Rock CS 2022 | Rocky Mountain Computer Science Conference for P-12 Educators: Full Schedule

Rock CS is a professional development event designed by Adams 12 Five Star Schools and St. Vrain Valley School District.

9:00am MDT

Computer Science Student-Centered Instructional Continuum (virtual)

As a nascent subject area, Computer Science, instruction is often canned or applied in blanket fashion to students. As teachers, we are in the process of learning a content area that we never experienced when we were K-12 students. Often teachers are learning CS with their students, necessitating a very different style of teaching as facilitators and guides rather than experts. In an effort to make the work of teaching CS in K-12 more robust and effective, differentiating instruction for all students, we offer this CS - Student-centered Instructional Continuum. The CS-SCIC is the brainchild of Jane Waite, who has graciously offered to be here with us today. Link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1NoyebpRySwkazwaLprjYwGpGvm6rQC9Y1r6PlRLVLEQ/edit#slide=id.g12cdd1250a2_0_0

Speakers

Christine Liebe

Professor of Practice, Colorado School of Mines

Christine is a Professor of Practice with a joint appointment in the CS Department and with Teach@Mines in the Honors College at Colorado School of Mines. She teaches introductory programming and CS pre-service education courses. Christine has a PhD in Education: Curriculum, Instruction... Read More →

Jane Waite

Senior Research Scientist, Raspberry Pi Computing Education Research Centre, University of Cambridge and Queen Mary University of London

Jane Waite is a Research Scientist at the Raspberry Pi Computing Education Research Centre ( a joint project with the University of Cambridge). The Centre researches all things K-12 computing (not about hardware!). Jane is responsible for computing education research projects in the... Read More →

Friday June 3, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
110

Hybrid or Virtual, 1 hour presentation

Intended Audience P-2 teachers, 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers, 9-12 teachers, Administrators
Skill Level INTERMEDIATE: Basic core competency or knowledge of the topic; some prerequisite skills or knowledge required.
Topic Computational Thinking, CS Curricular Alignment/Pathways, Methodology / Pedagogy
Device Compatibility Android Device, Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer, Windows Computer

9:00am MDT

Implementing Project Management Tools & Resources into CS Instruction (hybrid)

In this hour long training courses, students will identify effective project management practices, processes, tools and resources they can implement into their computer science instruction at any grade level. They will examine the elements of sound project management practices and apply the generally recognized practices to successfully manage classroom projects from the teacher perspective and the student perspective.

Speakers

Dr. Erika James

Business & Computer Science Teacher, Englewood High School

Dr. Erika James has 8 years of project management experience in the field of education and technology at the Colorado Department of Education and the Denver Art Museum. Dr. Erin Stresow has project management experience in non-profits and the field of education. Currently, Dr. Stresow... Read More →

Friday June 3, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
210

Hybrid or Virtual, 1 hour presentation

Intended Audience 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers, 9-12 teachers, Administrators
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Methodology / Pedagogy, Professional Learning Opportunities, Project Management
Device Compatibility Android Device, Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer, Windows Computer

9:00am MDT

Learn and Teach Coding with Processing (in-person)

I would like to share Processing with other educators as a language for their students to learn coding. Processing is a visually engaging, Java-based language. For those unfamiliar with Processing, students use code to create graphics and animations so they SEE their code in action. We use it as the primary language of our Coding II (CTE: Career and Technical Education) curriculum to teach programming, introducing students to Java's syntax and preparing them for AP Computer Science A.

In our session, we will learn about Processing and engage with a few practice activities using Processing's online Javascript editor (p5.js). Processing will allow us to create beautiful designs as we learn Javascript. Though there are some differences between Processing (Java-based) and p5.js (Javascript-based), this will allow anyone with any device to participate.

