CSTANJ CSPDWeek 2026

Kick off CSPDWeek 2026 with a morning of connection and inspiration. Join us for check-in and a light breakfast, followed by opening remarks from CSTANJ and NJDOE Office of Innovation leadership. The session will conclude with our featured keynote address to set the stage for a week of innovation in computer science education.

In 2023, the sudden popularity of powerful chatbots caused educators everywhere to panic about their students’ essays. Three years later, we’re witnessing the rise of the agentic era and are experiencing a “vibe coding” revolution where the barrier between a student’s imagination and a fully functional software application is unimaginably thin. As people around the world realize they can build anything they can envision, computer science has become more important than ever, transcending its role as a specialized skill to serve as the universal language of creation.

Together, we’ll explore some of the most innovative applications of AI in schools, we’ll dive into emerging AI tools and technologies that promise to put “phenomenal cosmic power” in the hands of every learner, and we’ll unpack the practical strategies you need to invite this revolution into your own classroom.

Throughout the course of this keynote presentation, we will take stock of the changes (and challenges) that have arisen since the popular launch of ChatGPT on November 30, 2022.

We will establish a context for what has become possible, or even “expected,” in August 2026, from the ease with which anyone can “vibe code” an application in a matter of seconds, to the actualization of autonomous “agent teams.”

And we will explore a variety of innovative and inspirational applications of artificial intelligence in classrooms and schools. This will include compelling AI tools that teachers can bring into their classrooms, curricular shifts that have implications for how we utilize AI for teaching and learning, and larger-scale AI initiatives that can transform what’s possible in our schools.

Bring Computer Science to Life: Fun & Easy CS for PreK-3
Ready to demystify computer science? Join us for an energetic, hands-on workshop designed specifically for early childhood and elementary educators! You don’t need to be a "tech expert" to build a strong foundation for your students in problem-solving, logical thinking, and creativity.

Grounded in active learning and constructivist theory, this session shows you how to seamlessly weave CS into the subjects you already teach, like Math, Literacy, and Science. We’ll explore a mix of "unplugged" activities—using movement and storytelling—and "plugged" experiences with kid-friendly robots and platforms.

What we’ll cover:
Foundational Skills: Simple ways to teach algorithms, loops, and events.
Device-Free Magic: Playful lessons from Barefoot Computing and CompuTales that work even when the Wi-Fi doesn't!
Standards-Aligned: See how these activities map directly to New Jersey’s CS standards.
Ready-to-Go Tools: Walk away with practical lesson plans and the confidence to foster digital citizenship and computational thinking from day one.

Whether you have a full lab or zero devices, you’ll leave with the tools to make CS the most exciting part of your students' day!

Come learn how to incorporate Capture the Flag questions and competitions in your classroom! This workshop is for ALL levels of CTF enthusiasts. We'll break down the process, types of questions, how to start to find answers, and of course, what CTFs are out there.

In this presentation participants will explore steps in the data science process including statistical questions, data collection, bias, data cleaning and analysis, and graphical displays.

Participants will be given a brief introduction to steps in the data science process. These include forming good statistical research questions, collecting data, cleaning data, statistics, exploratory data analysis, and interpretation of graphical data displays. Special consideration will be given to dealing with bias in data collection and presentation, and ethical use of data. This presentation will align topics with the new NJ Computer Science standards and will provide materials for use in the classroom and/or further study.

This workshop is designed to introduce the FBI's Safe Online Surfing activity and resources available on for teaching Internet Safety.

The FBI’s Safe Online Surfing (SOS) Internet Challenge is a free, educational program for students in third through eighth grades that covers age-appropriate topics such as cyberbullying, passwords, malware, social media, and more. There is a teacher's guide and lots of great resources for teachers to help teach these topics. The site has a gaming type platform to teach each topic and then there is an exam that goes along with the activities that if you have your students do well on the exam, your school can win a visit from an FBI agent.

This session will start with the Makey Makey basics and progress to include creative projects and coding.

Welcome to the world of Makey Makey! We will begin with some basics of using Makey Makey by testing everyday items for conductivity and building simple circuits. We will proceed to incorporate project ideas that will get you thinking creatively, and end with how to integrate Scratch coding to level up your Makey Makey game.

This workshop is for teachers interested in starting a robotics class in the middle or high school setting. We will use Vex robots to learn how to build and program robots. Join us for an information session then go to the Robotics Playground to get some hands-on experience.

Gain foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to develop policy to integrate AI responsibly and effectively in educational settings with actionable strategies to inform classroom practices, staff expectations, and district-level decision-making.

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming the educational landscape, offering powerful tools to enhance teaching, streamline workflows, and personalize learning. However, along with the promise of AI come significant challenges that educators and school leaders must navigate carefully.

This professional development session, AI – Policy & Practice: Watch for the Pitfalls, equips participants with the foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to integrate AI responsibly and effectively in educational settings. Through an engaging blend of case studies, discussions, and practical examples, participants will examine the potential risks and ethical concerns surrounding AI use in schools—including data privacy, algorithmic bias, misinformation, and over-reliance on automated systems.

The session highlights the importance of clear, proactive school and district policies that guide AI adoption while prioritizing student safety, equity, and academic integrity. Attendees will explore model AI use policies, discuss real-world scenarios, and consider how to develop guidelines that balance innovation with caution. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to inform classroom practices, staff expectations, and district-level decision-making. Whether you’re an administrator or teacher leader, this session is designed to help you stay ahead of emerging issues while fostering a culture of thoughtful, ethical, and policy-aligned AI use in your school community.

