CSTANJ CSPDWeek 2026

This virtual two-session professional development helps K–12 educators integrate computer science (CS) into their existing curriculum through interactive storytelling and AI-supported lesson design. Teachers explore how students can create and share projects such as choose-your-own-adventure stories, escape room games, and app-style experiences that combine writing, visuals, audio, and interactivity to deepen content learning across subjects.

Educators begin by experiencing a student-facing project and then use the Elementari AI lesson generator to create a standards-aligned lesson tailored to their grade level, topic, and instructional time. Each lesson includes a structured student writing organizer, built-in scaffolds (such as sentence starters and word banks), and assessment tools to support multilingual learners and diverse student needs. In the second session, teachers test and refine their lessons through peer feedback. By the end they will leave with a tested, classroom-ready lesson and a free upgrade to use Elementari will all their students.

This virtual 2-day (6-hour) professional development helps K–12 educators integrate computer science (CS) and artificial intelligence (AI) into their existing curriculum through interactive, cross-curricular lesson design. Using Elementari, teachers design lessons where students create and publish projects that connect coding with writing, storytelling, and content learning. The focus is on making CS integration practical, accessible, and aligned to diverse student needs, including multilingual learners.

By the end of the PD, educators will create a tested, classroom-ready Elementari lesson. Each lesson includes a standards-aligned plan, a student writing organizer with built-in scaffolds (such as sentence starters and word banks), assessment tools, and a clear strategy for classroom implementation.

Session 1: Experience Learning and Generate a Classroom Lesson
Educators begin by working through a guided Elementari activity from a student perspective. This experience demonstrates how coding supports writing and storytelling while introducing key CS concepts such as sequencing, events, functions, interactivity, and debugging.

Participants then explore how students create interactive projects such as choose-your-own-adventure stories, escape room games, and app-style experiences. These projects combine writing and coding with built-in supports such as structured organizers, scaffolded prompts, illustration libraries, and options for recorded voiceovers, music, sound effects, and multiple story paths. They will also review a range of student published projects from multilingual learners to students with diverse needs to see how all students can succeed and express themselves through writing and coding.
In the second half of the session, educators transition from learner to designer. Using the Elementari AI lesson generator, they input their grade level, topic, and instructional time. The tool generates a complete lesson, including writing supports, organizers, assessment materials, and standards alignment.

Session 2: Test, Refine, and Plan for Implementation
Educators review and analyze their AI-generated lessons, focusing on clarity, alignment, and accessibility. They evaluate how effectively the lesson supports student writing, content learning, and differentiation, and identify areas for refinement.
Participants also examine how the AI lesson generator works, including prompting strategies, how structured lesson components are generated, and how to evaluate outputs for accuracy, bias, and alignment to instructional goals.
Through peer feedback and collaborative testing, educators revise their lessons and strengthen scaffolds, differentiation, and student supports. They also explore classroom strategies such as peer feedback routines, group roles, and collaborative structures.

The session concludes with implementation planning. Educators determine where the lesson fits within their curriculum, how it will be delivered, and how it will support their students. Teachers leave with a tested, classroom-ready lesson and a clear plan for implementation.

This is part 2 of a two part session you must attend part 1 to attend part 2.

In this session, I’ll show you how I use Sphero BOLT, Indi, and Ozobots to make coding fun, hands-on, and accessible for all students. We’ll try out activities you can use right away, explore both unplugged and on-screen coding, and talk about how to keep students engaged while building real problem-solving skills.

In this hands on professional development session, I will guide you through how to effectively integrate Sphero BOLT, Indi, and Ozobots into your K–4 classroom to support computer science learning in engaging and meaningful ways. We will start by exploring the unique features of each robot and how they support different entry points for students, from screen free coding with Indi to color coded and blockly programming with Ozobots and block-based coding with Sphero BOLT.

Throughout the session, you will actively participate in the same types of activities your students would experience. We will begin with simple, accessible challenges to build confidence, then gradually move into more complex tasks that encourage problem solving, collaboration, and creativity. With Ozobots, we will explore both color code programming and transition into Blockly coding to support students as they move into more advanced concepts. With Indi, we will look at foundational use with color tiles and also how older students can extend their learning by recoding the color tiles using the app to create more customized pathways and challenges.

I will model how to introduce these tools to students, manage materials, and structure lessons so that all learners can be successful, including those who may need additional support.

