Breakout Sessions
(Sessions subject to change)
SESSION TITLES AND DESCRIPTIONS | PARTICIPANT FOCUS |
SESSION 1 | |
1A. Hands-on: For Absolute Beginners - Getting Started with RoboBlocky to Teach Math and CS with Robotics in Elementary School Curriculum (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) New to C-STEM? Learn how C-STEM is bringing coding and robotics into classrooms and afterschool programs in ways that are engaging all students through hands-on activities and opportunities for personalized learning. RoboBlocky is a web-based drag-and-drop development environment for programming virtual and hardware robots. It is designed to guide absolute beginners through an introduction to solving real-world problems with math, coding, robotics, and logic. Explore thousands of pre-built activities including CCSS-aligned math activities, coding and robotics activities, and detailed projects to bring classroom learning to life. RoboBlocky also prepares students to program in C/C++, the most widely used conventional text-based programming language in industry and college, and it can run in any modern web-browser without installing additional software. Attendees will experience a hands-on introduction to free block-based programming and robotics. Attendees must bring their own personal computer. Windows and MacOSX users must download and pre-install Linkbot Labs software from https://roboblocky.com/download/ (free RoboBlocky account required). Chromebook users do not need to install any additional software in order to control hardware Linkbot robots and/or Arduino Uno boards. Requirements: Windows 10 or above, MacOSX 10.13 or above, Chromebook with Chrome OS v. 89 or above. Linkbots will be provided by the C-STEM Center.
Facilitator: Caitlin Arakawa, STEAM Program Specialist, San Bernardino City USD | 
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1B. Advancing Math/CS Achievement for All with County Office of Education (COE) Leadership & Cal-MSCS Grant What is Cal-MSCS (California Mathematics, Science, and Computer Science) Grant? What resources and professional development opportunities does it provide for teachers, administrators, schools, and districts? How have Monterey County Office Education and Trinity County Office of Education collaborated with C-STEM to provide professional development opportunities for their teachers? Come join us and find out! 
Chair: Christina Goennier, Superintendent, Esparto USD Speakers: Caryn Lewis, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Monterey COE Rod Garcia, Program Coordinator II - Computer Science & Digital Learning, Monterey COE Judianne Ganschow, Educational Administrator, Math Science & CS, Monterey COE Amy Raschein, Science Teacher, Southern Trinity Joint USD |
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1C. Hands-on Arduino: Introduction to Basic Electronics and Creative Problem Solving for Physical Computing (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) Join this hands-on session to get started using Arduino microcontrollers with RoboBlocky. This session will explore an introduction to Physical Computing with Arduino by combining the hands-on projects of physical computing with the simplicity of block-based programming. Discover the endless possibilities of physical computing and how to incorporate modern do-it-yourself electronics into your classroom teaching. Arduino can be integrated into Math, Computer Science, Engineering, and Robotics Courses, as well as afterschool programs and summer camps to facilitate a technologically advanced learning environment. Attendees must bring their own personal computer. Windows and MacOSX users must download and pre-install Linkbot Labs software from https://roboblocky.com/download/ (free RoboBlocky account required). Chromebook users do not need to install any additional software in order to control hardware Linkbot robots and/or Arduino Uno boards. Requirements: Windows 10 or above, MacOSX 10.13 or above, Chromebook with Chrome OS v. 89 or above. Arduino Uno Starter Kit will be provided by the C-STEM Center.
Facilitator: Vitaliy Orlov, Teacher, Redlands USD |
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1D. Competition & Programs: RoboPlay Challenge Competition to Showcase Student Learning, Perseverance, Creativity, Problem-Solving, and Teamwork Skills The RoboPlay Challenge Competition is a theme-based level playing field robotics competition for K-12 students. It is designed for students to showcase their real-world math problem solving skills in a competitive environment. Join this session to learn how you can organize your own RoboPlay Challenge Competition in your class, school or district with the support and guidance of UCD C-STEM Center. Find out why students, teachers, administrators, and community love RoboPlay Challenge Competitions! 
Chair: Ashley Higuera-Oakes, Coordinator, Career Technical Education Speakers: Greg Miller, C-STEM Resource Teacher, Orange USD Tiffany Lam, Assistant Principal, Orange USD Bruce Tuttle, Teacher, Orange USD Michele Romero, Teacher on Special Assignment, Fontana USD Brittany Casey, Teacher on Special Assignment: C-STEM/Math, New Haven USD Hayley Christopher, Teacher, Center USD Kayla Toft, Teacher, Center USD |
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1E. Leadership & PD: School and District Wide Integration of C-STEM Math/CS/Engineering Design with Robotics Curriculum into K-12 Math Classroom Teaching Join this session and learn how educational leaders implemented the C-STEM K-12 Math and CS Curriculum in their schools and districts for accelerated and deeper learning of math and exploration of CS/Robotics. They will share administrative perspectives on getting started, including funding, recruitment of teachers, professional development, teacher support, and student progress and achievement in Math/CS/Robotics. In addition, best practices learned through experiences and success stories will be shared. 