Roll up your sleeves and dive into quick, tech-free STEM builds that spark creativity and engagement from the start. These playful engineering challenges are perfect for the STEM lab, makerspace, or classroom and can stand alone or extend into core learning goals across literacy, math, and science. After a high-energy, hands-on, team-based monster theme park build, we will explore a variety of ways to extend these quick builds into deeper learning aligned with classroom core learning goals. You will leave with inspiration, ready-to-use tools, and your very own monster.

In this highly interactive session, educators will experience how quick, tech-free STEM builds can serve as powerful entry points into deeper, standards-aligned learning across all teaching areas in the K–8 grade band. Participants will engage in a series of fast-paced, team-based engineering challenges using simple materials, beginning with a collaborative monster theme park build that incorporates elements of simple machines, design thinking, and spatial reasoning.

These “STEM Starters” are intentionally designed as low-floor, high-engagement experiences that can be implemented in STEM labs, makerspaces, or classrooms as stand-alone activities. They are accessible to all educators, regardless of STEM background, and scaffolded in a way that builds educator confidence and capacity over time. At the same time, they offer high ceilings and wide walls, allowing for deeper exploration and creativity for more advanced learners.

A key focus of the session is how these quick builds can bridge STEM programs and classroom instruction. Educators will explore how highly motivating, hands-on builds created in a STEM lab or makerspace can be extended into the classroom to support core, standards-based learning goals. We will model a variety of ways to connect builds to literacy through storytelling and descriptive writing, to math through measurement, geometry, and scaled models, to science through forces, motion, and engineering design, and to technology through presentation tools such as ChatterPix, Book Creator, stop motion animation, and Canva.

Throughout the session, participants will experience strategies for differentiation, collaboration, and student-centered facilitation that support diverse learners and multiple entry points. The session will also highlight how these quick builds can transition from playful exploration to structured academic applications without losing student engagement.
Participants will leave with ready-to-use activities, practical strategies for integrating hands-on STEM into existing curricula, and a clear framework for extending quick builds into deeper classroom learning. Most importantly, they will walk away with inspiration, increased confidence in facilitating hands-on learning, and tangible model, and a STEM-Starter Challenge Card Deck they can immediately bring back to their students.

Discover how any teacher — regardless of coding background — can use vibe coding and AI to build custom classroom apps, games, and assessment tools that meet the specific needs of their students. This session shares real-world examples, practical platforms, and a hands-on path to creating your own educational technology.

Vibe coding is changing what's possible for educators. By describing what you want in plain English, teachers can now build functional, engaging, standards-aligned web applications without writing a single line of code. As a 3rd grade teacher in New Jersey, I have spent the past two years using these tools to build a portfolio of classroom apps that include NJSLA test prep platforms, 3D math games, cursive writing curricula, and adaptive learning environments — all designed specifically for the students sitting in front of me each day.

This session will demystify vibe coding for educators and demonstrate how it can be used to create personalized learning experiences that no off-the-shelf product can match. Participants will see real classroom apps in action, hear about the platforms and AI models that power them, and learn the workflow I use to take an idea from a sticky note to a finished, student-ready tool. We'll explore the pedagogical possibilities, the practical considerations around student data and cybersecurity, and the ways teachers can use these tools to differentiate instruction, engage reluctant learners, and reclaim their creative voice in the classroom.

Whether you teach PreK or high school, this session will give you a clear understanding of what vibe coding is, why it matters for the future of education, and how to begin building your own classroom tools. Hands-on segments will give participants the chance to start building a real project they can take back to their students.

Join this hands-on workshop to explore how coding with CoDrone can engage students in learning computer science concepts through flight-based challenges. Participants will program drones to complete interactive tasks while building skills in sequencing, loops, and problem-solving. No prior coding or drone experience is required.

Bring computer science to life through flight-based, hands-on learning in this interactive workshop focused on coding with CoDrone. Participants will explore how drones can be used as an engaging platform for teaching core programming concepts such as sequencing, loops, conditionals, variables, and debugging. By programming drones to complete structured challenges, educators will experience how abstract coding concepts translate into visible, real-time actions, helping make computer science more accessible and motivating for students.

Throughout the session, participants will engage in scaffolded activities that begin with basic drone control and progress toward more complex, mission-based coding tasks. These experiences are designed to model how educators can introduce computational thinking in a way that is both developmentally appropriate and highly engaging for learners with no prior coding experience. Emphasis will be placed on inquiry-based learning, problem-solving, and iterative design as participants test, refine, and improve their code to achieve specific flight objectives.

In addition to hands-on exploration, the workshop will highlight practical strategies for integrating drone-based coding into existing curricula across grade levels and subject areas. Participants will examine how these activities align with computer science standards and support interdisciplinary connections in math, science, and engineering. Guidance will also be provided on classroom management considerations, grouping strategies, and resource planning to ensure successful implementation.

By the end of the workshop, educators will leave with a clear understanding of how to use drones as a tool for teaching computer science, along with ready-to-use activity ideas and a foundational plan for integrating coding with drones into their own instructional settings.

