Learn how to develop holistic and equitable coding programs through positive social-emotional development, the inclusion of diverse role model representation, and connecting coding to activism!

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will: 1. better understand the computer science landscape and how holistic programming can be a tool for addressing the gender gap in tech; 2. learn how to incorporate the three essential components every equitable coding program should have: a. holistic program activities that teach coding and social-emotional development, b. a culture of bravery where students join a supportive community of peers and role models from diverse career pathways, and c. connections to activism by using coding for positive impact; and 3. learn best practices for student recruitment and engagement of historically underrepresented groups in tech.

SPEAKERS:
Emily Ong (Girls Who Code: New York, NY)

Come find out how to involve your students in learning how AI and ML can be taught to your students, how it can be used to promote equity in the classroom, and how it can make YOUR teaching job easier! If you can, bring a data set and computer.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. AI and ML can help equitize the science classroom by allowing students to participate in learning; 2. AI and ML can be taught to students in the classroom and is an excellent 21st-century skill for all students; and 3. AI and ML hold the possibility to make the science teacher's job easier.

SPEAKERS:
Holly Amerman (University of Georgia: Athens, GA), Anna Herdliska (Gwinnett County Public Schools: Suwanee, GA)

Have fun creating a faculty-centered lab-based mystery plus virtual CSI escape room for your young scientists to enjoy next week! Hands-on fun!

TAKEAWAYS:
1. How to use your own school community to create an engaging crime for students to solve while encouraging socialization, collaboration, and critical thinking; 2. How to use Google Forms to create a virtual escape room to set up a mystery that students can work to solve either in class or remote; and 3. Forensics concepts, including blood typing, fingerprints, genetics, hair and fiber analysis, handwriting analysis, chromatography, and ways to adapt these concepts to all levels and budgets.

SPEAKERS:
Elizabeth Guzzetta (Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women: Rochester, NY)

Democratic STEM Teaching (DST) centers student voice, creating inclusive classrooms where all students can thrive. Explore how human-centered design thinking turns DST principles into practice.

TAKEAWAYS:
Teachers will: 1. understand the DST principles and describe practical examples of student voice, shared authority, and STEM criticality; 2. develop ideas of how to use DST principles in their own classrooms in order to create a more inclusive classroom; and 3. use the design thinking approach and protocols to identify a focus area in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Kelly Houston (STEM Ed Innovators: Saratoga, CA)

STEM classrooms can be exclusive if teachers do not identify the lack of prior learning opportunities and misconceptions early in the year. Come learn how one teacher uses coding to bridge the gap in her STEM classroom.

TAKEAWAYS:
1. STEM inclusion activities; 2. Coding in the classroom; and 3. STEM project ideas.

SPEAKERS:
Stacy Thibodeaux (Southside High School: Youngsville, LA)