For anyone interested in learning more after our session, I am willing to meet with you in-person or virtually to share our curriculum with you that we have built. Our curriculum is written for Processing (Java-based), but can be readily modified for p5.js (Javascript), Processing.py (Python), and other language libraries.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1vOMxDn00M2Ek02w2Iqh0eCa7CfbC-3__8VO6TxDLIt4/edit?usp=sharing

Speakers

Austin Spreng

Teacher, Horizon High/Adams 12

Austin Spreng is a math and computer science teacher in Adams 12 Five Star School District. He has used Processing in his Coding II course (formerly Intro to Computer Science). Austin is passionate about promoting education in computer science and related fields for all students and... Read More →

Friday June 3, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
260

In-person, 1 hour presentation

Intended Audience 9-12 teachers
Skill Level INTERMEDIATE: Basic core competency or knowledge of the topic; some prerequisite skills or knowledge required.
Topic Computational Thinking, Text-based Programming
Device Compatibility Android Device, Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer, Windows Computer, Linux Computer

9:00am MDT

The Power of Learning to Read Programs (in-person)

Learning to program is hard! Why? Many students form incomplete or incorrect mental models about specific programming constructs in their first programming classes, which make subsequent constructs even harder to learn. What if there were a way to help students more easily develop these mental models in introductory programming courses? And more importantly, how might these pedagogies further enable our students to become proficient creators and debuggers of complex programs?

In this presentation, I will discuss a light-weight, yet impactful pedagogical tool called State Tables, which helps students systematically read programs. In addition to introducing how to construct these tables, I will show how these tables can be used in a larger arc of learning to maximize a student’s ability to reason about programs. Finally, I hope to convey the benefit of using State Tables in introductory programming courses by discussing some preliminary data I have gathered from my own classes.

Speakers

Sonia Spindt

High School CS Instructor, Cherry Creek Innovation Campus

Sonia Spindt is a computer science instructor at Cherry Creek Innovation Campus. She teaches a variety of computer science courses and has developed a series of pedagogical tools that help her students find success when developing programs.

Friday June 3, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
190

In-person, 1 hour presentation

Intended Audience 9-12 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Computational Thinking, Methodology / Pedagogy, Text-based Programming
Device Compatibility Chromebook, Mac Computer, Windows Computer

9:00am MDT

Elementary School Hour of Code Field Day: How to Plan and Execute a School-wide Event (in-person)

Take the idea of a traditional school-wide Field Day and replace events like tug-of-war with events focused on introduction to coding. During this 2-hour workshop, participants will:
*be exposed to a variety of plugged and unplugged activities that are appropriate for grades K-5
*interaction with these activities
*list of supplies needed for each station
*sample schedules for planning the day
*ideas for community and parent support
*work time to begin planning own event

Speakers

Melissa Riggs

Education Technology Specialist for Instruction, District 49

I am the Education Technology Specialist for Instruction with District 49 in Colorado Springs. I began my career as a Kindergarten teacher for 16 years before moving up to 5th grade and a 1-to-1 iPad classroom . When I started teaching in 1990, the technology available was a mimeograph... Read More →

Friday June 3, 2022 9:00am - 11:10am MDT
Incubator

In-person, 2 hour workshop

Intended Audience 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers, 9-12 teachers, Administrators, P-2 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Certification, CTE, Endorsement, Licensure, Professional Learning Opportunities, Block Programming (aka Drag & Drop, Visual Coding), CS Integration in non-CS Classes/Cross-curricular, Unplugged - Tech Free
Device Compatibility Android Device, Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer, Windows Computer

10:10am MDT

How to Hack a Car (sort of) - An introduction to car-hacking (hybrid)

In this session you will learn how to use a Linux computer and some common libraries that will help you hack the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus of an automobile. While we will not be working on an actual car, you will leave with a sense of what is involved to hack an automobile (extensive and difficult)!

For your work in this presentation you should have a laptop equipped with Oracle VirtualBox, VMWare Workstation Player, or (God forbid) Microsoft Hyper-V. You should have a virtual machine (VM) with either Ubuntu or Kali Linux loaded and operational. You will need at least a beginner's knowledge of basic Linux commands and how to use the Terminal window. We will be doing the entirety of our work in the Terminal.

Once I have taught you the basics, I have a fun car hacking assignment for you. You'll have to put on your detective hat!

