Session Titles and Descriptions

Session 1

1A: Hands-on Coding and Robotics Experience for Administrators - Exploring Robotics and C-STEM Resources/Tools (Bring-Your-Own-Computer)  

This hands-on session is for administrators and will provide an overview of the C-STEM program as well as resources and tools that are helpful in administrative capacity. Learn about RoboBlocky Learning Management System, curricular resources and more. Experience how easy and fun it can be to learn through coding and robotics. 

Lead Facilitator:

Jeff Hescox, Education Service Manager, UC Davis C-STEM Center

Co-Facilitator:

Rob Schwandt, Assistant Director of Educational Technology, Alvord USD

1B: Getting Started with Hands-on C-STEM Coding, Robotics, and Curriculum for the Absolute Beginner of Teachers (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) 

This session will cover an overview of the C-STEM program and provide first-hand experience on getting started on your own computer. Experience how easy it is to set up and how fun it can be to learn through coding and robotics. Learn how to get started teaching with C-STEM coding and robotics.

Lead Facilitator:

Vitaliy Orlov, Teacher, Redlands USD

Co-Facilitators:

Ricardo Maldonado, Teacher, Orange USD

Greg Miller, C-STEM Resource Teacher, Orange USD

1C: Integrating C-STEM Coding and Robotics into Teaching ES/MS Math     

C-STEM Teachers will show how math, CS, and robotics are integrated at the elementary and middle school levels. 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. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn from experienced educators and take your school's STEM education to the next level.

Chair:

Josh Rowe, Principal, Los Molinos USD

Presenters:

Nicole Wyckoff, Teacher, Orange USD

Szu Wei Hsieh, Teacher, Orange USD

Sam Higbee, Teacher, Hacienda La Puente USD

Janice Taylor, Teacher, Fontana USD

Greg Bradshaw, Teacher, Fontana USD

1D: Live-Teaching - 3rd Grade Teacher: Demonstration of Teaching Math/Coding/Robotics - Lower Elementary 

In this session, a seasoned educator and her 3rd grade students will demonstrate how implementing C-STEM has led to increased student engagement and learning in math. You'll have the chance to watch elementary students as they work on the RoboBlocky math curriculum and see their enthusiasm and engagement while learning math/coding/robotics. By joining this session, you'll discover how the C-STEM program can revolutionize math education at the elementary level.

Lead Facilitator:

Diana Villanueva, Teacher, Alvord USD

1E: Leading the Change in Math and Computer Science Teaching & Learning: Redland USD and Louisiana State Department of Education

Though thousands of miles apart, both Redlands USD (CA) and Louisiana Department of Education are leading the change in Math/CS teaching and learning. Redlands USD received 2023 Golden Bell Award for their successful implementation of the C-STEM Program for students to accelerate and deep learning math. In 2022-23, 30 teachers earned their Computer Science Supplementary teaching credentials; these teachers engaged their students to learn math through integrated C-STEM program and boosted their math performance. Join this session and learn about how Louisiana Department of Education is leading a state-wide effort and Redlands a C-STEM-as-a-first-instruction initiative with amazing results.

Chair:

Mike Torres, Ed.D., Director of Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Resources Division, CA Department of Education

Presenters:

Ken Wagner, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services, Redlands USD

Deepika Srivastava, STEAM and Innovation Coordinator, Redlands USD

Jamie Mixon, Computer Science and STEM Supervisor, Louisiana State Department of Education

Session 2

2A: Pathways & Careers in STEM/Robotics  

Learn about pathways and careers in STEM/Robotics! How can educators advise students on pathways, majors and careers in STEM/Robotics field? What careers are there in robotics? This session will feature engineering professionals who will share stories of their journey from school-to-work, information on current trends in STEM fields, and other helpful resources, including careers in robotics. 

Chair:

Hillary Wolfe, Executive Director of College, Career and Economic Development, Fontana USD

Presenters:

Tiffany Chang, PE, Associate Civil Engineer, LA County Public Works

Nam Doan, PE, Associate Civil Engineer, LA County Public Works

Honey T. Sacro Swem, Ph.D., Coordinator of Secondary Mathematics, Fontana USD

2B: C-STEM for CTE, CS, Science Education (Bring-Your-Own-Computer)

Gain hands-on experience of the CS Standards Compliant C-STEM K-12 CS/STEAM with Robotics curriculum. Learn how these curriculum can be taught standalone or integrated into existing CS, CTE, engineering, and science courses.

Lead Facilitator:

Allen Thoe, Teacher, Redlands USD

Co-Facilitator:

Lauri Truong, Teacher, Orange USD

2C: Integrating Coding and Robotics into Elementary School Math and/or for Dual Immersion/Multi-language Learners    

This session will explore how C-STEM is currently being used to support and engage dual immersion/multi-language learners in math and math support classes. Participants will discover how coding and robotics directly support students’ math, critical thinking, and problem solving skills in a unique, engaging way for students across different languages.