Robotics Playground offers a full‑day, open‑house learning experience designed for K–12 educators. Teachers are welcome to stop by at any time to explore robotics devices, engage in unplugged coding, and participate in hands‑on collaborative activities. With support from experienced facilitators, participants will uncover innovative strategies to strengthen computer science instruction and inspire student engagement in STEM.

Are you ready to take your cybersecurity curriculum and add your own spin to it? Come join me as I share how I extend beyond the slides and hear the different ways audience members may as well!

I currently use Cyber.org’s Cybersecurity 1 course for my curriculum. I’ll be giving examples of how I extend beyond the provided materials from cyber.org to give students other opportunities. There will also be time during the workshop for teachers to share what they do in their own classroom!

This session pairs the pedagogical "how-to" of AI integration with the gold-standard framework of Common Sense Media. We will explore how to weave AI literacy into the fabric of Digital Citizenship, ensuring students don’t just use AI, but understand the ethics, bias, and responsibility behind the screen.

AI is no longer a future technology. It’s in our students' pockets, search bars, and homework routines today. But how do we move beyond blocking and filtering to actually empowering our youngest learners? See how Common Sense resources can help you vet AI tools for privacy and safety, help educate parents and the community, and learn about Ai bias. Explore ready-to-use, "plug-and-play" mini-lessons (20 minutes or less) that teach kids to think critically about AI-generated content.Learn how to apply the concepts of AI, helping students understand their impact on themselves, their community, and the world.Participants will leave not just with a list of tools, but with a strategic roadmap to turn their students into savvy, ethical digital citizens who can navigate an AI-driven world with confidence and common sense.

How do we move students from being passive consumers of technology to active creators? Join us for a fun, hands-on dive into the BBC micro:bit—the pocket-sized computer.

In this hands-on session, we will review the hardware and software that make physical computing with micro:bit possible. You’ll be provided with simple ideas on how to integrate the micro:bit across your entire curriculum, from Science, Math, Communications, and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). During this session you will also build, download, and play a logic-based game using Microsoft Makecode. The game will help us explore pattern recognition and machine learning.

Overview of what a micro bit is

Examples of a lesson or activity that can be enhanced by adding in micro bits in the subject area of science, robotics, math, social emotional learning, communications.

Introduction to basic micro:bit functions using the Meet Your micro:bit activity, with printed hand outs for this

Educators will be provided with presentation slides that have access to sample lessons in various subject areas.

Practice: Attendees will learn to program their micro bit and then play Rock, paper, scissors game

Extension for more advanced users & real-world connection is linking this to the ideas presented by Elliot Lichtman in his book The Computer Always Wins.
Chapter 10 Rock, Paper… Paper, Learn how computers detect patterns in this game of random choice, Pattern recognition is something a computer is king of. Can you develop an advantage in this seemingly unbiased game by adding functions to your “code” such as boring, sore loser, or reluctance?

This hands-on workshop introduces young learners to physical computing through a three-part progression. Using Hello Ruby, participants explore input, output, processing, and memory by connecting computer systems to familiar real-world examples. They then experiment with circuits using Makey Makey to understand how inputs trigger actions through code. The experience culminates with the Micro:bit, where learners engage with a microcontroller as the “brain,” connecting inputs and outputs through simple programming. This session bridges concrete exploration and computational thinking, making physical computing accessible, creative, and meaningful for elementary classrooms.

Gain foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to develop policy to integrate AI responsibly and effectively in educational settings with actionable strategies to inform classroom practices, staff expectations, and district-level decision-making.

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming the educational landscape, offering powerful tools to enhance teaching, streamline workflows, and personalize learning. However, along with the promise of AI come significant challenges that educators and school leaders must navigate carefully.

This professional development session, AI – Policy & Practice: Watch for the Pitfalls, equips participants with the foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to integrate AI responsibly and effectively in educational settings. Through an engaging blend of case studies, discussions, and practical examples, participants will examine the potential risks and ethical concerns surrounding AI use in schools—including data privacy, algorithmic bias, misinformation, and over-reliance on automated systems.

The session highlights the importance of clear, proactive school and district policies that guide AI adoption while prioritizing student safety, equity, and academic integrity. Attendees will explore model AI use policies, discuss real-world scenarios, and consider how to develop guidelines that balance innovation with caution. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to inform classroom practices, staff expectations, and district-level decision-making. Whether you’re an administrator or teacher leader, this session is designed to help you stay ahead of emerging issues while fostering a culture of thoughtful, ethical, and policy-aligned AI use in your school community.

Roll up your sleeves and dive into quick, tech-free STEM builds that spark creativity and engagement from the start. These playful engineering challenges are perfect for the STEM lab, makerspace, or classroom and can stand alone or extend into core learning goals across literacy, math, science, and civics. After a high-energy, hands-on, team-based creature and habitat design challenge focused on animal adaptations, habitats, and the meaning behind scientific names, we will explore ways to extend the learning into cross-curricular PBL that can integrate literacy, math, physical science, or technology based on class resources and teaching goals You will leave with inspiration, a ready-to-use STEM-Starter Card Deck, and a cardboard “beastie” of your own design!

In this highly interactive session, educators will experience how quick, tech-free STEM builds can serve as powerful entry points into deeper, standards-aligned learning across all teaching areas in the K–8 grade band. Grounded in research-informed pedagogy and active learning principles, participants will engage in a series of fast-paced, team-based engineering challenges using simple materials, beginning with a collaborative creature design challenge where participants analyze clues from animal phenotypes and scientific names to backward design a likely habitat, incorporating elements of adaptation, environment, and survival.

