Embedded Files
1:40-2:30 PM
From Bricks to Breakthroughs: Hands-On Science, CS, and AI for K–8 Classrooms
From Bricks to Breakthroughs: Hands-On Science, CS, and AI for K–8 Classrooms
Room: Susquehanna/Yellow Breeches
Presenter(s): Evangelia Papacostas and Tom Taylor
Description: Discover how LEGO® Education supports K–8 instruction across science, computer science, and emerging AI concepts through hands-on, standards-aligned learning.
In this interactive session, educators will explore how LEGO® Education lessons help students investigate scientific phenomena, build foundational computer science skills, and begin thinking about data, patterns, and systems that contribute to AI. You’ll see classroom-ready strategies that spark curiosity, support inquiry, and connect learning to real-world contexts, all while aligning to the CSTA standards and Pennsylvania’s STEELS standards."
Grade Level Focus: Elementary focus (K-6)
Audience: Classroom Teachers, Principals, Superintendents, Curriculum Directors/Specialists
Bio: Eva is a former educator with experience as an instructional coach and secondary ELA and ESL teacher in NYC Public Schools. For the past four years, she's supported school districts across Pennsylvania with the implementation of strategic LEGO Education programs to serve the needs of all students and teachers.
Tom is a former educator with over 20 years of experience in publishing and educational technology. He's excited to bring LEGO Education, with its promise of meaningful hands-on STEM learning, to the teachers and students of Pennsylvania.
Beyond the Walls: Designing Learning Environments and Experiences That Connect and Inspire
Beyond the Walls: Designing Learning Environments and Experiences That Connect and Inspire
Room: Keystone
Presenter(s): Morgan Buterbaugh and Brenna Wagner
Description: Learning doesn’t happen in isolation—and neither should the spaces or experiences designed to support it. Beyond the Walls invites educators and school leaders to explore how learning environments and instructional experiences work together to shape engagement, accessibility, and student success.
This session examines how classrooms, libraries, and shared learning spaces can remove barriers—or unintentionally create them—depending on how intentionally they are designed and used. Through research-backed insights and interactive reflection, participants will explore human-centered design principles that support flexibility, inclusion, and student agency.
Attendees will leave with practical, actionable strategies to better align space, pedagogy, and purpose, creating learning environments that foster connection, creativity, and meaningful learning for all students."
Grade Level Focus: Overall focus (K-12)
Audience: Classroom Teachers, Specialists, Principals, Librarians/Media Specialists, Technology Directors/Facilitators, Superintendents, Curriculum Directors/Specialists
Bio: Morgan Buterbaugh is a former IU13 teacher with over 5 years of experience supporting diverse learners in Central PA. She earned her M.S.Ed while teaching and brings a strong background in STEM, technology, and innovative learning design. Morgan is part of the Fluxspace team, where she helps reimagine learning environments and experiences, and she serves on Penn State University’s Career Readiness Industry Advisory Council, working to bridge K–12 education, higher education, and industry.
Brenna is a former general education and STEAM teacher with a passion for hands-on learning. She holds an M.Ed. and now works at Fluxspace, where she helps design innovative learning experiences, integrate educational technology, and create engaging environments that empower students and educators alike.
Re-Visiting & Re-Thinking Novel Engineering
Re-Visiting & Re-Thinking Novel Engineering
Room: Meadow
Presenter(s): Shannon Oliver
Description: Re-discover Novel Engineering with a modern twist! While the core of Novel Engineering—identifying problems in a text and designing solutions—remains timeless, the tools have evolved. This session highlights the initiative to integrate 3D design and printing into the traditional framework. We will walk through the "Re-Thought" process: identifying character needs, sketching solutions, and utilizing 3D modeling to bring those solutions to life. We will share student success stories, project rubrics, and the specific "tweaks" needed to make 3D printing a seamless part of the literary experience.
Grade Level Focus: Elementary focus (K-6)
Audience: Classroom Teachers, Specialists, Librarians/Media Specialists, Technology Directors/Facilitators, Curriculum Directors/Specialists
Bio: I am a second-grade teacher turned Instructional Technology Specialist dedicated to transforming K-12 classrooms into hubs of creativity and critical thinking. With a deep passion for 3D design and emerging technologies, I strive to bring hands-on learning experiences to classrooms that empower both teachers and students to move from being passive consumers of technology to confident creators and problem-solvers.