Speakers

William Heldman

Computer Science and Cybersecurity Instructor, Warren Tech

I have just finished up my 17th year of teaching computer science, computer technologies, and cybersecurity at Warren Tech (WT), which is an option school in the Jeffco Schools network. Prior to coming to work for WT I came out of a 20-year long career in Information Technology (IT... Read More →

Friday June 3, 2022 10:10am - 12:20pm MDT
Pitch Room

10:10am MDT

Artificial Intelligence with AutoAuto - Physical Vehicle and Virtual Platform (in-person)

This session is to incorporate hands-on, project-based learning to master python programming and AI fundamentals activities. During this session attendees will use text-based python programming to operate a vehicle. In addition, attendees will have access to a platform to learn class lessons of artificial intelligence arranged by grade level.
Attendees will learn step-by-step how to program in python and see how their vehicle (virtually and physically) executes their program.

Speakers

EDUARDO GALINDO

founder, egb4 technologies inc.

Motivated to bring technology, through the creation of STEM programs, to all children and young students, from preschool to university, he has set up companies in different countries (USA, LATIN COUNTRIES, EUROPE, ASIA AND AFRICA), such as EGB4 Technologies, among others. Whose programs... Read More →

Friday June 3, 2022 10:10am - 12:20pm MDT
180

10:10am MDT

Let's make a video game! (in-person)

In this presentation, we'll be using the python module pygame to create a small video game. Participants will be provided with base code that generates an empty game screen, and will be given guidance on how to add a player, platforms, enemies, and a goal. Assistance will be provided to help programmers choose an appropriate development environment for their desktop, laptop, or chomebook. Collaboration between coders is encouraged, and session will be available to both in-person and virtual participants. All levels of coders are welcome to this differientated session; from those who have never written a program to veteran programmers that are curious about pygame.

Speakers

Jennifer Moriarty, Ed.D.

Video Game Programming and Mathematics Instructor, Denver Public Schools

I've been teaching high school since 2002, and I think making video games are a great way to get kids excited about math and computer science.

Friday June 3, 2022 10:10am - 12:20pm MDT
250

10:10am MDT

Supporting Student Sense Making with Data Collection and the BBC micro:bit (in-person)

CSTA identifies Perception, Representation and Reasoning as core components in an AI learning progression for K-12 students. This session focuses on how to engage your students with these concepts through a hands-on learning experience where they program and wire a physical computing system to collect and analyze data collected by a BBC micro:Bit and Sparkfun’s gator:bit sensor system.

The session is designed to engage teachers of all experience levels with the micro:bit system; novices will receive scaffolds for supporting their entry while experienced users will have ample opportunities for extensions and applications. After working with fellow teachers on guided activities on wiring and programming a physical computing system, participants will reflect on pedagogical applications and discuss curricular integration strategies. The tools used in the workshop are appropriate for middle school and high school students, with alligator clip connectors for wiring and block-based, Javascript, or Python programming in MakeCode.

Enhance Student Learning
During the workshop, teachers develop skills for collecting sensor data with the BBC micro:bit, enabling instructors to enrich existing curriculum with data collection and exploration. In addition to building skills relating to the physical computing system, teachers will reflect on how they can scaffold the lessons to engage students with computational thinking, debugging, and connecting data collection to the Big Ideas in Artificial Intelligence (Perception, Representation & Reasoning).

Speakers

Michael Schneider

Graduate Student (PhD) in Computer Science, 7 years of experience teaching programming to undergraduates, 2 years of experience teaching physical computing to middle school students.

Jeffrey Bush

Research Scientist, University of Colorado Boulder

Research Scientist at CU Boulder’s Institute of Cognitive Sciences, former high school teacher, research focus on technology and curriculum to support classroom teachers with formative assessment and computational thinking in middle and high school classrooms

Tom Curran

Former middle school science teacher, several years working as a Data Scientist in education policy and education technology platforms. Currently, a first-year Ph.D. student at the University of Colorado and previously received a Master’s Degree from the University of Chicago.

