All breakout sessions are tentative and still subject to change. Last updated 9/9/2019.
Session Title and Descriptions
Participant Focus
Session 1
A. RoboBlockly for Engaging the Absolute Beginner in Computing, Robotics, and Math. RoboBlockly is a web-based drag-and-drop development environment for programming virtual and hardware Linkbot and Lego Minstroms NXT/EV3 robots. Based on Google’s Blockly, RoboBlockly is designed to guide absolute beginners through an introduction to solving real-world problems with math, coding, robotics, and logic. Explore hundreds of pre-built activities including CCSS-aligned math activities, NGSS-aligned science activities, coding and robotics activities, and detailed projects to bring classroom learning to life. RoboBlockly also prepares students to program in C/C++, the most widely used conventional text-based programming language in industry and college, and can run in ay modern web-browser without installing additional software. Attendees will experience a hands-on introduction to free block-based programming and robotics.
B. Arduino: Introduction to Basic Electronics and Creative Problem Solving for Physical Computing Join this hands-on session to get started using Arduino microcontrollers through C-STEM Studio, Ch Arduino, RoboBlockly, and ChIDE. This session will explore an introduction to Physical Computing with Arduino by combining the hands-on projects of physical computing with the simplicity of block-based programming. Discover the endless possibilities of physical computing and how to incorporate modern do-it-yourself electronics into your classroom teaching. Arduino can be integrated into Math, Computer Science, Engineering, and Robotics Courses, as well as afterschool programs and summer camps to facilitate a technologically advanced learning environment.
Attendees must bring their own laptop (Windows XP or Mac OS 10.7.5 or higher laptop) and pre-install software from http://c-stem.ucdavis.edu/downloads/. Arduino Uno Starter Kits will be provided by the C-STEM Center.
Presenter: Mafe Aguilar
C. Secondary School Math with Computing and Robotics: Open the Gate for STEM Careers Student success in Algebra is recognized as a gatekeeper to future STEM Careers. Unfortunately, far too many students are not passing Algebra. In this session, C-STEM teachers discuss their implementation of C-STEM’s Math 7, Math 8, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and Integrated Math 1, 2, and 3 curricula focused on closing the math achievement gap. Teachers show how the C-STEM A-G Approved courses, with C Math credit, helped guide their students through challenging mathematics topics while simultaneously teaching students programming and computational thinking. Learn how teachers use the curriculum and other Common Core-aligned resources to support struggling or failing students.
Presenters: Judy Fancher, Allen Thoe, Pam Matea, Alma Gonzalez
A1. Diversity and Inclusion: Girls In Robotic Leadership (GIRL) and GIRL+ Summer Camps Learn how to promote diversity and inclusion through C-STEM GIRL (Girls in Robotics Leadership) and GIRL+ Camps, Afterschool program and Summer Camps. The C-STEM GIRL camps are focused on motivating middle school girls through peer mentoring to teach computing and STEM concepts through a fun and exciting robotics-based curriculum that culminates with the creation of a C-STEM Day RoboPlay Video. GIRL+ camps are for high school students. Additionally, schools and districts can take advantage of the C-STEM computing resources and robotics infrastructure to use in their expanded learning programs. Learn how C-STEM curriculum is successfully integrated into the GIRL/GIRL+ camps, afterschool program, and summer camps . GIRL/GIRL+ camps are funded by various sponsors and free for camp participants.
A. Getting Started with Hands-on C-STEM Coding, Robotics and Curriculum for the Absolute Beginner New to C-STEM? Learn how C-STEM is bringing programming and robotics into classrooms and afterschool programs in ways that are engaging all students through hands-on activities and opportunities for competitive learning. Experience first-hand how computing and robotics can be easily integrated into your teaching of STEM subjects. Additionally, learn how to work with C-STEM Studio, Linkbot Labs, and ChIDE while programming and controlling robots.
Attendees must bring their own laptop (Windows XP or Mac OS 10.7.5 or higher laptop) and pre-install software from http://c-stem.ucdavis.edu/downloads/. Linkbots will be provided by the C-STEM Center.
Presenters: Julie Lovie, Kristina O’Brien
B. Sensor-Based Robotics Expand your robotics and computing experience by interfacing Linkbots with Arduino boards. Use the new Linkbot Arduino Pack and Robot Sensor Pack to build interesting configurations and attach sensors, breadboards, and microcontrollers to Linkbots. This combination opens a world of possibilities for robot control, sensory based computing, and creativity such as line following, obstacle avoidance, responding to light and sound, displaying LCD graphics, and tracking motion using a camera Linkbots and Arduino boards can be integrated into Math, Computer Science, Engineering, and Robotics courses, including afterschool programs and summer camps.
Attendees must bring their own laptop (Windows XP or Mac OS 10.7.5 or higher laptop) and pre-install software from http://c-stem.ucdavis.edu/downloads/. Linkbot Arduino Pack will be provided by the C-STEM Center.
