials so that the unit can be implemented in the classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
You will leave with a high quality, ready to implement unit that you can use in your classroom. Our storyline teaching routines will engage students and spark their curiosity. The MagLev phenomenon is engaging and exciting for students.

SPEAKERS:
Jeffrey Bush, Greg Benedis-Grab, Kate Henson

I am a research scientist that works in a diagnostic laboratory focused on agriculture and biotechnology. My career requires interpreting DNA tests and using bioinformatics to identify threats to our food supply, such as detecting honey bee pathogens and testing weeds for herbicide resistance. In this speedy talk, I will show that you do not need a fancy lab or expensive equipment to bring digital DNA activities into the classroom. Free, web-based tools let students explore real genetic data, build data science skills, and connect their learning to diverse careers in science. I will share example activities and the first steps to searching public DNA databases. To conclude, I will highlight how digital DNA analysis is a transferable skill that bridges fields from human health to agriscience.

TAKEAWAYS:
Peek into the world of digital DNA and discover free tools and classroom activities that develop data science skills and highlight career connections across biology-related fields.

SPEAKERS:
Zack Bateson

This workshop provides actionable plans and encourages CS teachers to embrace counselor collaborations for a diverse, thriving CS Program. Explore the transformative role of school counselors in shaping CS education. Dive into collaborative strategies, understand counselors’ impact, and share unique educator challenges.

TAKEAWAYS:
Counselor collaboration is key to a thriving, diverse CS program. Learn actionable strategies to partner with counselors and boost student engagement.

SPEAKERS:
MaKenzie Johnson

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

Unlock Future Pathways: In this engaging workshop we will demystify the rapidly evolving landscape of computer science, technology, AI, and machine learning and how they will impact our students futures. We will go beyond traditional tech roles to reveal how fundamental computing skills are becoming essential across all industries, from healthcare to the arts. Leave equipped to confidently articulate the importance of these skills to students, regardless of their interests. Discover at least three surprising examples of how 'CS+' skills translate into diverse and fulfilling careers, empowering you to broaden students' horizons and guide them toward future success in any field they choose.

TAKEAWAYS:
Computing skills are vital for all future careers, opening diverse pathways beyond traditional tech. Equip students for any field!

SPEAKERS:
MaKenzie Johnson

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

Bioinformatics is the engine behind many modern discoveries and scientific advancements in agriculture, medicine, conservation, and more. But what does it look like in practice and how can students experience it without a lab? Bring your laptop and curiosity for this interactive, hands-on session where we explore the why and how of basic bioinformatics tools through real-world examples. A research scientist and an education specialist will guide you through free activities using the same tools used by scientists across disciplines. You will see how students can build data science and computational thinking skills while also making career connections. Walkway with free classroom-ready activities in bioinformatics that align with multiple NGS Standards (e.g., HS-LS1-1, HS-LS3-1, HS-LS4-1). No coding or prior experience required.

TAKEAWAYS:
Bring a laptop to learn about free tools to build data science and computational thinking skills in your classroom. No coding or experience required.

SPEAKERS:
Jane Hunt, Zack Bateson

This hands-on workshop explores how to introduce the hot topics of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to students using low-cost and open access SmartMotors. Participants will explore program design and engage in a hands-on SmartMotors activity and will be provided with resources for implementation. The program was co-designed with teachers to use Novel Engineering to solve cross-disciplinary, real-world problems, aligned with NGSS standards. As part of a 4-year, NSF-funded study, the program has been implemented with over 400 diverse students (grades 2–6) and 18 educators. Students and teachers demonstrated gains in STEM self-efficacy, ML attitudes, and strong program satisfaction and usefulness, while student content knowledge gains varied by year. This session supports educators in creating developmentally appropriate, equity-focused AI/ML learning opportunities and preparing students to be informed users and future creators of emerging technologies.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to design and implement developmentally appropriate, equity-focused AI/ML learning opportunities for elementary students. They’ll engage in hands-on activities, explore research findings, and receive resources to teach AI/ML concepts in both formal and informal settings.

SPEAKERS:
Steve Coxon, Dustin Nadler

Stars form in clouds of gas and dust in star formation regions, and follow sequences that end in their destruction. Plotting their changing physical properties on the H-R diagram shows their evolutionary progress. Plotting light curves on the H-D diagram determines instability regions as stars transition to the next stage. Stellar evolution provides the energy which drives the universe, and determines its future. Nucleosynthesis creates the elements which will enrich the next generation of protostars and planets. The resources developed by NASA are a progression from understanding astronomical images to plotting stellar transitions through instability strips on the H-R diagram, to analyzing observational data with the same JS9 tools that scientists use to determine everything from the chemical composition of supernovas to determining whether a stellar core is a white dwarf or a neutron star. The JS9 investigations include links to the original research papers, and archived data sets.

TAKEAWAYS:
Photons of electromagnetic radiation of all wavelengths are collected by telescopes and processed using computers. Scientists use image analysis software to analyze the data and construct unique models of the data, including stars and galaxies, while maintaining the integrity of the underlying data.

SPEAKERS:
Donna Young

Come and learn how you can use Coding and Computer Science to help your students master the 3 Dimensions of the NGSS with examples from CodeHS and Science Olympiad. As technology becomes more a part of students everyday lives it is important that they develop the knowledge and skills necessary to use it correctly and apply it to the right situations. Research has shown that this occurs best when these applications are placed within a context such as a science class as opposed to a computer class where they are taught in abstract. In this session, you will see different activities where computer science principles and coding are used to help students understand and apply the science content and skills that they are learning. These activities can be incorporated into your science program or be used as standalone lessons. In addition, we will discuss how these activities can be adapted to tackle other topics to support efforts to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will come away from this session with activities that they can use in their classrooms to teach science through computer science and coding. Additionally, these lessons can serve as examples which will allow the teachers to adapt them to tackle other topics.

SPEAKERS:
John Loehr

In this workshop, discover how middle school students at the UVA/CCS Innovation Hub combine life science and engineering to solve real-world problems through biomimicry. Participants will dive into a project-based learning (PBL) experience where students design, build, and code Biobots, small robots inspired by animal adaptations, using Hummingbird robotics kits and MakeCode. This session will walk through the project's driving question, timeline, and assessment strategies while offering a hands-on chance to explore a scaled-down version of the challenge. Attendees will leave with classroom-ready materials, student work samples, and practical tools for integrating life science, coding, and engineering in an engaging and standards-aligned way.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to implement a nature-inspired robotics PBL that integrates life science, biomimicry, and computer science in a middle school classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Jessica Forrester, Tonya Coffey