Refresher Workshops

Whether you attended PLTW Core Training virtually and are looking for hands-on experience, are a veteran PLTW teacher and would love an opportunity for a course refresher and to collaborate with colleagues, or there have been major curriculum updates in your course – we’ve got you covered!

Join us for a day of hands-on learning alongside your Massachusetts PLTW colleagues led by PLTW Master Teachers. Veteran PLTW teachers, don’t forget to bring your own tips and tricks to share!

 

 

Where: WPI

Dates: August 8th and 9th

Time: 8:30am – 3:30pm

Teacher Moves in a Student Driven Classroom

A workshop for all PLTW educators

August 9th

This workshop will focus on different tips and tricks for teacher moves in a student driven classroom, e.g.: art of questioning, providing meaningful feedback, and framing a lesson.

Presenters: Community Lead Lindsey Ayers, Master Teacher Stephanie Racine, and Master Teacher Corey Duzan

Launch Workshops

August 8th

 

Vex Modules

Presenter: Master Teacher Christi Davenport

Module focused workshop with round table       discussions for Activities 1-3 and hands-on   opportunities for the Project and Problem.

Modules covered: Forces and Interactions,      Energy Explorations, Robotics   and Automation

K-2 Module Extravaganza!

Presenter: Master Teacher Sarah Orr

Modules focused on:

K – Structure and Function

K – Pushes and Pulls

1 – Light and Sound

2 – Properties of Matter

August 9th

 

Computer Science Modules

Presenter: Master Teacher Christi Davenport

Module focused workshop with round table   discussions for Activities 1-3 and hands-on   opportunities for the Project and Problem.

Modules covered: Animals and Algorithms,   Animated Storytelling, Grids and Games,   Programming Patterns,  Input/Output:   Computer Systems

Gateway Workshops

August 8th

 

Design and Modeling

Presenter: Andy Northard

The focus of this workshop will be a hands-on look at some of the more challenging/time consuming projects in the curriculum. Some of the focuses on the day will be on the skimmer (and measuring) as well as Tinkercad.

App Creators & Computer Science for Innovators and Makers

Presenter: Master Teacher Stephanie Racine

During this workshop you will spend time in both CSIM and App Creators. For CSIM we will focus on radio sending wireless signals (2.3) and sensor wiring for using multiple inputs and outputs at once. In App Creators all educators will have the time and opportunity to build 1.8 (both Moving Fast and Good Excuse.) We will also spend time discussing Lesson 2 and how we can take the best from the old and new!

VEX V5 (for AR & POE)

Presenter: Master Teacher Jonathan Scrivner

We will begin with a platform overview including all the notable features. We will then dive into a hands-on style of workshop covering programming with VEXcode, using the Smart Motor, using the Optical and Distance Sensors, and using Variables and Functions in VEXcode.

August 9th

Automation and Robotics

Presenter: Master Teacher Jonathan Scrivner

We will focus on the curriculum updates to AR, with a deep dive into Lesson 1. We will begin the workshop highlighting what’s new and why and then jump into a hands-on deep dive of lesson 1. We will end by looking ahead at some of the key components in Lessons 2 & 3.

High School Biomedical Science Workshops

August 8th

 

Human Body Systems

Presenter: Master Teachers Danielle Weber & Becky Howell

This workshop is going to cover many of the curriculum updates to HBS with a focus on the big picture as well as Unit 1.

August 9th

Principles of Biomedical Science

Presenters: Master Teachers Becky Howell & Danielle Weber

During this workshop we will focus on the following labs/skills: working with Vernier Probeware (1.1.2 Reliable Witnesses,) prepping 1.1.4 Blood Evidence, running a gel (1.1.6 DNA Analysis,) setting up 1.2.2 Time of Death, 1.2.5 Heart Dissections, practice with phlebotomy arms from 2.1.4, and Routine Testing in the Lab.

High School Computer Science Workshops

August 9th

Python for Computer Science Essentials & Principles

Presenter: Master Teacher Katie Cunningham

During this workshop we will focus on a few key areas in Python. We will start with block to text transitions and then have time for each attendee to complete a project implementing core concepts. This will allow for time to collaborate with others and to ask questions when working through a project in the curriculum. We will also discuss applying Python in real-world applications and how to scaffold Python concepts for all skill levels.

High School Engineering Workshops

August 8th

Introduction to Engineering

Presenter: Master Teacher Corey Duzan

During this hands-on workshop we are going to focus on Reverse Engineering and the different times it comes up in the curriculum. This will include the Coffee Maker, Solar Calculator, and Wind-up Toy. We will also spend time on the different Fusion skills required to do Reverse Engineering.

VEX V5 (for AR & POE)

Presenter: Master Teacher Jonathan Scrivner

We will begin with a platform overview including all the notable features. We will then dive into a hands-on style of workshop covering programming with VEXcode, using the Smart Motor, using the Optical and Distance Sensors, and using Variables and Functions in VEXcode.

Principles of Engineering Day 1

Presenter: Steve Beauchamp

The focus of this workshop will be a hands-on look at the curriculum updates. Specific activities are coming soon – Steve is currently dissecting the new updates to determine which components to focus on in POE Refresher 1 on 8/8 and POE Refresher 2 on 8/9. As you look through the updates, please reach out if there are components you’d like to see covered at the Refreshers!

August 9th

 

Principles of Engineering Day 2

Presenter: Steve Beauchamp

The focus of this workshop will be a hands-on look at the curriculum updates. Specific activities are coming soon – Steve is currently dissecting the new updates to determine which components to focus on in POE Refresher 1 on 8/8 and POE Refresher 2 on 8/9. As you look through the updates, please reach out if there are components you’d like to see covered at the Refreshers!

 

DATE CHANGE: August 17th

 

Computer Integrated Manufacturing

Presenter: Scott Banister

Location: Bellingham High School

This workshop will be at Bellingham High School allowing for hands-on time with CIM equipment. A few of the focuses of this workshop will be CNC projects and running the mill (including making parts in the laser for the “box” project,) as well as purchasing tools, vises, and raw materials.