The 3rd Annual Conference on Integrated Computing and STEM Education

(more photos are available on our flickr page)

The UC Davis C-STEM Center held the 3rd Annual Conference on Integrated Computing and STEM Education on May 18, 2013. The Conference is sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the UC Davis College of Engineering, Sandia National Laboratories, and industrial partners.

The successful implementation of the Common Core State Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards hinges on the creation and implementation of authentic, project-based learning experiences that require students to engage in real-world problem solving. C-STEM partner teachers, their district and school administrators, as well as researchers, educators, policy makers, and industrial partners shared their experiences, best practices, and ideas on integrated computing and STEM education with real-world problem solving.

Dr. Ralph Hexter, UC Davis Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, gave a keynote speech on the role of a land-grant research university in K-12 STEM education and outreach. The other plenary speakers include Dr. Debra Richardson, professor of informatics at UC Irvine and founding Dean of the School of Information and Computer Sciences at UC Irvine; and Jonathan Raymond, Superintendent of Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD). Conference participants include Karen Shores, the STEM Administrator with the California Department of Education; Deputy Director Michael Hardwick of Sandia National Laboratories; and Winfred Robinson, superintendent of the Davis Joint Unified School District.

There was also a plenary panel discussion with the district CTE coordinator, principal, and math, science, and engineering teachers from the School of Engineering and Sciences of SCUSD, talking about their experience on integrating computing and STEM education with computer programming in C/C++ from 7th to 12th grade. Breakout sessions included speakers from regional school districts, UC Davis, and the California Department of Education, addressing integrating algebra education with computer programming, technology and engineering; integrated computing, science, engineering, and career technical education (CTE); closing the achievement gap for underrepresented groups; and integrated computing and STEM education for after-school programs. At the reflection and open discussion session, Dr. Ronda Adams, Associate Superintendent of the Yolo County Office of Education and Mr. Garth Lewis, Jr., Director, Secondary Education, Assessment, and Professional Development of the Woodland Joint Unified School District shared audience with their plan for district-wide implementation of the C-STEM Algebra curriculum with hands-on integrated computing and robotics.

Awards Ceremony

Awards were presented during the conference to C-STEM Teachers of the Year and the C-STEM School of the Year to highlight their commitment and dedication to their students with integrated computing and STEM education.

C-STEM Teacher of the Year
The C-STEM Teacher of the Year recognizes C-STEM teachers for their exceptional contributions in teaching computing, integrating computing into STEM subjects, and inspiring students to pursue careers and post-secondary study in C-STEM fields. Dr. Enrique Lavernia, Dean of the College of Engineering, presented the C-STEM Teacher of the Year award to the following five STEM teachers.

• Mafe Aguilar, California Middle School, Sacramento City Unified School District
• Dylan Besk, School of Engineering and Sciences, Sacramento City Unified School District
• Clayton Dagler, Luther Burbank High School, Sacramento City Unified School District
• Liliana Lazo, Fred C Beyer High School, Modesto City Schools
• Ryan Mangan, School of Engineering and Sciences, Sacramento City Unified School District

Mafe Aguilar California Middle School Sacramento City Unified School District

Dylan Besk School of Engineering and Sciences Sacramento City Unified School District

Clayton Dagler Luther Burbank High School Sacramento City Unified School District

Liliana Lazo Fred C Beyer High School Modesto City Schools

Ryan Mangan School of Engineering and Sciences Sacramento City Unified School District

C-STEM School of the Year
The C-STEM School of the Year certificate is presented to schools for achieving the excellence in integrated learning of computing and STEM subjects, and provide all their students with computer programming experience in the formal education. Dr. Ralph Hexter, UC Davis Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, and Dr. Enrique Lavernia, Dean of the College of Engineering, presented the C-STEM School of the Year certificate to the principal of the following school.

• Principal Matt Turkie, School of Engineering and Sciences, Sacramento City Unified School District

Sandia National Laboratories sponsored the award with $1,000 check. Deputy Director Michael Hardwick of Sandia National Laboratories presented the check to the principal of the C-STEM School of the Year.

School of Engineering and Sciences Sacramento City Unified School District