These “STEM Starters” are intentionally designed as low-floor, high-engagement experiences that can be implemented in STEM labs, makerspaces, or classrooms as stand-alone activities. They are accessible to all educators, regardless of STEM background, and scaffolded within a structured framework that builds educator confidence and instructional capacity over time. At the same time, they offer high ceilings and wide walls, allowing for deeper exploration and creativity for more advanced learners.

A key focus of this session is highlighting easy, low-barrier ways for all educators to bring meaningful STEM experiences into their classrooms, regardless of background or available resources. These quick builds are designed to be immediately implementable while building both student engagement and educator confidence, and can also serve as a powerful entry point that bridges STEM programs and classroom instruction, extending into deeper, standards-aligned, cross-curricular learning. Educators will explore how highly motivating, hands-on builds created in a STEM lab or makerspace can be extended into the classroom to support core, standards-based learning goals. We will model a variety of ways to connect builds to literacy through storytelling and descriptive writing, to math through measurement, geometry, and scaled models, to science through animal adaptations, habitats, ecosystems, and how movement and structure support survival, including the role of forces and motion, and to technology through presentation tools such as ChatterPix, Book Creator, stop motion animation, and Canva.

Throughout the session, participants will experience strategies for differentiation, collaboration, and student-centered facilitation that support diverse learners and multiple entry points. The session will also highlight how these quick builds can transition from playful exploration to structured academic applications without losing student engagement, reflecting a developmentally aligned progression from exploration to application.

Participants will leave with ready-to-use activities, practical strategies for integrating hands-on STEM into existing curricula, and a clear instructional framework for extending quick builds into deeper classroom learning. Most importantly, they will walk away with inspiration, increased confidence in facilitating hands-on learning, and a tangible model they can immediately bring back to their students.

For this workshop - attendees will be provided Mini-maker kits and a deck of challenge cards ($12.50 value per attendee)

This hands-on session equips high school educators with sophisticated, device-free strategies to deconstruct complex computer science concepts. Move beyond the screen to explore rigorous activities that solidify foundations in algorithmic logic, computational thinking, and digital ethics through interactive modeling and collaborative problem-solving.
We will demonstrate how these unplugged methods align with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS-CS), providing teachers with high-leverage tools to bridge the gap between abstract theory and practical application. These strategies are not only perfect for "unplugged" days but are essential for deepening student comprehension of data structures, networking, and security—ensuring a robust learning environment regardless of hardware availability.

This session will give high school teachers a clear understanding of what vibe coding is, why it matters for the future of education, and how to begin building your own classroom tools. Hands-on segments will give participants the chance to start building a real project they can take back to their students.

This session introduces the integration of AI-powered tools such as MagicSchool AI, Canva, Adobe tools, and Brisk Teaching into elementary classrooms to support both teachers and students. These tools can streamline lesson planning, enhance creativity, and provide personalized learning experiences.

Technology has rapidly evolved in recent years, with artificial intelligence becoming more accessible and practical in everyday education. Tools like MagicSchool AI, Canva, Adobe applications (such as Adobe Express), and Brisk Teaching are designed specifically to support educators and enhance student learning.

This workshop will equip teachers with AI tools that reduce workload and improve instructional quality, provide students with interactive and creative learning experiences, introduce age-appropriate AI literacy skills, prepare students for a future where AI is a common part of daily life.

Attend Part 2 virtually on August 4th, 2:00 - 4:00 pm .

If this in-person session is filled to capacity, you can attend the repeat session virtually on Tuesday, August 4 at 1:00 - 2:00pm and Part 2 on August 4, 2:00 - 4:00 pm. There are no capacity limits for the virtual session.

Encourage students to use AI responsibly, by showing them!

Historically, we've allowed children to teach themselves how to use technology. But let's not allow this for AI! Come join me on how we can model to students how to effectively and responsibly use AI. I'll show examples from my classroom and offer time for you to share what has worked in your classroom.

In this presentation participants will explore steps in the data science process including statistical questions, data collection, bias, data cleaning and analysis, and graphical displays.

Participants will be given a brief introduction to steps in the data science process. These include forming good statistical research questions, collecting data, cleaning data, statistics, exploratory data analysis, and interpretation of graphical data displays. Special consideration will be given to dealing with bias in data collection and presentation, and ethical use of data. This presentation will align topics with the new NJ Computer Science standards and will provide materials for use in the classroom and/or further study.

This in-person professional development session will introduce teachers to engaging unplugged technology activities for grades 4–8 that do not require devices. Participants will explore hands-on lessons that teach coding, computational thinking, digital citizenship, problem-solving, and data concepts through simple classroom activities. The session will also show how these unplugged activities align with the proposed new New Jersey technology standards and can be easily used in everyday instruction. These activities are especially valuable during unexpected technology issues, giving teachers meaningful, ready-to-use lessons that keep students engaged and learning when internet access is unavailable.

This hands-on session introduces early‑elementary teachers to engaging, device‑free technology activities perfect for young learners. Explore playful lessons that build coding foundations, computational thinking, problem‑solving, and digital citizenship through movement, storytelling, and simple classroom materials. You’ll see how these unplugged activities align with New Jersey’s proposed technology standards and can be woven seamlessly into everyday instruction. These ready‑to‑use lessons are especially helpful during tech glitches or low‑device days, ensuring students stay active, creative, and learning.