James Luther

Doctoral Student in Computer Science at CU Boulder, 1 year of experience in co-designing physical computing curriculum for middle school classrooms

Friday June 3, 2022 10:10am - 12:20pm MDT
185

In-person, 2 hour workshop

Intended Audience 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers, 9-12 teachers, Administrators, P-2 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Certification, CTE, Endorsement, Licensure, Professional Learning Opportunities, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Physical Computing/Robotics
Device Compatibility Android Device, Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer, Windows Computer

10:10am MDT

The First Mile: Why and How to Help K5 Students Become Future Ready (in-person)

Starting a CS program at the elementary level is actually very easy and fun! In this session, we will share our 5E framework, the importance of combining social emotional learning with CS skill building, our practice of delivering programs virtually and in-person at the elementary level. We will demo a mini lesson, discuss teaching strategies, and answer questions. Participants will also work in groups! Come join the meaningful fun!

Speakers

Qing Hua

CEO and Founder, Build A Robot K12

Qing Hua is the founder and CEO of a Colorado-based company Build A Robot K12.She is passionate about fusing education, technology, industry, diversity, and human empathy to make this world a better place through education. Before starting Build a Robot K12, Qing worked in the telecommunication... Read More →

Friday June 3, 2022 10:10am - 12:20pm MDT
190

In-person, 2 hour workshop

Intended Audience 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers, 9-12 teachers, Administrators, P-2 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Certification, CTE, Endorsement, Licensure, Professional Learning Opportunities, Digital Literacy in CS, Extra Curricular, Student Presenter
Device Compatibility Android Device, Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer, Windows Computer

11:20am MDT

Implementing Project Management Tools & Resources into CS Instruction (hybrid)

Speakers

Dr. Erika James

Business & Computer Science Teacher, Englewood High School

Friday June 3, 2022 11:20am - 12:20pm MDT
210

Hybrid or Virtual, 1 hour presentation

Intended Audience 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers, 9-12 teachers, Administrators
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Methodology / Pedagogy, Professional Learning Opportunities, Project Management
Device Compatibility Android Device, Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer, Windows Computer

11:20am MDT

Cybersecurity in the Elementary and Middle School Classroom (in-person)

Join us as we dive into age-appropriate cybersecurity activities that can be integrated into any classroom. These simple lessons help students understand basic cybersecurity concepts such as digital citizenship and security. Learn how to facilitate conversations that will empower students to navigate in the digital age. Make your students more aware of cybersecurity. All participants will free access to complete classroom lessons from CYBER.ORG.

Speakers

Benjamin Williamson

Curriculum Development Specialist, CYBER.ORG

With a background in sociology and STEM education programs, Benjamin brings a creative perspective to CYBER.ORG’s elementary and middle school curriculum. Benjamin is active in community theatre and is always busy writing, filming, creating, and learning.https://www.l... Read More →

Tommy Gober

Curriculum Development Specialist, CYBER.ORG

Tommy Gober is a curriculum development specialist for CYBER.ORG and lives in the Houston area. Tommy taught computer science, computer hardware, networking and other technology classes in northeast Texas.He is a doctoral candidate researching cyber education with UTRGV in Brownsville... Read More →

Friday June 3, 2022 11:20am - 12:20pm MDT
260

In-person, 1 hour presentation

Intended Audience P-2 teachers, 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Cybersecurity / NSA
Device Compatibility Chromebook, Mac Computer, Windows Computer

11:20am MDT

Host a Family Tech Night (in-person)

Discover a no-fuss approach to engaging families and your community with a Family Tech
Night. Creating a structured experience that involves active involvement will help your event be successful.

During this session, participants will hear about 4 options for Family Tech Night as well
as seven ideas that can be used with any of the options. Examples of successful events will be shared.