Chair:

Rosalie Sinapi, Principal, Hacienda La Puente USD

Presenters:

Joo Ok Marina Lee, Teacher, Hacienda La Puente USD

Rony Lopez, Teacher, Hacienda La Puente USD

Mercy Cruz, Teacher, Montebello USD

Robin O'Brine, Teacher, Hacienda La Puente USD

2D: Live-Teaching: Demonstration of Teaching Math/Coding/Robotics - MS and HS  

The C-STEM Afterschool and Summer Robotics Camps for Accelerated Math Learning are designed for local schools and districts to host for their K-12 students. These programs use robotics projects and real-world problem solving to create engaging and impactful learning experiences that help students accelerate and deepen their understanding of math. The programs also offer recreational opportunities and encourage peer-mentoring and teamwork. Join this session to learn how you can bring these C-STEM Expanded Learning Programs to your schools, districts, and communities.

Lead Facilitator:

Daphne Russell, Teacher, Alvord USD

2E: Strategies for Inclusive Learning, Including Students with Disabilities

This session will explore how C-STEM is currently being used to support and engage students, including those with disabilities, C-STEM teachers will share their strategies for inclusive learning. Participants will discover how coding and robotics directly support students’ math, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in a unique, engaging way for students and provide accommodations.

Chair:

Mayra J. Helguera, Ed.D., Executive Director, Special Education/SELPA, Hacienda La Puente USD

Presenters:

Tim Keys, Teacher, Amador USD

Diana Villanueva, Teacher, Alvord USD

Maya Caldwell, Teacher, Hacienda La Puente USD

Eva Juarez, Teacher, Hacienda La Puente USD

Session 3

3A: Showcase of Learning Elementary Math and CS/STREAM with Coding and Robotics
(Parade, Expo, Gallery Walk, RoboPlay & Other Fun Projects)

Teachers will showcase their lessons and projects that engaged and excited their students the most, leading to deeper learning of math concepts, high levels of problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork, resulting in student ownership of learning and projects. By joining this session, you'll discover how the C-STEM teachers can revolutionize math education at the elementary level.

Chair:

Marie Martin, Ph.D., Associate Dean, UCR Extension

Presenters:

Kayla Toft, Teacher, Center USD

Hayley Kinney, Teacher, Center USD

Malia Hernandez, Teacher, Center USD

Dayana Hernandez, Teacher, Center USD

Cara Sweeney, Teacher, Center USD

3B: Arduino: Introduction to Basic electronics and Creative Problem Solving for Physical Computing (Bring-Your-Own-Computer)

Arduino can be integrated into Math, Computer Science, Engineering, and Robotics Courses, as well as after school/expanded programs and summer camps to facilitate a technologically advanced learning environment.

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.

Lead Facilitator:

Vitaliy Orlov, Teacher, Redlands USD

Co-Facilitator:

Chris Petriccione, Program Specialist, San Bernardino City USD

3C: Integrating C-STEM Coding and Robotics into Alg1, Geo, Alg2 or Integrated Math I, II, and III (MS & HS)

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. Hear how a panel of Secondary School Math teachers have incorporated the C-STEM curriculum into high school math classes and how it maps to the big ideas in the upcoming new state math framework. Join this session to learn more about how the C-STEM Program can transform math education at the secondary level.

Chair:

HiIlary Wolfe, Executive Director of College, Career, and Economic Development, Fontana USD

Presenters:

Allen Thoe, Teacher, Redlands USD

Chris Palomo, Teacher, Alvord USD

Mary Ann Lyons, Teacher, Lancaster USD

3D: Full STREAM Ahead: Reading/Literacy, Creating Art, Animations, Music, and STREAM in your school (Bring-Your-Own-Computer)    

This session shows how the C-STEM program integrates Art and Reading into STEM education by giving students the opportunity to explore their artistic, literary and creative talents using music, visual media, and literature/social science. See how C-STEM’s curriculum and activity resources support the development of creative talents through various channels including drawing, storytelling, playing and composing melodies, learning math with a piano, and image processing. 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.

