Professional Learning
Elementary School
Scratch Encore | June 1st - August 4th
Interested in teaching computer science skills using a Scratch curriculum to students in grades 3-8?
Scratch Encore was developed by the Canon Lab at University Chicago and organized into 15 modules of 2-3 lessons each and can be completed over multiple school years. Each module builds on the skills of previous modules and introduces teachers and students to CS learning strategies that help build computational thinking and success in the curriculum.
Details
Training will be June 1st - August 4th Virtually. You can find a flyer below.
Contact Kinga Baut-Pindel (kbaut@cps.edu) with any questions.
Harmonizing Encore | July 24th - 28th
Have experienced both a Scratch Encore professional development and taught Scratch Encore in your classroom?
Harmonizing Encore provides teachers with space, ideas, and materials to customize their lessons to students' cultural and personal backgrounds.
Details
Workshops from June 1st - August 4th Virtually. You can find a flyer below.
Contact Kinga Baut-Pindel (kbaut@cps.edu) with any questions.
Google CS First | June 30th
CS First is a Google platform and curriculum that uses Scratch, a block-based coding language. In this PD, teachers will learn how to use CS First as a tool to integrate block-based programming into the Social Science classroom. CS First is a great way for students to begin integrating the use of technology, problem solving, and coding skills into your content area, and an authentic way to incorporate media literacy and student voice.
Details
Training will be June 30th in person. You can find a flyer below.
Contact Yazmin Romo (yromo@cps.edu) with any questions.
Middle School: Intro to CS | August 1st-3rd
We have a brand new computer science course for middle school using MakeCode and Micro:Bit. Successful completion of this course will give your students the opportunity to take more advanced course work in high school for their CS requirement. There are three models you can implement that take into consideration the varying schedules and staffing situations at elementary schools.
Details
Training for the course will run August 1st-3rd and be in-person. Contact Rebecca Kornack (rmkornack@cps.edu) with any questions.
Amazon BootUp | Ongoing September 11th - April 18th
BootUp is a year-long series of workshops where teachers will learn strategies to build computational thinking tailored to different grade bands and using age-appropriate devices. Combining open-source curricula and long-term professional development, teachers are supported in engaging students and creating equitable CS programs for all.
Details
Please refer to the table below for meeting dates. You can find a flyer below.
Contact Alicia Gomez (amgomez@cps.edu ) with any questions.
First Lego League PLC
Are you an elementary school teacher looking to start a Lego Robotics Team? Join a collaborative group of educators working to get their teams off the ground just like you. Go from recruitment to competition with the support of a community.
We are expanding our support for robotics programs across all grade bands! We will provide materials, support you in registering your program, and organize learning communities for new and returning coaches. Elementary schools can get started in robotics with:
FIRST Lego League Discover (PK-1st) teams using the Lego STEAM Park and Duplo Legos
FIRST Lego League Explore (2nd-4th) teams using the Lego SPIKE Essential or Lego We.Do sets
FIRST Lego League Challenge (4th-8th) using the Lego SPIKE Prime or Mindstorm EV3 robots
Contact Joan Mendelson (jemendelson@cps.edu) with any questions.