CS Summer of Fun

This is a session description.

Speakers

Pam Buffington

Director of Rural STEM Education, pbuffington@edc.org

Monday July 29, 2024 8:30am - 9:15am EDT
Ferland 214 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

All

9:15am EDT

UDL in Computer Science

Monday July 29, 2024 9:15am - 10:30am EDT

An overview of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and ways to integrate them into computer science

Speakers

Crystal Wescott

Monday July 29, 2024 9:15am - 10:30am EDT
Ferland 235 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-12

9:15am EDT

Introduction to Computational Thinking and CSTA Standards and Practices

Monday July 29, 2024 9:15am - 10:30am EDT

Dive deeper into the CSTA standards and computational thinking. The session will include an examination of what we mean by computational thinking and how it can be applied across the curriculum. We’ll explore specific examples, including making sense of engaging questions and puzzles focusing on the CSTA skills and practices and where they intersect with a range of content areas. This session will be devoted to standards and practices at the K-5 level.

Speakers

Pam Buffington

Director of Rural STEM Education, pbuffington@edc.org

Monday July 29, 2024 9:15am - 10:30am EDT
Ferland 337 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-5

9:15am EDT

Inspiring Innovation through Science Fairs: Grades 9-12

Monday July 29, 2024 9:15am - 12:15pm EDT

Do you want to engage your students in authentic research and problem solving? Does the phrase “science fair” conjure up images of solar system models and baking soda-and-vinegar volcanoes? This session will give you a whole new way to think about STEM projects. We will go over the basics of the Maine State Science Fair, practice activities to help students select meaningful projects, consider how CS/CT can help them, and explore resources to guide students through the many phases of their projects. This workshop will just scratch the surface of the many ways the MSSF team is here to support you as you support your young scientists and engineers. This is a half day session.

Speakers

Stefany Burrell

STEM Education Specialist, MMSA

I believe that some of the best learning happens in a hands-on setting, coupled with the learner having an opportunity to teach others or share with them what they learned. I come from a background in environmental education, where I worked primarily with upper elementary and middle... Read More →

Monday July 29, 2024 9:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Ferland 236 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

9-12

9:15am EDT

CS Fundamentals

Monday July 29, 2024 9:15am - 4:30pm EDT

Free set of elementary curricula that introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. This is an all day session.

Speakers

Geoff Cyr

Monday July 29, 2024 9:15am - 4:30pm EDT
Ferland 106 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-5

10:30am EDT

Break

Monday July 29, 2024 10:30am - 10:45am EDT

Monday July 29, 2024 10:30am - 10:45am EDT
Ferland 214 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

All

10:45am EDT

AI for Us: Using AI Tools to Enhance Learning and Teaching

Monday July 29, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT

We have all seen and heard the debate surrounding Artificial Intelligence use in our classrooms by our learners, but little is said about the potentials of AI tool use to enhance teaching and learning. In this session, we will discuss some ways you can get started using AI in your craft, from supplementing instruction, to crafting culturally-responsive content, to simplifying day-to-day tasks. We will also take a look at some farther-off uses and open the floor to find the audience is using AI right now.

Speakers

Alan Jamieson

Monday July 29, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT
Ferland 235 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-12

10:45am EDT

Formative Assessment

Monday July 29, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT

Join us for an engaging session on leveraging formative assessment to enhance computer science (CS) education, aligned with CSTA standards. Discover practical strategies for integrating CS into core subjects like math, science, language arts, and social studies through illustrative examples. Explore the principles of formative assessment, tailored for all learners, to elicit understanding, monitor progress, provide feedback, and adjust instruction. This session equips educators with the knowledge and resources to foster a supportive learning environment where students' success in both CS and core content areas is tracked.

Speakers

Pam Buffington

Director of Rural STEM Education, pbuffington@edc.org

Monday July 29, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT
Ferland 337 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-12

12:15pm EDT

Lunch

Monday July 29, 2024 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

Monday July 29, 2024 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT
Bear's Den China Road, Orono, ME, USA

All

12:15pm EDT

Lunch with CSTA

Monday July 29, 2024 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

Learn about the benefits of CSTA membership and connect with CSTA Maine's Leadership

Speakers

Kymberly Bryant

Monday July 29, 2024 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT
Bear's Den China Road, Orono, ME, USA

All

1:15pm EDT

Developing a Math and CS Lesson for Middle School

Monday July 29, 2024 1:15pm - 2:45pm EDT

This workshop goes through the planning process to integrate mathematics and computational thinking while giving a visual way to introduce functions and growing patterns to students with neurodiverse needs. Discusses easy accommodations and modifications that can be applied in the classroom for many learners.

