C-STEM Events

May 22, 2026 from 9am-2pm at Solano County Office of Education

FREE Workshop: Creative STEAM Learning through Computational Storytelling with Robotics

Learn and explore hands-on projects where learners build and code robots, write and animate stories, and strengthen mathematical thinking, computational thinking, engineering design, creativity, and artistic expression.

Workshop flyer

What is Computational Storytelling?

Computational storytelling is the creation and expression of stories through coding, robotics, animation, and interactive technologies. Students combine storytelling with computational thinking by programming characters and behaviors, sequencing events, solving problems, and creating interactive experiences that integrate mathematics, coding, engineering design, creativity, artistic expression, and communication. 

Who Should Attend

STEAM and Expanded Learning directors and coordinators, TOSAs, TK-12 teachers, afterschool and summer program instructors. County, district, and school administrators are welcome. No prior experience in coding and robotics is required.

Cost and Registration

Register here (FREE, with lunch provided). Space is limited, register soon!

Overview

This hands-on workshop introduces educators to a creative approach to STEAM learning through storytelling with coding and robotics. Participants will explore engaging projects in which students build and code robots, write and animate their own stories, and apply mathematics, computational thinking, engineering design, and artistic expression in meaningful contexts. Through hands-on activities and collaborative exploration, educators will experience how storytelling can make coding, robotics, and problem-solving more creative, engaging, and meaningful for students. The workshop is designed for classroom teachers, afterschool educators, and summer learning staff seeking practical, project-based strategies that bring STEAM learning to life for all learners. Participants will explore ways to adapt activities for different grade levels, learning environments, and student needs. In addition, participants will experience elements of RoboPlay, a collaborative team-based STEAM challenge that integrates coding, mathematics, creativity, communication, and real-time problem-solving.

Learning Objectives

After participating in the workshop, educators will be able to:

• Develop original stories for computational storytelling through coding and robotics
• Create simple animations based on the original stories using block-based coding by:
  • Changing the background
  • Selecting and moving characters using virtual robots
  • Manipulating images
• Write math problems that correspond to original stories 
• Create drawings using virtual and hardware robots
• Apply engineering design principles to build your own robots to enact stories
• Design a robot float and apply math and coding skills to program it for RoboParade
• Explore how RoboPlay can serve as a culminating team-based STEAM challenge experience  
• Integrate computational storytelling, coding, and robotics into STEAM teaching

From Storytelling to Team-Based STEAM Challenges

Resources and Showcases

• UC Davis C-STEM Program
• RoboBlocky Math Showcases
• RoboParade Showcases
• RoboPlay Showcases

Sponsors and Partners

C-STEM staff will be organizing and/or attending the following events. We would love to talk with you and hope to see you there!