Speakers

Melissa Riggs

Education Technology Specialist for Instruction, District 49

Friday June 3, 2022 11:20am - 12:20pm MDT
Mezzanine

In-person, 1 hour presentation

Intended Audience P-2 teachers, 3-5 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Community Engagement, Unplugged - Tech Free
Device Compatibility Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer

11:20am MDT

Unplugged. Computational Thinking in the K-5 Classroom (in-person)

This session provides teachers classroom activities to encourage hands-on computational thinking - no technology required. We will define the four main elements of computational thinking - decomposition, pattern matching, abstraction, and algorithms - play a game or two to practice the concepts, and identify areas of your day to incorporate these ideas. By the end of the hour, you will come away with tech-free ideas that promote computational thinking in your classroom.
Link to slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/186qMAfSHkTGDy7PwSjCzqr3p4NvUGMi-pVF02F0d3os/edit#slide=id.p

Speakers

Dixie Kalvels

Media and Technology, SVVSD

Dixie has been teaching elementary digital literacy since 2017. She believes that learning how to think about technology is more important than how to use specific tech tools. Computational thinking occurs in every area of life, so it is her goal to encourage the next generation of... Read More →

Friday June 3, 2022 11:20am - 12:20pm MDT
135

In-person, 1 hour presentation

Intended Audience 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers, 9-12 teachers, Administrators, P-2 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Certification, CTE, Endorsement, Licensure, Professional Learning Opportunities, Computational Thinking, CS Integration in non-CS Classes/Cross-curricular, Unplugged - Tech Free
Device Compatibility Android Device, Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer, Windows Computer

1:40pm MDT

AI for All: A Gentle Introduction Artificial Intelligence (virtual)

Ever seen a car drive around without passengers or accidentally set off the Alexa in your home? What about the advertisements on your Instagram knowing that you’re in market for a new pair of pants or Netflix recommending a movie you’ve been hearing about? These are all examples of artificial intelligence, or computers becoming as “smart” as humans. This technology has already shaped our digital world in more ways than we can process and with it comes both promise and peril.

In this interactive workshop, we will begin by taking a look at all the ways that AI influences the way we navigate the world, peek under the hood to see how machine learning works, and offer insight into how young learners play a key role in creating ethical and responsible technology. Designed for thinkers and doers of all ages, come and learn about how you can, in just 10 minutes, empower yourself with code to become part of a global conversation.

Speakers

Emmy Li

Emmy Li graduated from Stanford with a degree in Computational Physics and Data Science and develops innovative curriculum at Inspirit AI. Previously, Emmy worked with Caltech as an astrophysics researcher at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory as well as the Stanford Linear Accelerator... Read More →

Jared Greene

Friday June 3, 2022 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Incubator

Hybrid or Virtual, 1 hour presentation

Intended Audience 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers, 9-12 teachers, Administrators, P-2 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Certification, CTE, Endorsement, Licensure, Professional Learning Opportunities, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computational Thinking, Digital Literacy in CS
Device Compatibility Android Device, Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer, Windows Computer

1:40pm MDT

Middle School: Learn and Teach Coding with Processing (hybrid)

Speakers

Austin Spreng

Teacher, Horizon High/Adams 12

Friday June 3, 2022 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
110

Hybrid or Virtual, 1 hour presentation

Intended Audience 6-8 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Computational Thinking, Text-based Programming
Device Compatibility Android Device, Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer, Windows Computer, Linux Computer

1:40pm MDT

Host a Family Tech Night (in-person)

Speakers

Melissa Riggs

Education Technology Specialist for Instruction, District 49

Friday June 3, 2022 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Mezzanine

In-person, 1 hour presentation

Intended Audience 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers, 9-12 teachers, Administrators, P-2 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Certification, CTE, Endorsement, Licensure, Professional Learning Opportunities, Community Engagement, Extra Curricular, Unplugged - Tech Free
Device Compatibility Android Device, Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer, Windows Computer

1:40pm MDT

Increasing Exposure to CS with Integrated Coding Projects (in-person)

Interdisciplanary Computer Science
K-5, Middle School, High School
Curriculum, ideas, resources, discussion!

Are you interested in teaching coding in your math class? Have you considered an interdisciplinary project-based unit with the physics teacher? Are you looking to show your computer science students how relevant CS concepts are in their core subject classes? Do you need project ideas for your computer science classroom?

This session explores how interdisciplinary units can be used to reinforce and extend student learning. It’s also a great way to engage learners who haven’t considered computer science. We’ll present several project units that integrate computer science with math, science, social studies, and art. We’ll discuss how these units might be implemented in a computer science class, core subject class, or somewhere in between. You will leave this session with ideas, curriculum, and resources for your next interdisciplinary computer science project using CodeHS.