Speakers

Julia McDonald Plumb

Crystal Wescott

Monday July 29, 2024 1:15pm - 2:45pm EDT
Ferland 235 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

6-12

1:15pm EDT

Introduction to Inclusive Computer Science Methods

Monday July 29, 2024 1:15pm - 2:45pm EDT

Do you wonder about how to include CS and CT content in your classroom? Are you interested in finding out HOW to teach, not just what to teach? Then this workshop is for you! We'll explore the state of the art in terms of teaching computer science concepts as well as how to consider all students while designing lessons. Participants will leave with resources necessary to continue their CS journey in their classrooms for the following year.

Speakers

Lindsay Jamieson

Computer Science Faculty, Roux Institute

Monday July 29, 2024 1:15pm - 2:45pm EDT
Ferland 337 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-12

1:15pm EDT

Inspiring Innovation through Science Fairs: Grades 5-8

Monday July 29, 2024 1:15pm - 4:30pm EDT

Speakers

Stefany Burrell

STEM Education Specialist, MMSA

Monday July 29, 2024 1:15pm - 4:30pm EDT
Ferland 236 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

5-8

2:45pm EDT

Break

Monday July 29, 2024 2:45pm - 3:00pm EDT

Monday July 29, 2024 2:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
Ferland 214 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

All

3:00pm EDT

Introduction to Computational Thinking and CSTA Standards and Practices

Monday July 29, 2024 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Dive deeper into the CSTA standards and computational thinking. The session will include an examination of what we mean by computational thinking and how it can be applied to across the curriculum. We’ll explore specific examples, including making sense engaging questions and puzzles focusing on the CSTA skills and practices and where they intersect with a range of content areas. This session will be devoted to standards and practices at the 6-12 level.

Speakers

Pam Buffington

Director of Rural STEM Education, pbuffington@edc.org

Monday July 29, 2024 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Ferland 235 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

6-12

3:00pm EDT

Hidden Computational Thinking: CT Activities for Our Earliest Learners

Monday July 29, 2024 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

In this workshop, participants will get a chance to learn about activities that can build computational thinking skills in our youngest learners. These activities, also known as unplugged activities, require no prior computer science or computational thinking knowledge, and do not require any devices. The problems tackled here are tied directly to some of the most challenging problems in computer science, but maybe not the ones that immediately come to mind when one thinks about computer science as a field. There’s no programming, computers, or even reading involved, just problem solving and a bit of fun. And coloring! Everyone loves coloring! Participants will learn more about these problems, including a bit of history, tackle some of them in small groups, and learn how they can be incorporated as stand-alone or integrated activities. Any educators, regardless of level or expertise, are welcome, but those serving early elementary students will get the most out of this session.

Speakers

Alan Jamieson

Monday July 29, 2024 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Ferland 337 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-5

8:45am EDT

CS Integration Overview and Using CS Integration to Broaden Access

Tuesday July 30, 2024 8:45am - 9:30am EDT

In this introductory session, we'll offer a review of what we mean when we say computer science and computational thinking as well as what integrating them into core content areas looks like. Additionally, we'll hear from a few WFR district partners from Ellsworth and Lincoln about how integrating CS has broadened access to computer science skills and practices for students.

Speakers

Pam Buffington

Director of Rural STEM Education, pbuffington@edc.org

Katie Hollenback

Technology Integrator, Ellsworth School Department

K-12 Tech Integrator, former high school engineering/tech teacher & mechanical/nuclear engineer

Heather Rockwell

Director of Curriculum and Academic Achievement, RSU 67

Tuesday July 30, 2024 8:45am - 9:30am EDT
Ferland 235 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

Admin

8:45am EDT

Unplugged Activities to Integrate Math and CS K-8

Tuesday July 30, 2024 8:45am - 10:15am EDT

Come experience several activities that can be used to introduce students to CS concepts and practices while also addressing math content and practice standards for your grade level. These activities are easily adaptable to a variety of grade levels and standards.

Speakers

Julia McDonald Plumb

Tuesday July 30, 2024 8:45am - 10:15am EDT
Ferland 106 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-8

8:45am EDT

Scratch Crash Course

Tuesday July 30, 2024 8:45am - 12:00pm EDT

This session is specifically designed for those who are interested in Scratch but haven’t had the time to explore its functions. We’ll start with some basic coordinate plane activities and build to using loops and functions to create geometric patterns. By the end of the session, participants should walk away with a deeper understanding of the tools and possibilities for exploration and expression using Scratch.

