Strategic Approach to Rally Teachers: http://tech.mines.edu/cstart/
June 27-29th
9-4pm (includes lunch)
For any K-12 teacher interested
Snap! is a visual, drag-and-drop programming language that is suitable for a serious introduction to computer science in middle and high schools. If you would like to introduce students to programming, then come learn the basics of Snap! Also, if you are doing the BJC training and are new to programming, then this workshop is recommended; that is, this workshop will help you with some of the work you need to complete prior to the in-person week of professional development.
July 6-8th
9-4pm
For any K-12 teacher interested
Python is a high-level general purpose programming language that is easy to learn, making it suitable for an introductory programming course. This workshop will teach the fundamentals of programming as well as the advanced features on Python. Participants are encouraged to attend at least July 6-7th, with July 8th as an option for those who want to delve deeper.
July 12-13th
9-3pm (includes lunch)
For any K-12 teacher interested
When teaching computer science (CS) topics, it can be too easy to miss the wood for the trees. Why do students need to know how to "code"? Why do we teach them how to work with binary numbers? What's the purpose of learning bubblesort and quicksort? This workshop will look at a list of 10 "big ideas" of computer science that have been distilled based on input from curriculum designers and CS experts around the world, and they will be presented in a fun and engaging way. Teachers will then be able to relate the 10 "big ideas" to various topics they teach in computer science to the context of a bigger picture. We will explore the big ideas using examples of teaching activities, particularly from the "CS Unplugged" project that Tim leads. Even if you are new to computer science and want to know "what's the big idea", you will learn useful topics for the courses you teach. Bringing your own device will be very useful, but there will be options available if that's not possible. NOTE: Workshop leader is Tim Bell, the creator of CS Unplugged.
July 14th
9-3pm (includes lunch)
For elementary and middle school teachers
Computational thinking (CT) applies to subjects outside computer science, and music is no exception. CT ideas such as decomposition, patterns, abstraction and algorithms can all be exercised in a meaningful way while at the same time engaging students with key concepts from music. This workshop will present ideas for having students exercise ideas from music while at the same time developing skills relating to CT. The session will assume an interest in music, but not necessarily specialist knowledge of music theory - you'll get to explore that via computational thinking! If you have a laptop and headphones, please bring them. Bringing your own device will be very useful, but there will be options available if that's not possible.
July 17-21st
CSPdWeek is a distinctive cross-curricular event that offers high-quality professional development for computer science teachers. Space is still available in both the AP CS workshops: AP CS Principles and AP CS A (Java). Further details on this event, as well as application materials, are available at: http://www.cspdweek.org.
July 24-28th (face-to-face workshop)
For high school teachers planning to teach CSP
The Beauty & Joy of Computing (BJC) course emphasizes the joy and complexity of creating visual computer programs (in Snap!), while considering the potential benefits and harms of technology. BJC is AP compliant and will thoroughly prepare your students for the AP CS Principles exam; BJC PD can replace an AP Summer Institute. Our PD program is a three week model:
- Pre-Workshop: Online course at your own pace
- Workshop: One week of face-to-face training locally with a BJC Mentor
- Post-Workshop: Complete any online course work Additional year-round support and small-group mentoring will be provided!
Email Tracy Camp <tcamp@mines.edu> for more details.
July 31st, Aug 1-2nd
9-4pm
For any K-12 teacher interested
Python is a high-level general purpose programming language that is easy to learn, making it suitable for an introductory programming course. This workshop will teach the fundamentals of programming as well as the advanced features on Python. Participants are encouraged to attend at least July 31st/Aug 1st, with Aug 2nd as an option for those who want to delve deeper.
Thursday June 22, 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Renowned children’s authors Peter H. Reynolds (ish, the dot) and Paul Reynolds (Going Places) will join mindSpark Learning for an evening social and will be signing some of their beloved books, including Peter’s newest book Happy Dreamer. Come meet the authors and share some drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
COST: Free
More Info/Registration: http://bit.ly/mSLauthorevent
Friday June 23, 8:30am - 12:00pm
mindSpark Learning, Peter H. Reynolds and Paul Reynolds, and FableVision Learning (a K12 educational media and software provider offering creative learning tools, resources and support) are excited to facilitate this unique event -- for educators of all levels -- that focuses on learning for the sake of discovery, and inspiring brave creation in education.
“Creating bravely” is about having the courage to challenge your environment, and find new ways to learn that go beyond traditional thinking and curricula. Join us to tap your own creativity, and see where it can take you in your daily life, the school year, and beyond.
COST: $35, includes breakfast
More Info/Registration: http://bit.ly/2CBmore
Tuesday July 11, 8:00am - 4:00pm
If you’re interested in hands-on, in-depth, learning about today’s most talked about and best-loved technologies, don’t miss this year’s annual Geek Camp learning event. Geek Camp is teaming up with mindSpark Learning to facilitate a highly-interactive, fun-filled day informed by the latest experiential technologies including virtual reality, robotics, 3D printing, Google Apps for Education, and more.
COST: Free
More Info/Registration: bit.ly/geekcamp2017
Thursday July 20, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Reserve 4 hours for yourself in July. We dare you. Before the next school year starts, take time to recharge and rethink. Celebrate what’s working for you as an educator, make a plan to impact what you might like to change for the upcoming year, and get the tools you need, all while having fun on a summer afternoon.
Join mindSpark Learning, Sylvia Theisen, and fellow educators for an engaging afternoon focused on you, featuring highly interactive learning, permission to break the rules, easily implementable tools, rich community-building opportunities, awesome prize giveaways and a happy hour following the event.
Be one of the first 10 people to register and bring a friend for free.
COST: $40.
More Info/Registration: http://bit.ly/Rechargemore