This session will focus on projects and strategies for middle school and high school, but everyone is welcome! (UPDATE: Now featuring K-5 Interdisciplinary concepts!!)

Speakers

Eric Crewes

CodeHS

Eric has spent the last 15 years working in various capacities supporting educational technology initiatives in Higher Education and K-12. He has an MS in Teaching and Learning with a specialization in Information Technology. He’s primarily focused on ways to open access to Computer... Read More →

Friday June 3, 2022 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
185

In-person, 1 hour presentation

Intended Audience 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers, 9-12 teachers, Administrators, P-2 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Certification, CTE, Endorsement, Licensure, Professional Learning Opportunities, Block Programming (aka Drag & Drop, Visual Coding), CS Integration in non-CS Classes/Cross-curricular, Text-based Programming
Device Compatibility Android Device, Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer, Windows Computer

1:40pm MDT

Cyber Security Competitions to Inspire and Challenge (hybrid)

This workshop will begin with identification and description of the various cyber security competitions available to a Colorado high or middle school. It will describe the equipment required and the time investment by a coach or mentor. The workshop will discuss funding options for the various games and where to access sponsors. The final section will be an actual competition so that each attendee can experience how a typical competition is designed. Feel free to explore www.owlsector.us

Speakers

John Freeburg

Lead Trainer, C Cubed Training

I'm excited to be back for another round of Cyber Security Competition training! We'll be learning some new techniques and using competition to inspire. Documents and website can be accessed at: https://www.ccubedtraining.com/documents

Friday June 3, 2022 1:40pm - 3:50pm MDT
210

Hybrid or Virtual, 2 hour workshop

Intended Audience 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers, 9-12 teachers, Administrators, P-2 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Certification, Computational Thinking, CS Integration in non-CS Classes/Cross-curricular, CTE, Endorsement, Licensure, Professional Learning Opportunities, Unplugged - Tech Free, Cybersecurity / NSA, Extra Curricular
Device Compatibility Android Device, Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer, Windows Computer

1:40pm MDT

How to Hack a Car (sort of) - An introduction to car-hacking (hybrid)

Speakers

William Heldman

Computer Science and Cybersecurity Instructor, Warren Tech

Friday June 3, 2022 1:40pm - 3:50pm MDT
Pitch Room

1:40pm MDT

Block Based Programming with Krox (in-person)

Attendees with be able to build robots using a combination of Knex, bricks, and Krox kits to program with block based programming and/or python language. Attendees will apply their experience in programming and robotics to build an operations process.
Each kit consists of more than 1000 pieces and it allows students and teachers to collaborate and build applications of equipment and processes. In addition, we will go over a curricular platform to explore different applications for each grade level.

Speakers

Delfin Lozano

Founder, QuestBotics

Delfin Lozano has more than 18 years of experience in operations, management and engineering. During his time at Covidien (Medtronic), he held several positions with increasing responsibility where he led a team to increase productivity and quality through lean manufacturing and operations... Read More →

Friday June 3, 2022 1:40pm - 3:50pm MDT
260

1:40pm MDT

Coding Starts Early with VEX 123 (in-person)

VEX 123 is an interactive, programmable robot that takes Computer Science and Computational Thinking off of the screen and brings them to life. For kids just entering school, teaching with VEX 123 is about providing students a new way to express ideas, communicate with their friends, and to learn math and literacy in new and exciting ways. Teaching CS is fun and easy with VEX 123. With this hands-on workshop, you see how Teaching CS with VEX 123 also provides students exposure to the thinking skills that will help them become creators— as opposed to just consumers — of technology in a world that's increasingly influenced by the manipulation of bits and bytes.