Speakers

Ian Collins

STEM Education Specialist, MMSA

Tuesday July 30, 2024 8:45am - 12:00pm EDT
Ferland 236 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-12

8:45am EDT

Space 101

Tuesday July 30, 2024 8:45am - 12:00pm EDT

Space 101 is an introductory presentation that will Introduce concepts and materials and then offer a “hands-on” session to try/do the lessons. It will also cover 2-3 topic areas related to Space STEAM science and Computing, how to align & meet standards and highlight and share resources to bring this into your classrooms.

Speakers

Kathy Bock

Cape Elizabeth Schools

Jim Lenke

Karin Paquin

Rhonda Stevens

Tuesday July 30, 2024 8:45am - 12:00pm EDT
Ferland 337 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-12

9:30am EDT

The Four Ships

Tuesday July 30, 2024 9:30am - 10:15am EDT

Join us for "The Four Ships" session where we delve into the world of internships, apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and relationships. This engaging session includes expert insights, industry perspectives, and interactive breakout activities designed to help educators, administrators, and employers collaborate effectively. Learn how to expand experiential learning opportunities and create valuable partnerships that benefit students and the workforce alike.

Speakers

Shelby Bryant

Tuesday July 30, 2024 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
Ferland 235 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

Admin

10:15am EDT

Break

Tuesday July 30, 2024 10:15am - 10:30am EDT

Tuesday July 30, 2024 10:15am - 10:30am EDT
Ferland 214 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

All

10:30am EDT

Building a District Vision of CSforAll

Tuesday July 30, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

This strategic session is aimed at helping districts develop an inclusive and comprehensive plan for Computer Science education. Participants will engage in collaborative discussions, strategic planning, and resource sharing to implement the CSforAll initiative effectively. This session equips educators and administrators with the tools and knowledge to advance CS education across all grade levels, ensuring all students have access to quality CS learning experiences.

Speakers

Shelby Bryant

Angela Oechslie

Program Director, Educate Maine

I direct the Project>Login program at Educate Maine and love to support CS teachers as they implement computer science in their schools. I am a trained CSforALL SCRIPT facilitator, the community partner for Girls Who Code, and the regional partner, along with MMSA, for Code.org's... Read More →

Tuesday July 30, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Ferland 235 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

Admin

10:30am EDT

Teaching and Integrating Computer Science Using Children’s Literature

Tuesday July 30, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Books and stories are a great way to introduce Computational Thinking and Computer Science concepts, no screens required! While there are lots of children’s books about computer science and computer scientists, CS/CT concepts can be found in all sorts of children’s literature. In this session, participants will learn about basic CS and CT concepts and tips on how to identify them in children’s stories. Participants will sample a variety of books and collaborate with colleagues to develop lessons and activities they can bring back to their classrooms… oh, and maybe a couple of book requests for the beginning of the year wish list too!

Speakers

Geoff Cyr

Tuesday July 30, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Ferland 106 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-5

12:00pm EDT

Lunch

Tuesday July 30, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Tuesday July 30, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Bear's Den China Road, Orono, ME, USA

All

12:00pm EDT

Lunch with CodeHS

Tuesday July 30, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Have lunch with representatives from CodeHS and learn more about their educational tools and platform

Speakers

CodeHS Staff

Tuesday July 30, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Bear's Den China Road, Orono, ME, USA

All

1:00pm EDT

Funs-on/Hands-on Explorations of Force and Motion

Tuesday July 30, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

This session will engage participants in hands-on explorations of force and motion using Lego blocks and Lego Spike kits. The activities will provide opportunities for guided practice and open-ended inquiry while boosting STEAM skills. Free kick balls, ski down slopes, and wind sail your way to understanding.

Speakers

Pam Buffington

Director of Rural STEM Education, pbuffington@edc.org

Kate Coleman

Project Director, Educational Development Center (Regional Educational Labratory: Northeast & Islands)

Tuesday July 30, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Ferland 106 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

4-12

1:00pm EDT

Scratch Math

Tuesday July 30, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

This session will explore how to integrate Scratch with math concepts including visual patterns at the 4-8 grade level. Model lessons and resources to support math instruction will be provided.

Speakers

Ian Collins

STEM Education Specialist, MMSA

Julia McDonald Plumb

Tuesday July 30, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Ferland 236 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

5-8

1:00pm EDT

Asset-driven Leadership Planning

Tuesday July 30, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

In this session, we will focus on leveraging the existing assets in your district and community to support strategic planning for your school building. We will consider how to build effective partnerships, planning for partnership sustainability, and curricular integration of partnerships.