Presenters: Larry Lagerstorm, Melissa Hale
C. RoboBlockly Activity Portal and Classroom Management: RoboBlockly for Classroom Teaching Join this session to gain experience with RoboBlocky’s new classroom management tools and Activity Portal! The classroom management feature can be used to create classes, assign and grade homework, and track students’ performance. The Activity Portal features nearly 700 engaging coding, robotics, art, and math exercises, and the ability to create your own custom activities. Attendees will have the opportunity to access and explore both the classroom management tools and the Activity Portal, as well as edit and generate lessons. This resource is built by teachers for teachers! Join the C-STEM community development effort!
Attendees must bring their own laptop (Windows XP or Mac OS X) and pre-install Google Chrome browser and software from http://c-stem.ucdavis.edu/downloads/.
Presenter: Allen Thoe
A1. RoboPlay Competition for Competitive Learning The RoboPlay Challenge Competition is a theme-based level playing field robotics competition for K-12 students. It is designed for students to showcase their real-world math problem solving skills in a competitive environment. Solution videos for all previous challenges are available on-line. The RoboPlay Video Competition is a robotics-centric video competition for K-12 students. It is designed for students to learn robotics while having fun and exploring their creativity in writing, storytelling, art, music, choreography, design, video editing and film production, and at the same time seamlessly learning C-STEM subjects. In this session, a panel of teacher advisers and students of previous RoboPlay winning team will share their experience on how to successfully prepare for the competitions and bring the competitive learning to classroom. The RoboPlay leadership team will also provide many updates and receive your suggestions for the upcoming 2020 RoboPlay Competition.
Presenters: Merry Kim, Chris Smith, Emma Kristovich, Shane Ludwig
B1. C-STEM for NGSS-aligned Science, CTE, and Computer Science Education The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) changed the way science, technology and engineering intersect by providing a wealth of opportunities to engage students in science through computing and engineering. Science, CTE, and Computer Science teachers will discuss the C-STEM can be used to teach and reinforce standards. Additionally, watch them demonstrate an NGSS-aligned physical science lesson that includes incorporating physical computing for data collection and analysis using Linkbot and Arduino.
A. Create your own STEAM Makerspace at your School Join this session to learn how your school can facilitate a hands-on STEAM Makerspace for your students to develop robotics systems to creatively solve problems. Explore how quickly and easily dynamic Linkbot systems can be assembled to accomplish various tasks and solve challenges. With a robotics-based STEAM makerspace, students will discover new ways to solve problems by designing, building, and testing their own robotics systems. See how a Makerspace can be created for Elementary, Middle, or High school students using Linkbot, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi.
B. Raspberry Pi for Physical Computing Join this session to learn more about the Raspberry Pi, an ultra-low-cost tiny computer designed specifically for educational purposes, and experience how the C-STEM Center’s free CSTEMbian operating system makes it more accessible for teachers and students to create exciting projects from controlling virtual and hardware robots to making interactive electronic devices. C-STEMbian economically and conveniently runs C-STEM Studio in Pi from Windows, Mac, and Chromebooks. Learn more about the new C-STEM A-G approved course of Physical Computing with Pi and Arduino while learning how to use general-purpose input-output (GPIO) pins and the wiringPi library. Raspberry Pi can also be readily used to control Linkbots.
This session shows how the C-STEM program integrates Art into STEAM education by giving students the opportunity to explore their artistic and creative talents using music and visual media. See how C-STEM’s curriculum and activity resources support the development of artistic talents through various channels including movie making, drawing and animating with coding, programming hardware robots to play melodies, learning math with a piano, and generating a gallery of graphics.
A1. Engaging Elementary School Students Learning Math and Science with Coding and Robotics Hear how a panel of Elementary School educators have incorporated the C-STEM program in their Elementary Math and Science classes as well as after school programs. C-STEM supports early learners in building confidence and understanding of abstract math and science concepts through applied hands-on robotics and coding activities. By incorporating coding and robotics into early education, students gain valuable exposure to modern technologies, develop logic-based problem solving skills, and apply creativity throughout their learning.
Presenters: Ken Wagner, Tim Keys, Sandra Soto, Summer Shadley, Greg Miller
B1. Forging Partnerships Between Higher Education Institutions and K-12 Schools through the C-STEM Program Learn how the C-STEM program can be used to forge strong partnerships between K-12 schools and higher education institutions to build a foundation for student success. Colleges and Universities can support their community of K-12 schools through C-STEM expanded learning programs such as Girls in Robotics Leadership (GIRL) and GIRL+ summer camps, Educational Research on Math and Diversity, C-STEM Professional Development, and C-STEM RoboPlay Competition. Hear from partnered institutions about how their efforts have impacted their community and inspired K-12 students to pursue higher education in STEM fields.
Presenters: Brittney Beck, Jesus Esquibel, Merry Kim
Legend
Appropriate for Elementary School Teachers
Appropriate for Middle School Teachers
Appropriate for High School Teachers
Appropriate for Administrators
BYOD – Bring your own Device (Windows XP or higher or MAC OS 10.7.5 or higher unless specified)