This session will give elementary school teachers a clear understanding of what vibe coding is, why it matters for the future of education, and how to begin building your own classroom tools. Hands-on segments will give participants the chance to start building a real project they can take back to their students.

This introductory session will show how 3D design and printing can support computer science, engineering, and robotics in hands-on and meaningful ways. See a 3D printer in action and explore how students can use x, y, and z coordinates, design original solutions, and print robot parts or develop STEAM design projects that solve authentic problems while building skills such as sequencing, abstraction, decomposition, algorithm design, and debugging. This session is open to all attendees. A separate full-day deep-dive 3D printing workshop will also be available for those who want a more hands-on experience, and attending this introductory session is not required in order to participate.

Educators will get a practical look at how 3D design and printing can connect computer science to engineering, robotics, and hands-on problem-solving. Participants will explore how students can use 3D design tools to better understand x, y, and z coordinates, think spatially, and create original designs that can be printed, tested, and improved. A 3D printer will be on hand during the session so attendees can see the process in action while considering how these tools can work in real classroom settings.

These design experiences support important computer science concepts and practices found in the standards, including sequencing, abstraction, decomposition, algorithm design, and debugging. As students plan, design, test, and revise, they break larger problems into smaller parts, focus on key features, follow and refine steps, and learn from failure through iteration. They also see how digital design connects to real-world applications when they create prototypes, print robot parts, or develop STEAM design projects that solve authentic problems.

This session will share classroom examples, practical entry points, and manageable ways to bring 3D design and printing into computer science instruction. It is intended as an introduction that can be attended by anyone interested in the topic. A separate full-day deep-dive 3D printing workshop will also be available for educators who want a more hands-on experience with the tools, design process, and classroom applications. Attendance at this introductory session is not a prerequisite for participating in the full-day workshop.

You’ve heard about the inspirational applications of AI—now let’s talk about how to make them stick. This session is a collaborative, question-driven space focused on the actualization of the initiatives discussed in the keynote. We will dive into the specifics of district-wide adoption, exploring how to shift from individual "cool tools" to a cohesive, school-wide AI culture. Join an open exchange of insights, strategies, and lessons learned from the front lines of AI implementation.

Join this hands-on workshop to explore how coding with CoDrone can engage students in learning computer science concepts through flight-based challenges. Participants will program drones to complete interactive tasks while building skills in sequencing, loops, and problem-solving. No prior coding or drone experience is required.

Bring computer science to life through flight-based, hands-on learning in this interactive workshop focused on coding with CoDrone. Participants will explore how drones can be used as an engaging platform for teaching core programming concepts such as sequencing, loops, conditionals, variables, and debugging. By programming drones to complete structured challenges, educators will experience how abstract coding concepts translate into visible, real-time actions, helping make computer science more accessible and motivating for students.

Throughout the session, participants will engage in scaffolded activities that begin with basic drone control and progress toward more complex, mission-based coding tasks. These experiences are designed to model how educators can introduce computational thinking in a way that is both developmentally appropriate and highly engaging for learners with no prior coding experience. Emphasis will be placed on inquiry-based learning, problem-solving, and iterative design as participants test, refine, and improve their code to achieve specific flight objectives.

In addition to hands-on exploration, the workshop will highlight practical strategies for integrating drone-based coding into existing curricula across grade levels and subject areas. Participants will examine how these activities align with computer science standards and support interdisciplinary connections in math, science, and engineering. Guidance will also be provided on classroom management considerations, grouping strategies, and resource planning to ensure successful implementation.

By the end of the workshop, educators will leave with a clear understanding of how to use drones as a tool for teaching computer science, along with ready-to-use activity ideas and a foundational plan for integrating coding with drones into their own instructional settings.

Ready to launch a robotics program but not sure where to start? This hands-on workshop provides a comprehensive roadmap for bringing VEX Robotics into your middle or high school classroom. After a foundational briefing on curriculum integration and equipment logistics during the morning session, we’ll move to the Robotics Playground for an immersive build-and-code experience. You’ll gain practical experience assembling hardware and programming movement, leaving with the technical confidence and instructional strategies needed to transition from an empty lab to a fully functional, student-led robotics environment.

In this workshop we are going to explore how Attackers(Social Engineering and Injection Attacks) and Defenders are leveraging AI Tools to their advantage and activities that you can bring back to the classroom.

Join LEGO Education for a hands-on session that brings Computer Science and AI to life through engaging, accessible learning experiences. Explore how to support all students with tools that make complex concepts approachable, while building critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Participants will work directly with new LEGO Education Computer Science & AI solutions and leave with practical, classroom-ready strategies to integrate meaningful, standards-aligned learning into any environment.

This engaging, hands-on session is designed to explore how educators can effectively support all students with accessible, inclusive solutions for Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. As schools continue to navigate the increasing importance of computational thinking, digital literacy, and AI awareness, this session will provide practical strategies and tools to bring these concepts to life in meaningful and equitable ways.

Participants will have the opportunity to work directly with LEGO Education’s newest Computer Science & AI solutions, experiencing firsthand how hands-on, inquiry-based learning can deepen student understanding and engagement. Through guided exploration, educators will discover how these tools empower students to move beyond passive learning—encouraging them to build, test, iterate, and problem-solve as they develop critical skills aligned to modern standards and future-ready competencies.

