CSTANJ CSPDWeek 2026

Fantasy Football uses probability, statistics, economics, psychology, data analysis, and critical thinking. Some people even wrote code to help them win. With AI also a factor now, students have a full palette at their disposal to succeed in Fantasy Football. 

I will start by explaining that Fantasy Football is a $10 billion industry in the US, and 40 million Americans play it each season. Then I will give a brief explanation of what Fantasy Football is, its origins, its financial impact on both men and women in America, and how to play the game.

I will then shift gears and explain what factors players need to consider creating a successful and winning team. The statistics that come into play are numerous. The numbers don’t lie when it comes to windy games (25 miles per hour greatly effects the ability of a football to move through the air), the predicted point totals per game as set by the Associated Press, weather reports (rain and snow usually means lower scores), and even the probability of injured players taking the field. I will provide real statistical examples that players use to make game-time decisions.

I will then speak about AI. AI has greatly changed how sports writers work, covering the following: Research, Fact Checking, Writing with AI' (a HUGE no-no), Creating Content, Personal Branding and ETHICS!

Then I will share websites that show students using code using PYTHON to win at Fantasy Football. Coding can predict final scores, injuries, and play performances.

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.

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.

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.