Morning Presentations • 10:30-11:30

Design Approach to Problem Solving Through Project Based Learning

Jed Diogauardi, Director of Information Technology, Hackley School • Grade Level: K-9

The teaching of the skills of problem solving has long focused on a structured algorithmic approach. Design Thinking has also arisen as a trend in K-12 curriculum as a more abstract approach to product creation. What do these two approaches have in common and how can the skill from these disciplines be applied in education, especially in the area of project based learning?

Design Thinking with the Extraordinaires

Marianne Thomas, 4 & 5th Grade Technology Integration Teacher • Grade Level: 4-9

Design Thinking is a process that involves creativity, curiosity, problem solving and empathy. This session will introduce you the Extraordinaires via a Kit from Design Studio that you can use with students ages 10 and up. It is flexible allowing students to work alone or in groups. Students get 2 cards to begin, a character, and something to design. They become a designer or inventor, to creatively problem solve, by taking notes and sketching. Take it a step further and ask thinking questions. Next step: give a presentation, think ‘Shark Tank.’ Last give awards. In this session, you will be the students and come up with award-winning designs.

Easy Making in the Classroom

Nicole Boruchin, Second Grade Teacher, Greenwich Country Day School • Grade Level: K-4

Come see Making and STEAM in action within a Lower School classroom. In this session, we will explore a variety of tinkering and making opportunities you can incorporate into your curriculum. We will also collaborate to build to a cardboard automata!

Human Centered Design: Start Local

Andrew Niblock, Director of School Wide Initiatives, GCDS • Grade Level: 6-9

Human centered design is about relationships and empathy. Last fall I had the opportunity to work with seventh, eighth, and ninth graders in design classes. We explored the human centered design process and principles based around my needs as a person living with ALS, a person they knew well and saw daily. New students then went to their notebooks and classes and came back with the ideas that have made a difference for me.

Integrated Maker Learning

Aron Back, Director of Academic Technology, New Canaan Country School • Grade Level: K-9

I will present a wealth of integrated projects including Grade 1 writing lessons using Scratch Jr, Grade 6 math classes using Tinkercad and 3D printers, and Grade 8 Science classes using augmented reality for interactive discovery.

Meet the Microbit - Your Coding / Making /Wearable Genie

Rush Hambleton, Middle School Academic Tech Integrator, Pine Point School • Grade Level: K-9

The $16 Microbit from BBC is an ideal platform for student coding, making and wearable projects. Learn how it can be used from third grade right through high school physics courses to calculate, move, create and show great ideas. I have experimented heavily and taught with this device and I'm eager to share my learnings and enthusiasm!

Afternoon Presentations • 1:00-2:00

Applying the Creative Learning Spiral in the Classroom

Henrique Monnerat, Technology Teacher, GCDS • Grade Level: 4-9

The Creative Learning Spiral is a conceptual framework that promotes kindergarten approach to learning to other areas of the school. Developed by researchers of the MIT Media Lab Kindergarten Group, it is an useful guide for teachers wanting to foster and nurture the creativity of their students. In this workshop, participants will experience 2 fun exercises that will help in their journey developing creative learning activities.

Design | Code | Compose

Nina Basinet, Matt Dandola, Kelley Giovannangeli, David Saunders, Technology Teachers, GCDS • Grade Level: 4-9

Participants will learn how to design and code their own video game, including soundtrack and sound effects! Come ready to play and learn together.

Python Programs Expo

Sam Rosenfeld, 7th & 8th Grade Computer Science, GCDS, Grade Level: 6-9

Test out some of the games and programs our students have created in 8th grade Computer Science class we have been coding!

6 Weeks in 60 Minutes: How to Create and Integrated STEAM Project

Tali Balas, Lower School Librarian, Holly Brown, Lower School Head Art Teacher, Liat Hirsh, Lower School Technology Integrationist, Tom Johnson, Lower School Science Teacher, Convent of the Sacred Heart • Grade Level: K-3

Come learn how a team of lower school teachers work together to design meaningful and integrated units of study. By combining multiple disciplines, every student gets the opportunity to strengthen their skills, engage their interests, and deepen their learning. As art, science, library and tech teachers, we will show you projects we created for one grade level and discuss the benefits and challenges of collaboration. You will walk away with the knowledge of how to create your own integrated unit.

Making Through Stories

Jen Krayewski and Lindsey Dunn, Lower School Creativity Lab Teachers, GCDS • Grade Level: K-4

Everything begins with a story! Join us for a session on making and creating projects through books. Be ready to build!

SeeSaw: Creating Digital Learning Journals

Caroline Hanley, First Grade Teacher, GCDS • Grade Level: K-4

Use the Seesaw app to create a digital learning journal for each child in your class. Learn what Seesaw is, how it works, practice setting up a class, set up student journals, and how to share work with parents.

Sew Tech for Adaptive Garments

Patricia Moran, Photography and Sewing Teacher, GCDS • Grade Level: 6-9

How to design adaptive clothing for those with specific needs, using wearable technology, magnetic closures and warming elements.

Hands-On Booths

3D Printing in the Classroom • Amateur Radio • Build a 10 Foot Tall Marble Run • MacInspires After School Programs •

Student Projects from Greenwich Academy • Osmo • Robotics • Squishy Circuits