This session is intentionally designed to model instructional practices that promote active learning, collaboration, and creativity. Educators will learn how to scaffold complex CS & AI concepts in ways that are approachable for diverse learners, ensuring that every student—regardless of background or prior experience—can participate and succeed. From foundational coding principles to emerging AI concepts, participants will explore how to integrate these ideas into existing curricula through flexible, standards-aligned pathways.

By the end of the session, attendees will walk away with actionable insights, classroom-ready strategies, and a clear understanding of how to implement iterative, student-centered learning experiences that make Computer Science and AI both accessible and impactful. Whether you are just beginning your CS journey or looking to expand and enhance your current programming, this experience will equip you with the tools and confidence to bring meaningful, hands-on innovation into your classroom.

This session will start with the Makey Makey basics and progress to include creative projects and coding.

Welcome to the world of Makey Makey! We will begin with some basics of using Makey Makey by testing everyday items for conductivity and building simple circuits. We will proceed to incorporate project ideas that will get you thinking creatively, and end with how to integrate Scratch coding to level up your Makey Makey game.

This session will give middle school teachers a clear understanding of what vibe coding is, why it matters for the future of education, and how to begin building your own classroom tools. Hands-on segments will give participants the chance to start building a real project they can take back to their students.

Learners are already interacting with AI through everyday tools like voice assistants, face recognition, and recommendation systems. This session explores how educators can introduce AI concepts in developmentally appropriate ways—starting with unplugged play, moving into ethical discussions, and building toward early prompt engineering and machine learning experiences. Participants will leave with practical strategies, tools, and lesson ideas for Elementary and Middle School classrooms.

Experience firsthand how playful, hands-on design challenges can serve as engaging entry points into core computer science concepts. Using a playful, team-based monster-replicating challenge as the anchor activity, we explore the foundational CS concept of input → process → output. Then we’ll explore how we might use open-source AI platforms to adapt the lesson to support differentiated instruction for diverse learners, revisiting the anchor activity from multiple learner perspectives. Then we’ll switch gears and dive into student-facing AI, using it as a tool for building personal communication and creative thinking skills rather than a substitute for their own ideas. Leave with practical strategies, ready-to-use activities, and a clear framework for connecting computer science, hands-on STEM, and inclusive pedagogy across the K–8 classroom.

In this highly interactive session, educators will experience how a simple, tech-free building challenge can serve as a powerful entry point into the basics of computer science, differentiated instructional design, and responsible AI integration, all without a single line of code. Participants will engage in a fast-paced, team-based monster-replicating challenge that brings the foundational computer science concepts of input → process → output to life. Working in teams of three, each participant takes on a rotating role, builder, describer, and reconstructor, experiencing firsthand how clarity, sequencing, and precision directly shape outcomes. The debrief surfaces natural connections to algorithms, debugging, and the kind of communication skills that underpin both strong writing and strong computational thinking.

The session is intentionally designed as a low-floor, high-engagement experience accessible to all educators, regardless of CS background. No prior knowledge of computer science is assumed, and no technology is required for the core activity. At the same time, it offers high ceilings and wide walls, the same monster build that introduces algorithms to a kindergartener can spark rich conversation about instructional equity, learner variability, and the design of inclusive learning environments for seasoned educators.

A central focus of the second part of this session is modeling how AI can help teachers rapidly differentiate instruction without starting from scratch. Participants revisit the monster challenge through AI-generated variations of the same activity, each designed to support different learner needs. This allows educators to experience firsthand how small shifts in language, structure, and scaffolding can significantly impact access and outcomes. The facilitator then pulls back the curtain, sharing the AI prompts used to generate these adaptations and walking the group through the prompting process live. Key strategies are discussed, including how to write prompts grounded in specific learning goals, how to describe a learner profile with enough clarity to generate useful responses, and how feedback loops between teacher, student, and AI can refine both instruction and output over time.

The final segment of the workshop shifts the lens from teacher-facing to student-facing AI use. Participants explore how to model AI as a tool that strengthens student thinking, communication, and creativity rather than replacing it. Through a playful, game-based experience, educators see how structured prompting and iterative feedback can help students clarify their ideas, strengthen their writing, and deepen engagement. This also offers a natural ELA extension through storytelling and descriptive writing.

Throughout the session, participants will experience strategies for differentiation, collaboration, and student-centered facilitation that honor diverse learners and multiple entry points. Participants will leave with a ready-to-use unplugged CS activity adaptable across grades K–5, a live-modeled AI prompting framework for generating differentiated lesson materials, and a student-facing AI approach they can bring back to their classrooms right away. Most importantly, they will leave with increased confidence that CS and AI integration does not require a technology background, it requires curiosity, strong instructional design, and a willingness to build a monster.

Bridge the gap from block-based to text-based coding using p5.js, a creative, browser-based platform that blends visual design with JavaScript. Discover how the transition to text-based programming can be approachable, creative, and fun, as students build coding confidence through hands-on, visually engaging projects.

Block-based coding effectively introduces young learners to the fundamentals of programming, but continued growth requires transitioning to text-based code. p5.js offers an ideal bridge between the two, combining the creativity of visual expression with the structure of JavaScript. Through this accessible, browser-based platform, students can apply familiar coding concepts while developing text-based syntax and logic skills.