Speakers

Dr. Cat Biddle

University of Maine

Tuesday July 30, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Ferland 235 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

Admin

1:00pm EDT

Data Talks - Bringing Real World Data to Life in your Classroom

Tuesday July 30, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Are you looking for new ways to empower your learners? Well, look no further. Adding data talks to your teaching will engage your students and provide an opportunity for students to consider and interpret data in ways that interest them. Recognizing patterns and making meaning within the data is a core activity of computational thinking. Computational thinking is a must-have skill for future careers in this digital era. Come to this session for ideas on how you can use data talks in different areas of your curriculum. Let’s get our students ready for exciting job opportunities by creating a culture of inquiry in our classrooms.

Speakers

Alice Lee

Crescent Park School

Tuesday July 30, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Ferland 337 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-5

2:30pm EDT

Break

Tuesday July 30, 2024 2:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Tuesday July 30, 2024 2:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Ferland 214 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

All

2:45pm EDT

Strategies for Broadening Participation in CS

Tuesday July 30, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT

This session will discuss research based strategies for broadening participation in CS, focused specifically at the building and/or district level. Topics will include centering the CS experiences/courses in the student experience and increasing comfort for faculty with the content. Additionally, we will touch on strategies for improving understanding of CS for families.

Speakers

Lindsay Jamieson

Computer Science Faculty, Roux Institute

Tuesday July 30, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT
Ferland 235 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

Admin

2:45pm EDT

Scratch the Science Surface: Engaging Middle School Educators in Creative Coding

Tuesday July 30, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT

Are you eager to transform science education in your classroom with Scratch? Discover the power of creative coding and how Scratch can enrich your science curriculum while fostering creativity and critical thinking! Join us for an engaging workshop tailored for middle school science educators interested in integrating Scratch into their teaching practices. Whether you're new to coding or seeking to enhance your students' learning experiences, this workshop is designed with you in mind.

Speakers

Ian Collins

STEM Education Specialist, MMSA

Lynn Hanna

Tuesday July 30, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
Ferland 236 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

5-8

2:45pm EDT

BeeBots

Tuesday July 30, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT

Learn how to incorporate bee bots into your science lesson to make learning more memorable and fun!

Speakers

Holly Libby

Tuesday July 30, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
Ferland 337 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-5

2:45pm EDT

Exploring Plugged Activities to Engage Young Learners

Tuesday July 30, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT

When we consider how we can work with our youngest learners in computer science, we typically land on unplugged (or semi-unplugged) activities that focus on developing computational thinking skills. However, these learners can engage in plugged activities as well, learning the fundamentals of programming and working on their computational thinking skills while flexing their creativity, imagination, and curiosity. In this session, participants will learn about some common tools that educators may be familiar with, as well as look at some tools that may not be as prevalent.

Speakers

Alan Jamieson

Tuesday July 30, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
Ferland 106 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-5

3:30pm EDT

Increasing District Capacity for Advocacy

Tuesday July 30, 2024 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT

Participants will learn about and be able to practice advocacy strategies that can be used in districts and the wider community to advocate for the expansion of computer science experiences for students. Using data and storytelling, participants will learn how to increase their own advocacy skills and identify district and school champions who can also provide additional advocacy support.

Speakers

Ruth Kermish Allen

Executive Director, MMSA

Jason Judd

Executive Director, Educate Maine

Tuesday July 30, 2024 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT
Ferland 235 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

Admin

8:45am EDT

#MaineTeachesCS

Thursday August 1, 2024 8:45am - 10:15am EDT

The Maine Department of Education’s #MaineTeachesCS initiative’s stated mission is to “expand awareness of the values and importance of computer science education in every classroom and for every student by ensuring teachers have the resources and support they need to effectively integrate computer science in their classrooms and engage their students in computational thinking.” In keeping with this mission, in 2022 the MLTI team launched Computer Science Mobile Lab kits, allowing schools to choose kits from 3 categories, Integrated Augmented and Virtual Reality, Robotics and Programming, and Integrating Coding & Hardware. Come discuss with us our key goals on integration, learn what our strategies and ideas are, share feedback on your successes and struggles with kids in your school, and discover new ways to use the kits in your classroom!

Speakers

Emma Marie Banks

Coordinator of Learning Through Technology, Maine Department of Education

Jon Graham

Maine Department of Education

Allison Braley

Maine DOE

Thursday August 1, 2024 8:45am - 10:15am EDT
Ferland 337 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-12

8:45am EDT

Asking Purposeful Questions to Deepen Computational Thinking

Thursday August 1, 2024 8:45am - 10:15am EDT

Questions are the beginning of a path towards discovery, imagination, and STEM exploration. How can we help youth expand and clarify their thinking and develop their reasoning through the questions we ask them while engaging in Computational Thinking? Experience purposeful questions as both a learner and educator in this interactive session.