I will share ready to use lesson ideas, classroom management strategies, and tips for differentiating instruction. Time will be built in for exploration, questions, and collaboration so you can think about how these tools will look in your own classroom.

By the end of the session, you will leave with practical strategies, classroom ready activities, and the confidence to begin using robotics and coding in a way that is engaging, inclusive, and aligned to your students needs.

In this full-day, hands-on workshop, educators will explore the complete journey from virtual design to physical creation through CAD design and 3D printing. Participants will design their own 3D models, prepare them for printing, and print hands-on during the session. They will also be introduced to coding in 3D and AI-assisted 3D object generation as emerging pathways for creativity, computational thinking, and design. With multiple 3D printers on hand, educators will experience the full workflow from idea to object and leave with practical skills, sample project ideas, and greater confidence using 3D design and printing in their teaching.

This workshop moves beyond using microcontrollers to designing intelligent systems. Educators will explore how AI, physical computing, and engineering design intersect through the CreateAI for micro platform, while also extending into Arduino Uno for more complex hardware applications.

Participants will deepen their understanding of how to scaffold from beginner physical computing (Micro:bit) to more advanced systems (Arduino + AI), while building classroom-ready projects that integrate:

Machine learning concepts

Sensor-driven decision making

Real-world problem solving

Standards-aligned computational thinking

By the end of the session, educators will not only build, but also design curriculum systems that scale across grade levels.

Introduction to AI with Micro:bit (CreateAI)
Tool Focus: CreateAI for micro

Activities:
Train a simple ML model (e.g., gesture recognition or sound classification)

Connect model to Micro:bit inputs/outputs

Test real-time predictions

Concepts Covered:
What is machine learning? (classification vs. rule-based coding)

Training data vs. hard-coded logic

Inputs → Model → Outputs pipeline

Classroom Connection:
How to teach AI without requiring math-heavy background

Age-appropriate explanations of bias and accuracy

Activities:
Build a game or interactive system using CreateAI:

Example: reaction game, smart pet, movement-based controller

Integrate:

Variables (state tracking)

Conditional logic based on predictions

Feedback systems (LED, sound, motion)

Arduino Deep Dive
Tool Focus: Arduino Uno

Activities:
Compare Micro:bit vs Arduino:

Built-in vs external components

Build a simple circuit:

LED + sensor input

Intro to text-based programming (Arduino IDE)

Concepts:
Voltage, pins, and circuits

Scaling complexity in hardware systems

When to transition students to Arduino


Deliverables:
Sample rubric (process + product)

Project scaffolding templates

Challenge Design System (Whole Group) Activities:
Walkthrough of Challenge Creator workflow

Participants design their own:

Beginner → Intermediate → Advanced progression

Generate a standards-aligned challenge using AI

Microsoft MakeCode to control Finch Robots, modeling climate data, simulating environmental challenges, and designing solutions. This hands-on experience connects coding to real-world issues while building data literacy and problem-solving skills.

Participants will apply computer science and coding with purpose, using Micro:bit coded in Microsoft MakeCode to control the Finch Robot, modeling climate data, simulating environmental challenges, and designing solutions. This learning experience emphasizes real-world relevance by connecting coding to meaningful climate challenges that students can understand and care about. It promotes data-driven thinking as participants use sensors and coding logic to collect, interpret, and represent environmental data. At the same time, it builds problem-solving skills by encouraging learners to design, test, and refine solutions to complex, real-world issues.

Join this hands-on workshop to explore how micro:bits and Forward Education’s Climate Action Kit can bring climate change concepts to life in your classroom. Participants will engage in interactive activities, build simple sensor-based projects, and discover practical strategies for integrating climate science and coding across the curriculum. No prior experience with micro:bits required.

Educators design hands-on projects that integrate AI within the Deeper Learning framework, building students’ 21st-century skills and readiness for an AI-enabled world.

Participants will explore ways to create rich, deeper learning experiences with and without student AI use, designing protocols to guide the use of AI and assessments of student learning. The workshop will feature time for individual and collaborative planning as well as opportunities for feedback on and revision of ideas and plans.

Educators design hands-on projects that integrate AI within the Deeper Learning framework, building students’ 21st-century skills and readiness for an AI-enabled world.

Participants will explore ways to create rich, deeper learning experiences with and without student AI use, designing protocols to guide the use of AI and assessments of student learning. The workshop will feature time for individual and collaborative planning as well as opportunities for feedback on and revision of ideas and plans.

