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 (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.

1B. Model Teaching Strategies for Robust C-STEM Implementation & Student Achievement

In this interactive workshop, participants will learn how to guide students through a four-part learning cycle: Explore and Solve, Identify Patterns and Relationships, Explain and Justify, and Generalize and Apply.

Using coding, robotics, mathematical reasoning, and collaborative problem-solving, participants will see how students can move beyond simply finding an answer to explaining their thinking, recognizing patterns, and applying what they learn to new situations. The workshop will also demonstrate how RoboBlocky Exploration Notes support meaningful student discussion, written reflection, and connections to the Standards for Mathematical Practice.

Participants will leave with practical strategies for creating engaging, student-centered CS and STEAM learning experiences that build problem-solving, reasoning, communication, and critical-thinking skills.  Come join us and learn model teaching strategies for robust C-STEM implementation!

1C. Showcasing TK-12 Student Learning:  RoboPlays & RoboParades

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!

1D. Leadership & PD: School and Districtwide Integration of C-STEM Math/CS/Engineering Design with Robotics Curriculum into TK-12 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.

SESSION 2

2A. ELOP - Afterschool, Summer Schools & GIRL/GIRL+ Camps - and C-STEM Student Awards

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 summer and GIRL (Girls in Robotic Leadership) 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.  

For schools and districts, the C-STEM Expanded Learning with Robotics provides a flexible, standards-aligned implementation of the RoboBlocky Curriculum for afterschool, summer, intervention, enrichment, MTSS, Expanded Learning Opportunities Programs (ELO-P), and community learning programs  The Integrated Learning Components provide authentic opportunities for students to apply and showcase their learning throughout TK–12. Join this session to learn how to bring these C-STEM Expanded Learning Programs to your schools, districts, and communities.

2B.  (ES) Teacher-to-Teacher Sharing:  Best Practices, Strategies, Lessons, and Projects in Integrating C-STEM Coding and Robotics into Elementary School Math 

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.

2C. (MS/HS) Teacher-to-Teacher Sharing:  Best Practices, Strategies, Lessons, and Projects in Integrating C-STEM Math with Robotics/CS 

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.  

2D. CS and STEAM:  Uplifting Hands-on Fun & Creativity

Get ready to create, code, and explore! In this session, presenters will brings computer science and STEAM to life through their lessons, projects, and activities that blend coding, robotics, engineering, math, and creative problem-solving. Participants will share in on practical, classroom-ready strategies that make learning interactive, meaningful, and fun—while helping students build critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and future-ready skills.

SESSION 3

3A. 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.

3B.  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?  $5,000 grants for teacher and administrator teams?  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!

3C.  Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) & C-STEM:  Math Support for At-Promise, Multilingual & Students IEPs

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.

3D. Vibe Coding: Integrating CS and AI (Bring-Your-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?  What is vibe coding?  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.