Speakers

Becky Tapley

Thursday August 1, 2024 8:45am - 10:15am EDT
Ferland 235 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-12

8:45am EDT

Computational Thinking and Science Investigations

Thursday August 1, 2024 8:45am - 10:15am EDT

In this session, we'll learn how computational thinking can help support science projects and guide student thinking. We'll cover the basic concepts of computational thinking and see them at play with the Smithsonian Science for Computational Thinking series of lessons.

Speakers

Ian Collins

STEM Education Specialist, MMSA

Thursday August 1, 2024 8:45am - 10:15am EDT
Ferland 234 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-8

8:45am EDT

From Classroom to Competition

Thursday August 1, 2024 8:45am - 12:00pm EDT

This is a novice level hands-on experience where participants will learn more about the FIRST LEGO League Challenge competition opportunities in Maine. There will be a competition field to put your skills to the test, as well as plenty of discussion with experienced coaches to understand how to get involved. The session will start with programming a mission from the MASTERPIECE field. It will end with discussions and guidance about how to run a team successfully to participate in the FIRST LEGO League Challenge program.

Speakers

Geoff Cyr

Jamee Luce

Thursday August 1, 2024 8:45am - 12:00pm EDT
Ferland 106 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

4-8

10:15am EDT

Break

Thursday August 1, 2024 10:15am - 10:30am EDT

Thursday August 1, 2024 10:15am - 10:30am EDT
Ferland 214 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

All

10:30am EDT

CODAP Introduction

Thursday August 1, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

CODAP is a great tool to empower your students to analyze and visualize data. In this session, we'll explore the tool and provide some examples of how it can be used within your classroom paired with computational thinking.

Speakers

Ian Collins

STEM Education Specialist, MMSA

Hannah Lakin

STEM Education Specialist, Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance

Hannah serves as a STEM Education Specialist at the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance. Together with educators and leaders, she works to make STEM education meaningful for learners. At MMSA, Hannah is a developer and coach for the Afterschool Coaching for Reflective Educators... Read More →

Thursday August 1, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Ferland 234 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

6-12

10:30am EDT

Integrating Augmented and Virtual Reality

Thursday August 1, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Augmented and Virtual Reality allow users to discover new ideas and concepts, explore new worlds and allows teachers to share lessons in new and interesting ways, all while sitting in your classroom! Come see how the MLTI’s Computer Science Mobile Lab kids Merge Cubes, Merge EDU and CoSpaces software can integrate Augmented and Virtual Reality into your already existing lessons, and ways you can come up with new and diverse lessons! If you already use Merge or CoSpaces, we would love for you to join us to share the great experiences you have had with your peers!

Speakers

Emma Marie Banks

Coordinator of Learning Through Technology, Maine Department of Education

Jon Graham

Maine Department of Education

Allison Braley

Maine DOE

Thursday August 1, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Ferland 337 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-12

10:30am EDT

Visual Patterns for Computational Thinking

Thursday August 1, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Exploring visual patterns is an outstanding math thinking routine, but is there computational thinking to be found there as well? Come and explore these visual patterns as a learner first, and then reflect on your computational thinking. There will be time to try additional patterns on your own to grow your math and computational thinking mind.

Speakers

Becky Tapley

Thursday August 1, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Ferland 235 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-12

12:00pm EDT

Lunch

Thursday August 1, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Thursday August 1, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Bear's Den China Road, Orono, ME, USA

All

12:00pm EDT

Lunch with U-Maine CS Department

Thursday August 1, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Spend your lunch connecting with faculty in the Univeristy of Maine's CS Department and learn about the opportunities for students and areas of connection between K-12 and higher ed.

Speakers

Dr. Laura Gurney

Dr. Penny Rheingans

Thursday August 1, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Bear's Den China Road, Orono, ME, USA

All

1:00pm EDT

Integrating Robotics and Programming

Thursday August 1, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Robotics is a fun and hands on way to get your students to not only learn the basic concepts of computer programming, but to also use and develop critical thinking skills when they encounter problems and need a solution. Come learn how you can use the Sphero Bolt, and the Sphero Indi in your classroom! These robots can lead to fun and new curriculum lessons or can easily integrate into lessons you already have! No robot or computer science experience necessary to get these great little robots up and running in your classroom! If you are already using Indi or Bolt, we would still love to have you come and show us the fun ways you are using them in your classrooms!