Lead Facilitator:

Ruth Thompson, Teacher, Redlands USD

Co-Facilitator:

Caitlin Arakawa, Program Specialist, San Bernardino City USD

3E: Administrative Perspectives on How to Get Started with C-STEM: Best Practices and Success Stories in Math/CS/Robotics 

Join this session to learn from visionary leaders and pioneers on how they implemented the C-STEM K-12 Math and CS Curriculum in their school 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:

Jay Trujillo, Assistant Superintendent of Education Services, Marysville Joint USD

Presenters:

Kristen Moorhouse, Principal, Alvord USD

Josh Rowe, Principal, Los Molinos USD

Craig Abercrombie, Acting Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services, Orange USD

SESSION 4

4A: Showcase of Learning Middle School Math and CS/STREAM with Coding and Robotics (Teaching a module/lesson)

Teachers from Alvord and Redlands USDs will showcase the impact of implementing C-STEM on increasing student engagement and math proficiency in middle schools. They will share some of their best and most effective lessons in engaging students for deep learning, creative thinking and problem-solving. By attending this session, you'll gain inspirational ideas, teaching strategies, and ready-to-adopt lessons/projects.

Chair:

Joey Adame, Superintendent, Los Molinos USD

Presenters:

Lindsey Denbo, Teacher, Alvord USD

Daphne Russell, Teacher, Alvord USD

Vitaliy Orlov, Teacher, Redlands USD

4B: What is C-STEM and What's New? (AP CS Principles with Robotics, Engineering Design with Robotics, & Exciting Features/Products. New CA Math Framework & CS HS Requirement for Graduation)

Join this session to learn about new C-STEM AP Computer Science Principles course. Unlike other APCSP courses, this course uses virtual robots and optional hardware robots. Many robotics and coding features are specifically developed for students to learn computer science principles and prepare them for the corresponding AP exam.

Chair:

Harry Cheng, Ph.D., Professor and Director, UC Davis C-STEM Center

Presenter:

Larry Lagerstrom, Ph.D., Chief Academic Officer, Barobo, Inc.

4C: GIRL Camp, Ujima GIRL Project & UCD/UCR CS Supplementary Teaching Credential Authorization Program      

Learn how to promote diversity and inclusion with C-STEM Expanded Learning Programs for students and how UCD/UCR CS Supplementary Teaching Credential Authorization program can enhance your teaching and career. The GIRL/GIRL+ Camps, summer camps motivate middle and high school girls to learn STEM and computing concepts through robotics. And, the Ujima (GIRL) Project aims to address the significant challenges of inclusion and equity for Black/African American middle school and high school girls in STEM education. This project will empower over 2,000 girls to become leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in their schools, communities, and future careers. For educators, UCR Extension/UC Davis C-STEM offers a course pathway for teachers to earn a CS Supplementary Teaching Credential Authorization in one-year or more. Find out how you can participate and benefit from this program. 

Chair:

Marie Martin, Ph.D., Associate Dean, UCR Extension

Presenters:

Janelle Mijares, Credential Analyst, UCR Extension

Caitlin Arakawa, Program Specialist, San Bernardino City USD

Marcella Grant, Ujima GIRL Program Manager, UC Davis C-STEM Center

4D: The Power of STREAMING: Engaging Students with Reading/Literacy, Art, Animations, Music, and Engineering/Robotics   

This session shows how the C-STEM program integrates Reading/Literacy and Art into STEAM education by giving students the opportunity to explore their artistic and creative talents using music, visual media, and literature/language. See how C-STEM’s curriculum and activity resources support the development of creative talents through various channels including drawing, storytelling, playing and composing melodies, learning math with a piano, and image processing. Also, 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.

Chair:

Josh Rowe, Principal, Los Molinos USD

Presenters:

Roland Hosch, Teacher, Redlands USD

Kristin Inae, Teacher, Alvord USD

4E: Showcasing Student Learning: Summer Math/Robotics Camps, RoboPlay Challenge Competition & Student Projects

Discover how summer Robotics and Robotics-Math Camps motivate students to learn STEM and computing concepts through robotics. Teachers and administrators from Hacienda La Puente USD will share how they organize their highly successful Math/CS/Robotics Summer Camps for over 600 students each summer. HLPUSD teachers’ creative classroom projects and student showcases have prompted on-site visits. RoboPlay Competition, a level-playing field robotics competition with a focus on applying math in solving real-world problems, is also another avenue to showcase student learning. It provides an opportunity for K-12 students to showcase their math problem-solving skills. Learn how to bring the C-STEM RoboPlay Competition to your school and districts.

Chair:

Joanne Chan, Coordinator, Educational Services, Hacienda La Puente USD

Presenters:

Joanne Chan, Coordinator, Educational Services, Hacienda La Puente USD

Geb Fisher, TOSA, Data and Assessment, Hacienda La Puente USD

Rosalie Sinapi, Principal, Hacienda La Puente USD

Gilbert Barraza, Principal, Hacienda La Puente USD

Pauline Hall, Teacher, Hacienda La Puente USD

Elizabeth Girvan, Teacher, Hacienda La Puente USD

Sherri Franson, Principal , Hacienda La Puente USD