Chair: Christina E. Murdoch, Ed.D, Executive Director, Center for Applied Policy in Education (CAP-Ed), UC Davis Speakers: Tammy Fleming, Director, MTSS - Academic, Fontana USD Rebeca Nelson, Principal, Orange USD Jason Farrel, Principal, Center Joint USD Randy Clyde, Ed.D, Director of STEAM & Innovation, San Bernardino City USD | |
SESSION 2 | |
2A. Hands-on (MS/HS): Focusing on Math & Student Engagement with Coding and Robotics (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) Join this session for a hands-on exploration of C-STEM Math with Robotics curriculum for middle and high schools, with an emphasis on Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry. The C-STEM Mathematics with Robotics curriculum employs hands-on computing and robotics activities to boost students’ interest and engagement in learning math (they learn while having fun!). Students make meaningful connections between abstract math concepts and real-life applications, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The curriculum allows for personalized learning and exploration as well as collaborative learning and teamwork. Attendees must bring their own personal computer. Windows and MacOSX users must download and pre-install Linkbot Labs software from https://roboblocky.com/download/ (free RoboBlocky account required). Chromebook users do not need to install any additional software in order to control hardware Linkbot robots and/or Arduino Uno boards. Requirements: Windows 10 or above, MacOSX 10.13 or above, Chromebook with Chrome OS v. 89 or above. 
Facilitator: Holden Hix, Teacher, Travis USD |
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2B. Teacher-to-Teacher Sharing (ES): Best Practices, Strategies, Lessons, and Projects in Integrating C-STEM Coding and Robotics into Elementary School Math (for Teachers with C-STEM Teaching Experience) The C-STEM Mathematics with Robotics curriculum has had proven success in increasing student engagement and learning at the elementary level. Hear how a panel of Elementary School teachers have incorporated C-STEM curriculum in their Elementary Math classes. They will share their favorite C-STEM lessons, projects and tips. C-STEM supports early learners in building confidence and understanding of abstract math concepts through applied hands-on robotics and programming activities. By incorporating coding and robotics into early education, students gain valuable exposure to modern technologies, develop logic-based problem solving skills, and apply creativity throughout their learning. In addition, the curriculum provides opportunities for integration with English Language Arts subjects, and text-to-speech and language translation features provide support for ELL students. Join this session to learn more about how the C-STEM Program can transform math education at the elementary level and infuse fun into math learning.
Chair: Krysta Bradley, Coordinator of Innovation, Salinas City Elementary School District Speakers: Shannon White, Teacher, Hacienda La Puente USD Catherine Becker, Teacher, San Bernardino City USD Jessica Acosta Johnson, San Bernardino City USD Shelbi Terry, Teacher, San Bernardino City USD Elizabeth Girvan, Hacienda La Puente USD Roland Hosch, Teacher, Redlands USD |
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2C. Teacher-to-Teacher Sharing (MS/HS): Best Practices, Strategies, Lessons, and Projects in Integrating C-STEM K-12 Math with Robotics/CS in Middle/High Schools (for Teachers and Administrators with no C-STEM Experience) C-STEM Teachers will show how math, CS, and robotics are integrated at the middle and high school levels, sharing their most popular C-STEM lessons, projects and activities. C-STEM supports early learners in building confidence and understanding of abstract math concepts through applied hands-on robotics and programming activities. By incorporating coding and robotics into math education, students gain valuable exposure to modern technologies, develop logic-based problem-solving skills, and apply creativity throughout their learning. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn from experienced educators and walk away with inspirations and new ideas for your C-STEM classrooms. 
Chair: Nancy J. McTygue, Executive Director, Center for Public Service & Education, UCD Speakers: Nikki Greminger, Teacher, Marysville Joint USD Mark Kirk, Teacher, San Bernardino City USD Alexis Glenn, Elite Public Schools Josh Furtado, Teacher, Marysville Joint USD Caitlin Kilroy-McNany, Teacher, Orange USD | |
2D. Competition & Programs: Expanded Learning - Afterschool and Summer Math/Robotics Camps & Student Clubs Learn how to promote fun, hands-on on, and project-based learning through the C-STEM Expanded Learning Programs. Take advantage of the existing C-STEM computing resources and robotics infrastructure. C-STEM Afterschool and Summer Robotics Camps for Accelerated Math Learning are designed for schools and districts to host for their students locally. The camps focus on the cognitive and socio-emotional aspects of learning and bring fun back to learning. They empower K-12 students for accelerated and deeper math learning through robotics projects and the solution of real-world problems using math concepts, and at the same time provide students with recreational and teamwork opportunities with peer-mentoring. Join this session to learn how to bring these C-STEM Expanded Learning Programs to your schools, districts, and communities.
