9:00 – 9:50 Sessions
LAUNCH: Using VEX in Your Launch Classroom
Have questions about implementing a Vex module in your classroom? Join this session to discuss general setup, best practices for collaboration, classroom management, kits storage, and have some hands-on time exploring Vex kits and Fusion 360.
LAUNCH: Launching Collaborative Elementary CS Problems
In this presentation, we will discuss how to bring both collaborative and cooperative learning into the launch PLTW curriculum computer science focused units. We will explore different partner programming models as well as different ways to integrate student collaboration and shared decision-making into elementary classrooms. Participants will have an opportunity to see and share ideas and resources for collaborative programming in developmentally appropriate ways for students PK-5.
GATEWAY: Measuring Matters - Design & Modeling Skimmer Project Time
In this session we will talk about teaching measuring in Design and Modeling. We will then construct Skimmers while sharing some tips and tricks for the activity.
GATEWAY: Get Hands-On with Medical Detectives!
Join us for an exciting session learning/working with the Medical Detectives curriculum. There will be opportunities to dive into the brain dissection lab as well as discussions around best practices for the patient interview unit.
HS CS: Cybersecurity: Updates & Activities to Engage Students
Are you a MS or HS Computer Science teacher who is interested in learning more about the field of cybersecurity to share it with your students? Do you already teach Cybersecurity and want to take your course to the next level? In this session we will examine today’s security threats and explore resources to help bring your PLTW Cybersecurity course up to date. We’ll also explore additional resources to enhance student hands-on participation and engagement in this topic.
HS Biomed: Biomedical Labs Tips, Tricks, and Techniques
Are you overwhelmed by the intensity of the PLTW Biomedical lab curriculum? Do you need some help to make running labs easier and more smoothly? Then, come to “Tips, Tricks, and Techniques to Run PLTW Biomedical Labs” where you will learn how planning, routine, and organization can set you and your students up for success in all labs across the PLTW Biomedical curriculum.
HS Engineering: Leveraging Student Collaboration in the HS Engineering Classroom
Effective student collaboration is essential for high quality student work. It’s also a set of skills that can be taught. Hear from a Medway HS Engineering teacher about how he structures his classroom to teach, and get the most out of, student collaboration.
GW, CS, & Eng: Getting Started With VEX V5
Come learn about the new VEX V5 system directly from a Vex representative. This session will provide an overview of how you can use these robotics kits in your classroom. It will also go over what you and your students can do before your kits arrive and what resources are available to help you succeed with V5 in your classroom. Note: there is another VEX session right after on the new sensors in the VEX V5 system. Also, please note this session is focused on VEX and is not intended to speak to how VEX is used in the PLTW curriculum.
GEN INTEREST: EdTech Tools & Strategies for Collaborative Project Management
In this session, we will explore effective practices to help students collaborate throughout projects. We will discuss specific project management resources and teaching approaches that can help students engage in group work more effectively and efficiently. (Tools featured in this session will focus on Google for EDU and other apps that are accessible to students using a Chrome Browser.)
GEN INTEREST: Identity, Belonging, and Brain Science: Engaging ALL students
We all bring the many aspects of our identities to our work every day. These identities interact and create a shared culture in our spaces of learning whether or not we are aware of it. In this session we will learn about the brain science behind identity and learning, and how a lack of belonging can inhibit students’ abilities to engage and succeed. We will also explore best practices for creating a classroom culture that creates space for all students in transformative learning experiences.