Speakers

Yuhan (Jimmy) Lin

University of Maryland

Jimmy Lin is a doctoral student in the Technology, Learning and Leadership PhD program at the University of Maryland’s College of Education. He got his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia, double majoring in Mathematics and Mathematics Education. He also has a master’s... Read More →

Friday June 3, 2022 1:40pm - 3:50pm MDT
250

In-person, 2 hour workshop

Intended Audience 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers, 9-12 teachers, Administrators, P-2 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Certification, CTE, Endorsement, Licensure, Professional Learning Opportunities, Computational Thinking, CS Integration in non-CS Classes/Cross-curricular, Physical Computing/Robotics
Device Compatibility Android Device, Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer, Windows Computer

1:40pm MDT

Mathematical Logical Thinking with Kinderbot (in-person)

During this session educators will be introduced to use a physical robotic kit and an application to teach basic functions of mathematics. This session consist of the presenter introducing class lessons programs for K2 teachers to incorporate in their classroom. These lessons include introducing students to basic geometry and physics concepts that help children understand and execute activities to learn their vocabulary and prepare them for literacy.
Educators will use a remote control device and a vocabulary map to engage students learn mapping and spelling.

Speakers

EDUARDO GALINDO

founder, egb4 technologies inc.

Friday June 3, 2022 1:40pm - 3:50pm MDT
180

In-person, 2 hour workshop

Intended Audience 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers, 9-12 teachers, Administrators, P-2 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Certification, CTE, Endorsement, Licensure, Professional Learning Opportunities, Digital Literacy in CS, Physical Computing/Robotics, Unplugged - Tech Free
Device Compatibility Android Device, Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer, Windows Computer, None

1:40pm MDT

Reaching Science Standards by Coding a Micro:bit (in-person)

It can be challenging to fully cover the Colorado Academic Standards in Science in an upper elementary and middle school classroom in engaging and innovative ways. Participants will discover how to engage students through phenomenon-based learning that incorporates age-appropriate cyber components, programming, and the science standards.

Participants will experience sample lessons and learn how to use the BBC micro:bit to motivate and engage students. Participants will use the free online Microsoft MakeCode simulator and view demonstrations of programs running on actual micro:bits. No previous experience with coding is required, but participants are asked to bring a laptop or tablet.

The lessons that will be shared include much more than just coding. The lessons have students working in teams, engaging in critical reflection, developing models, and sharing their ideas in speaking and writing. Engineering Design is also used to make ideas more concrete as students apply what they have learned to solve real-world problems and design solutions.

CYBER.ORG will provide each participant with access to their many resources which are always free to teachers in the United States.

Speakers

Benjamin Williamson

Curriculum Development Specialist, CYBER.ORG

Tommy Gober

Curriculum Development Specialist, CYBER.ORG

Friday June 3, 2022 1:40pm - 3:50pm MDT
255

In-person, 2 hour workshop

Intended Audience 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers, 9-12 teachers, Administrators, P-2 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Certification, CTE, Endorsement, Licensure, Professional Learning Opportunities, Block Programming (aka Drag & Drop, Visual Coding), CS Integration in non-CS Classes/Cross-curricular, STEM Integration
Device Compatibility Android Device, Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer, Windows Computer

1:40pm MDT

The First Mile: Why and How to Help K5 Students Become Future Ready (in-person)

Speakers

Qing Hua

CEO and Founder, Build A Robot K12

Friday June 3, 2022 1:40pm - 3:50pm MDT
190

In-person, 2 hour workshop

Intended Audience 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers, 9-12 teachers, Administrators, P-2 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Certification, CTE, Endorsement, Licensure, Professional Learning Opportunities, Digital Literacy in CS, Extra Curricular, Student Presenter
Device Compatibility Android Device, Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer, Windows Computer

2:50pm MDT

Crafting Heroes for the Metaverse (in-person)

I would love to show people some of the potential for multi-user holographic experiences and setting context about why it is important for educators to be actively exploring and empowering kids to create educational content for this kind of future. The combination of mixed reality that uses spatial computing, spatial anchors, real-time networking, open access initiatives, and shared real-time experiences across devices is going to be a game changer in education once the price points for the technology come down. For computer science classes, it doesn't matter if the price comes down because we want to be creating the creators for this content right now if we want kids who are ready to step into the open positions that will be available by the time today's freshmen become tomorrows graduates.