Student-Driven Podcasting on a $0 Budget
Student-Driven Podcasting on a $0 Budget
Room: Laurel
Presenter(s): Kim Dunlap
Description: Come learn how our intermediate school started our own Podcast, "SGI Inside Scoop," without needing a budget to start or sustain the program. Learn about our process and how we select our team. You'll leave being able to start your own Podcast - small or large.
Grade Level Focus: Overall focus (K-12)
Audience: Classroom Teachers, Specialists, Principals, Librarians/Media Specialists, Technology Directors/Facilitators
Bio: I have been an Instructional Technology Specialist for 5 years. I collaborated with a sixth-grade teacher who wanted to do podcasts in her classroom. We have tried many ways to podcast - Anchor, iMovie, and finally Canva. The sixth-grade teacher is in their third year doing this project and sharing our processes with other teachers who are trying podcasting in their class. We are in our second year with our building wide Podcast.
Talk, Think, Create: Purposeful Discourse for Student-Centered Classrooms
Talk, Think, Create: Purposeful Discourse for Student-Centered Classrooms
Room: Juniata
Presenter(s): Jennifer Sciacca
Description: Creative classrooms are built on students’ ideas, voices, and interactions. In this session, educators will explore how purposeful discourse can unlock creativity and deepen engagement in any content area. Participants will experience practical talk routines and teacher moves that help students share their thinking, build on one another’s ideas, and take a more active role in classroom learning. Everyone will leave with simple, ready-to-use strategies that can be implemented immediately to promote student creativity, collaboration, and ownership.
Grade Level Focus: Overall focus (K-12)
Audience: Classroom Teachers, Principals, Librarians/Media Specialists
Bio: Jennifer Sciacca, Ed.D., is an Educational Consultant for STEM at the CAIU, specializing in STEELS-aligned instruction, inquiry, and student-centered learning. She designs K–12 curriculum, leads statewide professional learning, and partners with schools to create engaging, equitable STEM experiences for all learners.
Creativity as Access: Planning Instruction That Honors Learner Variability
Creativity as Access: Planning Instruction That Honors Learner Variability
Room: Dogwood
Presenter(s): Elizabeth Eveler
Description: This session reframes creativity as a critical tool that helps educators proactively design instruction rather than relying on reactive accommodations. Participants will explore lesson-planning strategies that anticipate diverse cognitive, sensory, linguistic, and executive functioning needs. The session will show how intentional flexibility through choice, scaffolding, and multiple pathways supports student access and teacher sustainability.
Grade Level Focus: Elementary focus (K-6)
Audience: Classroom Teachers, Specialists, Librarians/Media Specialists, Curriculum Directors/Specialists
Bio: Dr. Elizabeth Eveler is an Assistant Professor of Graduate Education and a former special education and elementary classroom teacher. She is passionate about helping teachers create inclusive and engaging learning experiences for all students. She enjoys collaborating with educators to turn research-based practices into actionable tools.
From Ideas to Impact: Elevating Project-Based Learning through AI
From Ideas to Impact: Elevating Project-Based Learning through AI
Room: Board
Presenter(s): Brittany Freda and Blasia Dunham
Description: Project-Based Learning (PBL) empowers students to explore big ideas, solve authentic problems, and make meaningful connections between classroom learning and the real world. In this session, discover how SchoolAI amplifies those experiences by serving as a creative thinking partner for both teachers and students. Learn how AI tools can help students brainstorm, organize, and present projects—while giving teachers streamlined ways to guide inquiry, provide feedback, and assess deeper learning. See real examples of SchoolAI in action and leave with practical strategies to bring PBL to life in your classroom through the power of AI.
Grade Level Focus: Overall focus (K-12)
Audience: Classroom Teachers, Specialists, Principals, Librarians/Media Specialists, Technology Directors/Facilitators, Curriculum Directors/Specialists
Bio: Brittany Freda is a former educator who brings her classroom experience to SchoolAI, helping schools use technology to empower teachers and personalize learning. Passionate about bridging innovation and education, she works to ensure AI tools amplify the human connection at the heart of every classroom.
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