Our innovative approach to science and STEM engages students through hands-on and minds-on physical computing. Through this approach you can enable students to leverage Computer Science to investigate, develop models and ultimately enact local and global change.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will learn how to effectively bring Computer Science and programming into the middle school classroom, based on curriculum add on units developed by Schoolwide Labs at the University of Colorado Boulder. Our place-based focus is a powerful promoter of equity for all students.

SPEAKERS:
Kate Henson (University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder, CO), Greg Benedis-Grab (University of Colorado Boulder: Boulder, CO)

Immerse yourself in two intermediate grade units on Weathering & Erosion and Earth's Systems which integrate algorithmic thinking and student-generated models using block coding. Project {FUTURE} has co-designed CS-integrated curriculum units with teachers in CT and WI, available as OER.

TAKEAWAYS:
Our CS and Science integrated units are ready to use and benefit student learning in both areas. By building algorithms and programs, students model Earth System relationships in novel ways. Likewise, applying CS concepts in the context of science enhances meaning, rigor, and engagement.

SPEAKERS:
Renee Scianni (Milwaukee Public Schools: Milwaukee, WI), Christine Thorp (Teacher: Wallingford, CT), Darcy Ronan (Sacred Heart University: Fairfield, CT)

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.

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:
Alec Barron (UC San Diego)

Come have fun creating data that simulates the flight of a model rocket. Together, we will walk through the Python code and make key coding decisions so that we create data that is representative of the real flight. Both linear and quadratic functions will be used to model and understand the flight.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will experience the marriage of science, coding and mathematics by using Python to create simulated flight data of a model rocket. Participants will get to see how coding and mathematics can be used to understand what is happening in the physical world.

SPEAKERS:
Adam Pennell (High Point University: High Point, NC, NC)

This workshop walks teachers through the design, development, and construction a classwide computational quilting project targeting the middle grades. Using electronic textiles, teachers will explore a model classroom quilt and practice physical computing through paper circuits and microprocessors.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how to engage circuits and computing within core content science classrooms as well as how to integrate science into other content areas .

SPEAKERS:
Tyler Hansen (Project Manager: Logan, UT), Tina Yohon (Middle School Teacher: Kamuela, HI), Colby Tofel-Grehl (Utah State University: Salt Lake City, UT)

Join Girls Who Code for strategies and tools on how to a) recruit and retain girls and BIPOC students in STEM, b) design inclusive holistic programs that build life skills, c) keep your curricula relevant with emerging tech and ai, and d) access free resources for 3-12th graders of all genders.

TAKEAWAYS:
Join Girls Who Code for strategies and tools on how to a) recruit and retain girls and BIPOC students in STEM, b) design inclusive holistic programs that build life skills, c) keep your curricula relevant with emerging tech and ai, and d) access free resources for 3-12th graders of all genders.

SPEAKERS:
Kibret Yebetit (Girls Who Code: New York, NY)

CODAP is a free and easy-to-use online data visualization and analysis platform accessible to middle school students. In this session, participants will learn how to leverage CODAP to engage their students in authentic and meaningful data analysis and interpretation.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will come away with new knowledge about how to use CODAP to bring authentic and meaningful data analysis and interpretation to their classrooms.

SPEAKERS:
David McKinney (Senior Research Associate: Albany, CA)

Computational thinking (CT) and engineering offer students problem-solving skills and foster innovation. This session will provide educators with the knowledge and resources needed to integrate CT and engineering into their STEM curriculum.

TAKEAWAYS:
Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of CT and engineering strategies for integrating these concepts into their STEM classrooms. They will feel empowered to equip their students with the problem-solving skills necessary for success in an increasingly technology-driven world.

SPEAKERS:
Katherine Mathias (John Kerr Elementary School: Winchester, VA), Ch'Loris Clemons (John Kerr Elementary School: Winchester, VA)