I would love to share some examples of the work, some recommendations for tools to get started, an overview of open access initiatives with a resource guide for places to go explore and download content, and some suggestions for balancing straight computer science with design/development/project management. I can explain a little about how our current project was created in partnership with the U.S. Navy using resources from the Smithsonian, KitBash3D (a professional modeling company out of Hollywood, and NASA for an authentic local non-profit called the Space Foundation.

Here is a link to the page that I shared in the session that has tutorials, grant information, and some of a deeper dive on our creation of the app over the 2021-2022 school year:

https://sites.google.com/view/stempath2022-wybrant/resources-for-metaverse-creation

Speakers

Sean Wybrant

Hero Crafter - Educator - Digital Media Studies, Palmer High School - Colorado Springs School District 11

I teach students about game design and computer science at Palmer High School in Colorado Springs. Students in my classes are working on developing augmented, virtual, and mixed reality experiences that will help to teach other students about a variety of topics. I started teaching... Read More →

Friday June 3, 2022 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
245

In-person, 1 hour presentation

Intended Audience 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers, 9-12 teachers, Administrators, P-2 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Certification, CTE, Endorsement, Licensure, Professional Learning Opportunities, AR/VR/MR
Device Compatibility Android Device, Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer, Windows Computer, HoloLens 2

2:50pm MDT

Creating graphs in Python! (in-person)

Teachers will learn to use the matplotlib library in Python to create graphs and charts.
CS@Mines majors - Jessica Gregory and Colter Snyder will be presenting.
SLIDE LINK: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Sbhd-v354bqBor-It7wE39hVhkUNoWYDahioClhcemA/edit?usp=sharing

Activity link: https://replit.com/@cliebe/csv-weather#main.py
https://replit.com/@djdjdj114/RockCSSummer2022CurricDev
https://trinket.io/programmer114-gmail-com/courses/rock-cs-2022-graphs-using-matplotlib#/rock-cs-2022-session/first-graphs

Resources: https://matplotlib.org/cheatsheets/_images/cheatsheets-1.png

Speakers

Christine Liebe

Professor of Practice, Colorado School of Mines

Partners

CS @ Mines

Friday June 3, 2022 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
185

2:50pm MDT

Tech Tool Playground: Spark an Interest in STEM (in-person)

Come play with the Mobile Innovation Lab! We specialize in field trip-like and community events that aim at sparking an interest in STEM, including computer science. In this fast paced, hands-on session we will rotate through different stations that highlight tech tools to help kids get excited about STEM fields. With a focus on quick challenges for K-5, the tech tools will include: Ozobots, Sphero Indi, Class VR, Animation Creation, and Trello Drones. Get ready to have some fun and be the student.

Speakers

Colin Rickman

Director of Communications and Engagement, St. Vrain Valley Schools

After spending ten years in the classroom teaching Science and STEM at the Middle School level, Colin moved into an Instructional Tech Coordinator role in St. Vrain Valley and kickstarting the Mobile Innovation Lab. Since 2019, the Mobile Innovation Lab has been traveling around St... Read More →

Friday June 3, 2022 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Outside the Valley

In-person, 1 hour presentation

Intended Audience 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers, 9-12 teachers, Administrators, P-2 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Certification, Computational Thinking, CS Integration in non-CS Classes/Cross-curricular, CTE, Endorsement, Licensure, Professional Learning Opportunities, Unplugged - Tech Free, Community Engagement, Maker Activities, Programs and Spaces
Device Compatibility Android Device, Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer, Windows Computer

2:50pm MDT

Unplugged. Computational Thinking in the K-5 Classroom (in-person)

Speakers

Dixie Kalvels

Media and Technology, SVVSD

Friday June 3, 2022 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Makerspace

In-person, 1 hour presentation

Intended Audience 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers, 9-12 teachers, Administrators, P-2 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Certification, CTE, Endorsement, Licensure, Professional Learning Opportunities, Computational Thinking, CS Integration in non-CS Classes/Cross-curricular, Unplugged - Tech Free
Device Compatibility Android Device, Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer, Windows Computer