Educators design hands-on projects that integrate AI within the Deeper Learning framework, building students’ 21st-century skills and readiness for an AI-enabled world.

Participants will explore ways to create rich, deeper learning experiences with and without student AI use, designing protocols to guide the use of AI and assessments of student learning. The workshop will feature time for individual and collaborative planning as well as opportunities for feedback on and revision of ideas and plans.

This PD will engage teachers in instructional strategies and practices designed to remove barriers to learning AI literacy, with an emphasis on learners with disabilities. This professional development was designed through funds from Google to research and disseminate best practices for all learners in K-12 AI education.
This workshop provides K-12 educators with an examination and implementation of strategies, including Universal Design for Learning and High Leverage Practices. Our goal is to help both general and special education teachers build classrooms that embrace all of their learners. Join us as we dive into effective instructional strategies so that all your learners will find success!

This is the workshop for you if:

• You are a K-12 general, computer science or special education teacher. 
• You want to learn more about Universal Design for Learning and High Leverage Practices. 
• You are interested in learning about the meaningful inclusion of all students in CS and AI education, including those with disabilities.
• This is Part 2 of a 2 Part workshop. You must attend Part 1 to attend Part 2.

This interactive workshop helps middle and high school educators transform foundational AI concepts into practical classroom experiences. Participants will explore selected AI tools through hands-on applications, design student-ready activities, and learn how inviting a guest AI expert can strengthen both conceptual understanding and real-world relevance. The session offers a theory-to-practice model that educators can directly adapt for engaging classroom instruction.

This workshop presents a classroom-ready model for helping middle and high school educators move from foundational AI concepts to direct classroom application. The session begins with a concise conceptual overview of how AI tools can support creativity, critical thinking, and student-centered learning across different subject areas. Participants will then engage in guided hands-on activities using selected AI tools to design student-ready classroom tasks and mini-projects.

A distinctive component of the workshop is the integration of a live guest AI expert, demonstrating how real-world voices from academia or industry can strengthen relevance, increase student motivation, and connect classroom learning with authentic applications. The session concludes with strategies for adapting this theory-to-practice model into participants’ own classrooms through reusable activity structures, guest speaker formats, and age-appropriate AI learning experiences for students ages 11–18.

Unlock the Power of Play: Game Design in ScratchJr!

Turn your students into game designers! In this hands-on session, you’ll discover how young learners can build their own interactive games using simple, block-based coding. We’ll explore essential game mechanics, strategies to support diverse learners, and easy ways to integrate coding across your existing curriculum.

What you’ll get:
Practical Skills: Master basic game logic like triggers and sequencing.
Inclusive Strategies: Tools to ensure every student can design and play.
Ready-to-Use Resources: Walk away with free lesson plans and project ideas to kick-start game design in your classroom immediately.

Hackathons are an educational tool, because not only does a problem get identified but the solution to the problem is often one that requires vast research. When the solution is implemented using student interest, it can provide the community with awareness to the problem posed and the solution created.

Running a Hackathon may sound overwhelming, especially if one has not been run in your school before. This workshop will provide you with details and guidelines necessary to run a hackathon in your school. Hackathons are an educational tool, if implemented using student interest and community problems can be very effective in educations attendees on solving problems using computer science. Hackathons should be passion driven, propose a solution to a problem in the community and educate the community members on the problem and proposed solution. From this workshop, you will gain knowledge on how to create, implement and improve a hackathon in your school.

Microsoft MakeCode to control Finch Robots, modeling climate data, simulating environmental challenges, and designing solutions. This hands-on experience connects coding to real-world issues while building data literacy and problem-solving skills.

Participants will apply computer science and coding with purpose, using Micro:bit coded in Microsoft MakeCode to control the Finch Robot, modeling climate data, simulating environmental challenges, and designing solutions. This learning experience emphasizes real-world relevance by connecting coding to meaningful climate challenges that students can understand and care about. It promotes data-driven thinking as participants use sensors and coding logic to collect, interpret, and represent environmental data. At the same time, it builds problem-solving skills by encouraging learners to design, test, and refine solutions to complex, real-world issues.

Join this hands-on workshop to explore how micro:bits and Forward Education’s Climate Action Kit can bring climate change concepts to life in your classroom. Participants will engage in interactive activities, build simple sensor-based projects, and discover practical strategies for integrating climate science and coding across the curriculum. No prior experience with micro:bits required.

AI can be a powerful partner for both teachers and students. For teachers, it reduces workload and enhances planning. For students, it opens up personalized, engaging ways to learn. When used responsibly, AI strengthens, not replaces, the human connection at the heart of education.