Speakers

Emma Marie Banks

Coordinator of Learning Through Technology, Maine Department of Education

Jon Graham

Maine Department of Education

Allison Braley

Maine DOE

Thursday August 1, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Ferland 337 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-12

1:00pm EDT

BeeBots + Art: Creative Exploration

Thursday August 1, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

This session will not only be exciting and creative, but it will also provide practical applications. We will explore the use of BeBots to engage learners in creative explorations, incorporating geometry, computer science, and art. Come prepared to be inspired by the practicality of this learning experience!

Speakers

Pam Buffington

Director of Rural STEM Education, pbuffington@edc.org

Kate Coleman

Project Director, Educational Development Center (Regional Educational Labratory: Northeast & Islands)

Thursday August 1, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Ferland 234 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-5

1:00pm EDT

Computational Thinking and Scientific Modeling in Exploring Environmental Phenomena

Thursday August 1, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Align, integrate, and support interdisciplinary curricula for elementary educators in environmental learning, focusing on K-6 mathematics and computational thinking with scientific modeling. This approach empowers educators to effectively engage students in collecting real data, which serves as evidence to address environmental challenges directly impacting their lives.

Speakers

Len Kenyon

MMSA

Thursday August 1, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Ferland 235 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-8

1:00pm EDT

Python Programming with Lego Prime

Thursday August 1, 2024 1:00pm - 4:15pm EDT

Are your students ready to graduate from block-based programming? Have students that need a little more of a challenge while the rest of the class is programming with blocks? Has the thought of teaching text-based programming ever caused your eyes to glaze over? If so, then this session is for you! This session will explore the Spike Prime platform and its new Python programming mode. You will learn the basic concepts of Python and how to construct a working program. You will also take away resources and guides to help you continue your text-coding adventure!

Speakers

Geoff Cyr

Thursday August 1, 2024 1:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
Ferland 106 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

4-12

2:45pm EDT

Break

Thursday August 1, 2024 2:45pm - 3:15pm EDT

Thursday August 1, 2024 2:45pm - 3:15pm EDT
Ferland 214 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

All

2:45pm EDT

Light and Sound Stories with Sphero Bolt

Thursday August 1, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT

Make stories come alive with the Sphero Bolt! Whether it be creating a story map of a novel or tracing the thematic elements that lead to the climax of a story, the Sphero Bolt's block code can be incorporated into ELA lessons to make stories come alive with coding. Come see how a tech integrator and an ELA teacher worked together to work build coding in a thematic unit!

Speakers

Mary Learned

Computer Teacher/Tech Integrator, Tripp Middle School

Thursday August 1, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
Ferland 234 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

5-8

2:45pm EDT

Integrating Coding and Hardware

Thursday August 1, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT

Did your school get Lego Robotics kits with your Computer Science Mobile Lab, and now your wondering how to use them in your classroom? Look no further! Come discover the fun and engaging way you can use Lego Essentials or Lego Prime kits with your students! The lessons offer great variety- you can do stand alone hour lessons, or multi-week units, and students can work alone or in pairs. Already using Lego Robotics kits and want to spread the immense wealth and knowledge you already have? We would love to have you! Bring the joy of Lego Robotics to your classroom!

Speakers

Emma Marie Banks

Coordinator of Learning Through Technology, Maine Department of Education

Jon Graham

Maine Department of Education

Allison Braley

Maine DOE

Thursday August 1, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
Ferland 337 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-12

2:45pm EDT

Integrating CS into Elementary Mathematics: the Coordinate Plane

Thursday August 1, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT

Do you want to develop students’ mathematical and computational thinking? Are you looking for new ways to integrate computer science (CS) ideas and skills into your elementary classroom? Come to learn about the progression of mathematical ideas focused on the coordinate plane.

Speakers

Kate Coleman

Project Director, Educational Development Center (Regional Educational Labratory: Northeast & Islands)

Thursday August 1, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
Ferland 235 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-5

8:45am EDT

Computer Science Connected Learning Experiences Overview

Friday August 2, 2024 8:45am - 10:15am EDT

The Computer Science Connected Learning Experiences (CSCLE) program offers educators a unique professional development opportunity to immerse themselves in Maine's computer science landscape. Participants will engage with employers, community members, business leaders, and policymakers during an informative bus tour in October. This program focuses on understanding Maine's workforce challenges and opportunities in the computer science sector, highlighting the critical role education plays in driving economic growth. Join us to gain valuable insights, forge meaningful connections, and explore innovative ways to prepare students for the evolving demands of the tech industry.