This session will demonstrate how p5.js supports an engaging, forgiving learning experience that promotes persistence, creativity, and problem-solving. Educators will explore how p5.js links computing with art, mathematics, and design, helping students see programming as both expressive and analytical.

Participants will engage in hands-on coding activities, starting with foundational sketches and advancing to interactive, visually rich projects. The session will also highlight classroom management strategies, free resources, and best practices for integrating p5.js using Open Processing and similar tools. Attendees will leave with sample code, ready-to-use projects, and strategies to inspire confidence and self-efficacy in their students’ coding journeys.

Many younger learners disengage from script-based programming before mastering foundational concepts. This session demonstrates how physical computing with Microbits bridges that gap—teaching identical computational foundations (variables, loops, conditionals, functions, even basic OOP) through tangible, immediate feedback rather than abstract syntax.

We'll explore three interconnected tools:
Microbits as a Foundation-First Platform — How to scaffold the same concepts from your Python curriculum (Load → Structure → Analyze → Visualize → Interact) using hardware as the "output" instead of a terminal or visualization library. Real demo of a 6th-grade dance routine project.

The Challenge Creator App — An interactive tool built with Claude that generates differentiated microbit challenges on demand. You'll see how it works live: upload a challenge template, select a difficulty level, and get a fresh, student-ready problem.

Standards-Aligned AI Curriculum Co-Design — The system behind the tool: how to prompt Claude with your CSTA and NGSS standards framework, lesson templates, and Python curriculum scope, so it generates challenges that are pedagogically consistent AND standards-aligned. We'll discuss prompt engineering for reproducibility and what happens when you iterate.

The result: fewer students lost to syntax frustration, stronger conceptual foundations, and reusable, scalable challenge generation.

Standards to highlight:
CSTA 2-AP-10 (decomposition via functions)
CSTA 2-AP-12 (variables and data types)
NGSS MS-ETS1-1 (design and iteration)

Physical computing offers a powerful antidote to early disengagement from programming. When younger learners struggle with script-based syntax, they often abandon computational thinking altogether—even though they possess the foundational concepts needed to succeed. This session presents a pedagogical framework and toolkit for teaching core programming concepts through Microbits, where every keystroke produces immediate, tangible feedback.

The Core Problem:
Students aged 11–14 frequently hit a motivation wall in text-based programming. The abstraction between code and outcome feels disconnected; errors are opaque; success feels distant. Simultaneously, physical computing platforms like Microbits offer rich, real-time feedback—but many educators treat them as separate from "real" programming curricula. This session bridges that divide.

What Participants Will Learn:
1. Teaching Identical Foundations via Hardware
We'll map the same computational concepts from a rigorous Python curriculum—variables, loops, conditionals, functions, and even basic object-oriented principles—onto Microbits. The "Load → Structure → Analyze → Visualize → Interact" pipeline works just as well when your output is a servo, an LED, or a sensor reading as when it's a pandas DataFrame. Live demo includes a 6th-grade choreographed dance routine project that teaches sequencing, state management, and event-driven logic without a single print statement.
2. The Challenge Creator App: AI-Powered Differentiation
A custom interactive tool—built collaboratively with Claude—generates fresh, difficulty-leveled microbit challenges on demand. Participants will see it in action: upload a challenge template, select a target grade level and difficulty tier, and receive a student-ready problem within seconds. This solves the scaling problem: how do you maintain pedagogical consistency while creating enough variety to prevent boredom and support differentiation?
3. Standards-Aligned Curriculum Co-Design with AI
Behind the Challenge Creator lies a replicable prompt-engineering workflow. By feeding Claude your CSTA and NGSS standards framework, lesson plan templates, and Python curriculum scope, you can generate challenges that are both pedagogically sound AND officially aligned—without manual mapping. We'll discuss:

How to structure your knowledge base for Claude (what goes in, what stays out)
Prompt patterns that produce reproducible, high-quality challenges
When to iterate vs. when to trust the system
Privacy and intellectual property considerations

Why This Matters:
The goal is not to replace teacher judgment—it's to automate the routine, freeing you to focus on formative assessment, student confidence-building, and iteration. Participants will leave with a replicable framework they can adapt to their own hardware platforms, grade levels, and curricula.

Relevant Standards:
CSTA 2-AP-10: Decomposition and function design
CSTA 2-AP-12: Variables, data types, and state
CSTA 2-AP-16: Implementing algorithms (loops, conditionals)
NGSS MS-ETS1-1: Engineering design process (define, design, test, improve)
NGSS MS-PS4-3: Wave properties and digital signals (if incorporating sensor work)

Audience:
Middle school CS/STEM teachers, robotics educators, and anyone scaling physical computing curricula. No prior experience with Microbits or Claude required.

During COVID-19 some students logged on. Others disappeared. The digital divide did not create that gap. It revealed it. Artificial intelligence is doing the same thing right now.

This session uses the Art as the Classroom framework to examine how the absence of AI curriculum functions as a systemic failure and offers educators practical strategies for building AI literacy before the gap becomes a canyon. Participants will leave with concrete tools they can implement immediately without waiting for district permission.