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2E. Leadership & PD: Successful C-STEM Implementation: TOSAs, Principals, Coordinators, and Directors - the Pillars of Student & Teacher Success Successful implementation of C-STEM Program, like all else, requires a strong structure of support. TOSAs, Principals and Directors provide the administrative and instructional support that Teachers need to launch a new and innovative program in their classes. A panel of educators will share their roles and how they support their Teacher and Student for success in College and Career Readiness through the adoption of C-STEM Program. 
Chair: Barbara Nemko, Superintendent (retired), Napa Valley COE Speakers: Joe Erven, Principal, Newport-Mesa USD Kathleen Harmon, Teacher- Science Specialist, Newport-Mesa USD Gilbert Barraza, Executive Director of TK-12, Hacienda La Puente USD Caitlin Arakawa, STEAM Program Specialist, San Bernardino City USD | |
SESSION 3 | |
3A. Hands-on: Integrating AI into C-STEM Classroom and Lesson Planning (Bring-You-Own-Computer) This session shows how AI is integrated into C-STEM classrooms and lesson planning. How can AI help you create C-STEM lessons in 5 minutes or less? Come and find out! The RoboBlocky Integrated Learning Environment offers even more than its innovative robotics-based math and CS curriculum. The curriculum provides opportunities for students to enhance their reading skills and express their creativity in music, art, and makerspace activities. Explore how quickly and easily reconfigurable and modular Linkbot systems can be assembled by easily snapping parts together to accomplish various tasks and solve challenges. With a robotics-based STEAM makerspace, students will discover new ways to solve problems by designing, building, and testing their own robotics systems. Attendees must bring their own personal computer. Windows and MacOSX users must download and pre-install Linkbot Labs software from https://roboblocky.com/download/ (free RoboBlocky account required). Chromebook users do not need to install any additional software in order to control hardware Linkbot robots and/or Arduino Uno boards. Requirements: Windows 10 or above, MacOSX 10.13 or above, Chromebook with Chrome OS v. 89 or above. Linkbots and accessories will be provided by the C-STEM Center.
Facilitator: Vitaliy Orlov, Teacher, Redlands USD |
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3B. Best Practices (ES/MS/HS): Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) & C-STEM: Math Support for At-Promise, Multilingual & IEP Students at the District, School, and Classroom Levels Join us and learn about how C-STEM program is successfully utilized to provide multi-tiered system of support in math/CS/robotics for at-promise, multilingual and IEP students at the district, school, and classroom levels. 
Chair: Suzie Dollesin, Education Programs Consultant, California Department of Education Speakers: Tammy Flemming, Director, MTSS - Academic, Fontana USD Michele Romero, Teacher on Special Assignment, Fontana USD Veronica Gutierrez, Teacher, Fontana USD Kellie Johnson, Teacher, San Bernardino City USD Tim Keys, Teacher, Twin River USD | |
3C. Teacher-to-Teacher Sharing (ES/MS/HS): Best Practices, Strategies, Lessons, and Projects to Increase Student Engagement & Achievement in CS/CTE, Sciences, APCSP, and Other Disciplines with C-STEM C-STEM Teachers will show how math, CS, and robotics are integrated at the elementary, middle and high school levels, sharing their most popular C-STEM lessons, projects and activities. Come join us and gain insights, inspirations, and walk away with ready-to-implement lessons in multiple subjects. The C-STEM Mathematics with Robotics curriculum - including 20 UCOP A-G Approved C-STEM courses - has had proven success in increasing student engagement and learning at the secondary level. Learn how the presenters have incorporated the C-STEM curriculum in their math classes, and how it maps to the big ideas in the upcoming new state math framework - as well as providing students with opportunities to explore CS Standards Compliant C-STEM K-12 CS/STEAM with Robotics curriculum. Learn how experienced C-STEM Teachers integrate Math, CS, CTE/Robotics/Engineering, and science courses.
Chair: Joe Nguyen, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Travis USD Speakers: Monica Puente-Lara, Teacher, San Bernardino City USD Alexandria Ramirez , Teacher, San Bernardino City USD Javier Alba, Elementary School Teacher, San Bernardino City USD Tammy Lee, Teacher, Napa Valley USD |
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3D. Advancing Integrated STEM Education at Valley Robotics Academy: Vision, Goals, Strategies and Story Valley Robotics Academy has committed itself to lead in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to prepare all students for college and careers. Join the session and learn about VRA's journey, their strategies, plans and lessons learned. What is the impact on students? This session features Principal Dave Vujovich and , providing a comprehensive and multi-faceted perspectives on their implementation of C-STEM program school-wide.
Chair: Marianne Harris, Director of Education Programs, UC Merced Speakers: Dave Vujovich, Principal, Lodi USD Christina Colburn, STEAM Coordinator, Lodi USD | |
3E. Leadership & PD: C-STEM Unconference In this unconference session, you set the agenda. Participants will propose C-STEM topics and engage in open conversation and idea-sharing. This participant-driven format creates a personalized learning experience, tailored to your interests, questions, and goals. Come ready to listen, share, and spark new possibilities together.
Facilitator: Caitlin Arakawa, STEAM Program Specialist, San Bernardino City USD | 
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