This session will guide teachers through the integration of AI in the elementary classroom. The strategy must move away from ""adding one more thing"" and toward seamless infusion.

Both the teacher side and student side of Ai will be explored as well as the guardrails necessary for our younger students. Classroom examples will be shared and there will be hands on demonstration for each topic addressed.

Following this session, educators teaching Kindergarten through second grade will be instructed on how to input student information into the Computales dashboard and monitor student progress within this complimentary curriculum designed to reinforce reading skills through computer science concepts.

Introduce your students to the foundational concepts of computational thinking and digital literacy through an engaging, standards-aligned curriculum. Join Martin and his friends as they explore Computer Land, where each chapter offers meaningful activities designed to strengthen computational reasoning and enhance literacy skills. Developed for students in Kindergarten through second grade, CompuTales is designed to complement your current reading instruction while fostering essential skills that lay the groundwork for future learning in coding and computer science.

In this CSTA-accredited session, students transition from being tech consumers to creators by building an AI-powered art generator.

The lesson emphasizes how data is used to inform machine learning models, which then execute creative tasks.

Key Learning Objectives
Machine Learning Basics: Students learn how to collect and categorize data to train a simple machine learning model.

Algorithmic Design: Using loops, conditionals, and variables, participants design algorithms that generate unique "dot art" based on user input or data sets.

Hands-on Creation: The primary project is an automated art generator that selects and applies colors to create digital works, demonstrating the intersection of creativity and technical building blocks.

Implementation and AccessibilityTarget Audience: The lesson is tailored for students in grades 3–12 and can be completed independently or as a classroom activity.

No Prior Experience Needed: Educators can lead this workshop without a computer science background, as Code/Art provides structured professional development and support for its introductory modules.

Let's dive deeper into the Experience CS curriculum! We will explore advanced lesson facilitation, strategies for student debugging, and how to use the platform’s unique assets to create cross-curricular connections. This session remains strictly within the Experience CS ecosystem, ensuring you master the tools and content libraries specifically available to your students.

This session is designed for educators who are comfortable with the Experience CS interface and are ready to enhance their instructional practice. We will analyze the Experience CS pedagogical framework, focusing on how to facilitate "Low Floor, High Ceiling" activities that allow students to personalize their projects. Participants will practice Collaborative Debugging strategies using the platform’s editor and explore how to align specific Experience CS modules with core subject standards. We will conclude with a deep dive into the platform's asset library to help students move beyond basic tutorials toward original, creative expression—all while staying within the secure Experience CS environment.

Attend the in-person sessions at TCNJ and network with other attendees after your in-person session. Enjoy lunch, attend virtual sessions, or network with others.

Unlock strategies for integrating literacy, Computer Science (CS), and AI literacy in the elementary classroom. Focusing primarily on PreK-3, this session will provide educators with hands-on lesson ideas, adaptable resources, and practical techniques to authentically connect ELA and CS, including AI, using storytelling and books. This approach helps to promote student interest and guides them to apply new cognitive skills across domains. Leave with a recommended book list and lessons you can start implementing now!

2026 CSTA Standards for 9-12 CTE & Specialty Pathways
The 2026 CSTA Standards introduce rigorous new benchmarks specifically designed for Career and Technical Education (CTE) and advanced specialty pathways. This session dives deep into the high school standards, focusing on how the new framework aligns with industry-recognized credentials and the technical demands of specialized CS tracks.

We will explore the updated requirements for Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering, providing a clear roadmap for instructors to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and professional workforce readiness.

Session Focus:
CTE Integration: Mapping the 2026 standards to existing CTE frameworks and industry certifications.

Specialty Standards: Breaking down the advanced concepts in AI, data science, and security required for 9-12 capstone courses.

Workforce Readiness: Leveraging the new "human-centered design" pillars to prepare students for modern technical roles.

Curriculum Crosswalking: Practical strategies for updating specialized syllabi to meet the elevated 2026 technical expectations.

After nearly a decade, the CSTA PK-12 Computer Science Standards have been fully reimagined for 2026. This session breaks down the critical shifts in the new framework, including the seamless integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), updated cybersecurity expectations, and a renewed focus on human-centered design and ethics. Whether you are aligning a district-wide curriculum or updating a single course, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of the new learning objectives and practical strategies to meet these evidence-based benchmarks in your PreK-12 classroom.