The absence of artificial intelligence literacy in K-12 curriculum is quietly replicating the conditions that produced the COVID-19 digital divide. During the pandemic, students without access to devices and reliable internet disappeared from their own education while their peers advanced. Research now confirms that the same pattern is emerging around AI literacy. According to The 74 Million, 68% of teachers received no formal AI training during the 2024 to 2025 school year. Only 14.13% of U.S. school districts had established formal AI policies as of May 2024 (Zhou et al., 2025). A RAND Corporation study found that teachers and principals in higher-poverty schools are significantly less likely to use AI tools or receive guidance, and only 6 in 10 high-poverty districts will have trained teachers by fall 2025 compared to nearly all low-poverty districts. This is not only an economic divide. It is a curricular and institutional one that affects students across income levels whose schools have not yet integrated AI literacy into classroom practice.

This session applies two original frameworks developed by the presenter to examine and respond to this growing gap. Glass House Conditioning, a positional model of conditional belonging, provides a theoretical lens for understanding how institutions condition students from marginalized communities to accept exclusion from emerging technologies as normal rather than as a systemic failure requiring intervention. Art as the Classroom, a pedagogical framework examining culture and creativity as vehicles for learning when formal institutions fall short, offers a practical bridge for educators seeking to introduce AI literacy through the cultural touchpoints students already inhabit including music production, content creation, social media, and gaming.

Participants will examine current national data on AI literacy gaps across K-12 education, explore the intersection of Glass House Conditioning and digital equity, and apply the Art as the Classroom framework through structured discussion, individual reflection, and a collaborative scenario-based group activity. The session closes with a commitment exercise designed to help educators identify one concrete AI literacy strategy they will implement before the next school year begins.

These informal, end‑of‑day meetups give K–12 educators a dedicated space to connect with colleagues who teach similar grade levels. Teachers can share insights from the day’s sessions, compare classroom experiences, discuss challenges, and exchange practical strategies that support computer science and AI learning. Whether you’re looking to reflect on new ideas, troubleshoot with peers, or build ongoing professional relationships, these meetups offer a supportive environment for meaningful conversation and collaboration.

These informal, end‑of‑day meetups give K–12 educators a dedicated space to connect with colleagues who teach similar grade levels. Teachers can share insights from the day’s sessions, compare classroom experiences, discuss challenges, and exchange practical strategies that support computer science and AI learning. Whether you’re looking to reflect on new ideas, troubleshoot with peers, or build ongoing professional relationships, these meetups offer a supportive environment for meaningful conversation and collaboration.

These informal, end‑of‑day meetups give K–12 educators a dedicated space to connect with colleagues who teach similar grade levels. Teachers can share insights from the day’s sessions, compare classroom experiences, discuss challenges, and exchange practical strategies that support computer science and AI learning. Whether you’re looking to reflect on new ideas, troubleshoot with peers, or build ongoing professional relationships, these meetups offer a supportive environment for meaningful conversation and collaboration.

These informal, end‑of‑day meetups give K–12 educators a dedicated space to connect with colleagues who teach similar grade levels. Teachers can share insights from the day’s sessions, compare classroom experiences, discuss challenges, and exchange practical strategies that support computer science and AI learning. Whether you’re looking to reflect on new ideas, troubleshoot with peers, or build ongoing professional relationships, these meetups offer a supportive environment for meaningful conversation and collaboration.

Join LEGO Education for a hands-on session that brings Computer Science and AI to life through engaging, accessible learning experiences. Explore how to support all students with tools that make complex concepts approachable, while building critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Participants will work directly with new LEGO Education Computer Science & AI solutions and leave with practical, classroom-ready strategies to integrate meaningful, standards-aligned learning into any environment.

This engaging, hands-on session is designed to explore how educators can effectively support all students with accessible, inclusive solutions for Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. As schools continue to navigate the increasing importance of computational thinking, digital literacy, and AI awareness, this session will provide practical strategies and tools to bring these concepts to life in meaningful and equitable ways.

Participants will have the opportunity to work directly with LEGO Education’s newest Computer Science & AI solutions, experiencing firsthand how hands-on, inquiry-based learning can deepen student understanding and engagement. Through guided exploration, educators will discover how these tools empower students to move beyond passive learning—encouraging them to build, test, iterate, and problem-solve as they develop critical skills aligned to modern standards and future-ready competencies.

This session is intentionally designed to model instructional practices that promote active learning, collaboration, and creativity. Educators will learn how to scaffold complex CS & AI concepts in ways that are approachable for diverse learners, ensuring that every student—regardless of background or prior experience—can participate and succeed. From foundational coding principles to emerging AI concepts, participants will explore how to integrate these ideas into existing curricula through flexible, standards-aligned pathways.

By the end of the session, attendees will walk away with actionable insights, classroom-ready strategies, and a clear understanding of how to implement iterative, student-centered learning experiences that make Computer Science and AI both accessible and impactful. Whether you are just beginning your CS journey or looking to expand and enhance your current programming, this experience will equip you with the tools and confidence to bring meaningful, hands-on innovation into your classroom.

These informal, end‑of‑day meetups give K–12 educators a dedicated space to connect with colleagues who teach similar grade levels. Teachers can share insights from the day’s sessions, compare classroom experiences, discuss challenges, and exchange practical strategies that support computer science and AI learning. Whether you’re looking to reflect on new ideas, troubleshoot with peers, or build ongoing professional relationships, these meetups offer a supportive environment for meaningful conversation and collaboration.

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.

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.