Speakers

Angela Oechslie

Program Director, Educate Maine

Shelby Bryant

Friday August 2, 2024 8:45am - 10:15am EDT
Ferland 337 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-12

8:45am EDT

Teaching AI Through Teachable Machine and Other AI Resources

Friday August 2, 2024 8:45am - 10:15am EDT

Before embarking on the use and regulation of AI in schools, it is important for education professionals to understand the basic mechanics of machine learning and the implications of the data used to train the models. We would like to provide a brief overview of the mechanics of AI and use Google’s Teachable Machine platform to illustrate how training data can impact the outputs of AI models. Participants will have a chance to develop their own training data set, test that set, and delve into issues of bias in the data selection process and the impacts those choices have on the model’s outputs. We can also provide educators with examples of integrating ‘Teachable Machine’ into their curriculum as well as provide resources and recommendations to support this integration work for students in grades 3-8th grade.

Speakers

Ian Collins

STEM Education Specialist, MMSA

Friday August 2, 2024 8:45am - 10:15am EDT
Ferland 235 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-12

8:45am EDT

UMaine CS and CS-adjacent Pathways from K-12 to the Workforce

Friday August 2, 2024 8:45am - 10:15am EDT

Overview of UMaine pathways in CS, CS-adjacent majors/minors, and fields where computing skills are a valuable complement. Programs include BS in CS, BS in Hman-centered Technology Design, BA in New Media, proposed BS in Computer Science and Business, proposed minor in Game Design and Development, etc. Discussion of how K-12 educators can prepare students for these pathways and where they might be leading in the workforce. Lots of time for questions and discussion.

Speakers

Dr. Laura Gurney

Dr. Penny Rheingans

Friday August 2, 2024 8:45am - 10:15am EDT
Ferland 236 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-12

8:45am EDT

Exploring CS and STEAM with FIRST LEGO League Explore

Friday August 2, 2024 8:45am - 12:00pm EDT

So you got a bunch of Yellow LEGO kits… now what? The LEGO Spike Essential kit is wonderfully-engaging for kids in the middle-elementary grades, but finding time for “one more thing” in the school day can be tricky. Enter FIRST LEGO League Explore! Whether as an after school club or integrated into your classroom, FLL Explore offers curriculum, aligned to Common Core, Next Gen Science, CSTA, ISTE, and CASEL standards, that help you lead students as they explore real-world problems, learn to design, and code, and create unique solutions using FIRST’s Explore Set and the LEGO Spike Essential robot kit. Join us for a morning filled with play and learning, and leave ready to “Explore” hands-on STEAM learning with FIRST!

Speakers

Geoff Cyr

Friday August 2, 2024 8:45am - 12:00pm EDT
Ferland 106 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-5

10:15am EDT

Break

Friday August 2, 2024 10:15am - 10:30am EDT

Advance Structures and Composites Center

Friday August 2, 2024 10:15am - 10:30am EDT
Ferland 214 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

All

10:30am EDT

Advanced Structures & Composites Center Tour

Friday August 2, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Join us on a tour of the Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) to learn more about the workforce connections to integrating CS/CT in your classroom. The ASCC has many projects which include a 3D printed home, offshore wind expansion, wood composites, and civil infrastructure engineering.

Friday August 2, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Advance Structures and Composites Center 35 Flagstaff Road Orono, ME 04469-5793

K-12

10:30am EDT

Space 101: Beyond Earth: Innovating Algae Experimentation for Lunar and Martian Problem-Solving

Friday August 2, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Join us for a session designed to prepare students for future space workforce opportunities. You will learn how to guide students in building and programming an algae growth chamber for space environments, starting with a recap of the experiment. In order to build this, we will show you what materials you need and provide ideas for finding and acquiring them.

Speakers

Kathy Bock

Cape Elizabeth Schools

Jim Lenke

Angela Oechslie

Program Director, Educate Maine

Karin Paquin

Rhonda Stevens

Friday August 2, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Ferland 337 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-12

10:30am EDT

Integrating CS into Elementary Mathematics: Number Lines

Friday August 2, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Do you find yourself wondering how to integrate computer science (CS) ideas and skills into your elementary classroom? Do you want to develop students’ mathematical and computational thinking? Come to learn more about how to build computer science ideas – such as abstraction and algorithm – in the context of mathematics, even in our elementary students.

Speakers

Kate Coleman

Project Director, Educational Development Center (Regional Educational Labratory: Northeast & Islands)

Friday August 2, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Ferland 235 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-5

12:00pm EDT

Lunch

Friday August 2, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Friday August 2, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Bear's Den China Road, Orono, ME, USA

All

12:00pm EDT

Lunch with Games

Friday August 2, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Lighten up your lunch hour with games and a chance to connect with someone new

Speakers

Shelby Bryant

Friday August 2, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Bear's Den China Road, Orono, ME, USA

All

1:00pm EDT

Introduction to Micro:bits

Friday August 2, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Advance Structures and Composites Center

Have you been curious about micro:bits? Would you like to learn more about how they function and can be integrated into your classroom? Join us as we use micro:bits to solve a problem and explore some examples of integrating micro:bits into middle school science.

Speakers

Ian Collins

STEM Education Specialist, MMSA

Lynn Hanna

Friday August 2, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Ferland 337 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

5-8

1:00pm EDT

Advanced Structures & Composites Center Tour

Friday August 2, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Friday August 2, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Advance Structures and Composites Center 35 Flagstaff Road Orono, ME 04469-5793

K-12

1:00pm EDT

Building Addition and Multiplication Ideas in Young Learners: An Integrated CS Approach

Friday August 2, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Developing an understanding of the two basic arithmetic operations – addition and multiplication (and their inverses, subtraction and division) – are central ideas in elementary mathematics. But, what if our students could explore these operations in different way? It is possible! Join us to learn more about how using an integrated computer science approach within mathematics allows for different affordances than paper-and-pencil tasks. Get your students excited about their learning while developing their computational thinking! You will leave eager to try out new lesson ideas with your students!

Speakers

Kate Coleman

Project Director, Educational Development Center (Regional Educational Labratory: Northeast & Islands)

Friday August 2, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Ferland 235 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-5

1:00pm EDT

Balloons Over Broadway: Integrating Computer Science into Creative Learning

Friday August 2, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Join us for an engaging session designed to fuse the magic of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with the principles of computer science. Inspired by the children's book "Balloons Over Broadway" by Melissa Sweet, this session will empower educators to infuse computational thinking into their curriculum through a hands-on activity.

Speakers

Leeanna Conners

Katie Hollenback

Technology Integrator, Ellsworth School Department

K-12 Tech Integrator, former high school engineering/tech teacher & mechanical/nuclear engineer

EEMS Staff

Jennifer Trowbridge

Friday August 2, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Ferland 106 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-8

2:45pm EDT

Break

Friday August 2, 2024 2:45pm - 3:15pm EDT

Friday August 2, 2024 2:45pm - 3:15pm EDT
Ferland 214 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

All

2:45pm EDT

Advanced Manufacturing Center Tour

Friday August 2, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT

Advanced Manufacturing Center

The Advanced Manufacturing Center offers businesses and entrepreneurs support in transforming ideas into tangible proof of concepts, prototypes, or commercialized products. With a dedicated full time staff of mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, machinists, and technicians in a 30,000 square foot state of the art design and manufacturing facility, they offer the services that accelerate manufacturing in Maine. Come tour the facility and learn about CS/CT workforce connections to the manufacturing industry.

Friday August 2, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT
Advanced Manufacturing Center 5796 AMC Building Orono, ME 04469

K-12

2:45pm EDT

Integration Planning and Review

Friday August 2, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT

Spend some time reflecting on your week and have a facilitated planning session to take one activity or idea back to your classroom.

Speakers

Kate Coleman

Project Director, Educational Development Center (Regional Educational Labratory: Northeast & Islands)

Friday August 2, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT
Ferland 235 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-12

2:45pm EDT

Micro:bit Playground

Friday August 2, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT

This unstructured session will provide you an opportunity to explore some starter projects with micro:bits.

Speakers

Ian Collins

STEM Education Specialist, MMSA

Friday August 2, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT
Ferland 337 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-12

2:45pm EDT

Fun and Integrated CoSpaces Projects for Your Second, Third, and Fourth Graders

Friday August 2, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT

Bringing Computer Science (CS) and Virtual Reality (VR) can feel intimidating, but not with CoSpaces EDU! In this session, I will introduce three projects that I did with students in second, third, and fourth graders during the last school year: a VR portfolio project presentation for student-led conferences, a personal history timeline museum project, and a virtual zoo animal exhibit. I will share details on how the projects came together, the planning process, and the preparation needed to make each of these projects possible. While not intended to teach all the ins-and-outs of CoSpaces, participants will leave with knowledge on how to create projects and templates, assign them to classes, a few tricks in the CoSpaces editor, and what I learned and everything I wish I knew before starting these projects.

Speakers

Geoff Cyr

Friday August 2, 2024 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT
Ferland 106 75 Long Road, Orono, ME, USA

K-5

3:30pm EDT

Closing

Friday August 2, 2024 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT