Auditorium:
[Re]Code with AI- David Roggenbuck, Harbor Beach Community Schools

Description: AI is transforming how we teach, but is also impacting how we teach to students. One of the challenges is how quickly and easily AI can solve problems or present solutions. But if our students are simply plugging prompts into AI, how can we be certain they are learning? How can we use AI to enhance that learning? This session will explore how AI can transform how we teach coding and how students can employ some higher order thinking when presented with an AI solution.

Cadillac Room:
Using Stop Motion to Support C.T. Instruction- David Sterken, Kentwood Public Schools

Description: Creating stop motion videos is a highly engaging and accessible activity for students. The process of creating stop motion videos can be directly connected to computational thinking, providing concrete anchor points for students. In this session, participants will experience creating their own short stop motion video and connecting the process to C.T. Participants will also have an opportunity to consider additional ways that students can use stop motion videos to engage with content. 

Buick Room:
Decoding CS: Engaging Students with Free REMC Computer Science Resources- Melinda Waffle, REMC

Description: Ready to integrate Computer Science and Computational Thinking into your classroom? This session will guide you through a wealth of free resources from the REMC Association. Explore MiTECS and Computer Science Standards Crosswalks to seamlessly embed K-8 CS concepts across subjects. Discover how to ignite excitement using literature with "Promoting STEM Through Literature", fostering design thinking and problem-solving. Finally, learn about REMC's microcredential pathways, including "Computational Thinking for Computer Science" and "Design Thinking and Engineering Design," offering self-selected professional learning opportunities to deepen your expertise and earn recognition in this vital field.

Chevrolet Room:
Strengthening CS Through STEM and Career-Connected Learning K12- Amanda McCue, TNTP and Brooke Storms, Kentwood Schools

Description: How do you plant the seeds of a thriving K12 computer science and/or STEM program in your school or district? How do you ensure all students have equitable access to high-demand, high-wage career pathways aligned with evolving workforce and technology trends?

Join us for an inside look at how TNTP partnered with Kentwood Public Schools to enhance career-connected learning (CCL) through elementary STEM programming. This session showcases an integrated approach to embedding computational thinking, computer science standards, and community-driven durable (employability) skills into Kentwood’s elementary STEM lessons-elevating intentional CCL experiences and aligning them with long-term student success.

Learn how robust community engagement-through a dedicated STEM Advisory Committee and active peer learning communities (PLCs)-supported educators and shaped the classroom experience for students. Hear directly from Kentwood district leaders as they share the impact of this partnership on student learning and reflect on key lessons for scaling and sustaining strategic K-12 STEM implementation.

Oldsmobile Room:
Hands on Coding with Ozobots- Nathan Hack, Ozobot

Description: Learn to code with Ozobots in this hands-on coding playground. You will learn the basics of how students can code using Ozobots -- both screen free with color coding markers or using a device with block based coding. We will complete cross-curricular activities for you to implement into your classrooms. Leave with practical tools and confidence to begin integrating CS into any classroom setting.

Classroom 1
Esports 101: Reach Disconnected Students & Unlock Skills Through Competitive Gaming- Maggie Helmer, MHSEL

Description: Discover how scholastic esports can engage disconnected students, build school community, and support real-world skill development in areas like STEM and computer science. Learn how the Michigan High School Esports League (MHSEL) helps middle and high schools launch free, inclusive esports programs featuring 15 officially supported game titles. With partnerships that include game publishers and Special Olympics Michigan, plus in-person events and streaming opportunities, MHSEL empowers schools to reach new student populations while fostering teamwork, strategy, and future-ready digital skills.

Classroom 2:
TBD

Auditorium:  
Engaging your Community with Computer Science   - Elaine Stiefel: West Ottawa

Description:  This session will demonstrate ideas on how to engage your community with computer science in your district. Learn how to connect with local community organizations, parents, students, and teachers to collectively learn about computer science programs in your school to increase engagement and expand your program successfully.

Cadillac Room:
You’ve Bot This: Hands-On with CS Robots- Ann Smart: Lenawee County ISD

Description: Ready to bring computational thinking to life in your classroom? Join us for a hands-on robotics playground where you'll explore how tools like Sphero, Dash, Ozobot, Finch, CoDrone, and more can spark student curiosity and deepen learning. After a brief overview of computational thinking and its classroom connections, you’ll rotate through interactive robot stations. You'll leave with “getting started” materials for each robot—perfect for taking the next step in your own classroom. This session is ideal for teachers new to CS or looking to expand their tech toolkit with fun, engaging, and standards-aligned robotics. Come ready to play, learn, and leave with ideas you can use tomorrow!

Buick Room:
Computation Thinking in Early Childhood: Connecting the K-2 CSTA standards using books, games, and songs- Julie Darling, Washtenaw Community College

Description: 20-year veteran educator Julie Darling, author of the Developing Computer Science Concepts in Early Childhood book set, will walk you through teaching computational thinking to kids ages 4-8. Learn field-tested, early childhood methodologies for teaching the Computer Science Teacher's Association K-2 standards. Walk away with fun and engaging activities you can use with students right away.

Chevrolet Room:
Preparing for Michigan's Computer Science Future: Offering a HS Course by 2027-Cheryl Wison, Michigan Dept. of Education

Description: Get ready to bring computer science to your high school! By 2027-28, Michigan districts must offer a high school CS course. This session will explain the new law, certification pathways, sample courses, and key steps for implementation. Discover resources and professional learning to support educators new to CS. Ideal for administrators, curriculum leaders, and teachers—come with questions, leave with a clear plan for success.

Oldsmobile Room:
Using Ozobots in Math and Science- Nathan Hack, Ozobot

Description: Learn to code with Ozobots in this hands-on coding playground. You will learn the basics of how students can code using Ozobots -- both screen free with color coding markers or using a device with block based coding. We will complete cross-curricular activities for you to implement into your classrooms. Leave with practical tools and confidence to begin integrating CS into any classroom setting.

Classroom 1:
How Esports & Gaming Can Create Digital Equity for Students- Dee Jones: Jump Ahead L#C/Play Esports Play Fuel

Description: Educating educators and institutions how Esports, Technology & Gaming can create digital equity for students and institutions.

Classroom 2:
Design Thinking Meets Agile: Preparing Students for Essential Career Skills- Andrew Spiece, Genesee Career Institute, GISD

Description: This session explores how combining Design Thinking and Agile Methodology equips students with the problem-solving, collaboration, and iterative mindset demanded in modern careers. Participants will learn practical strategies to embed these frameworks into computer science and interdisciplinary classrooms while supporting students’ growth in communication, adaptability, and leadership.

Auditorium:
Empowering AI Literacy: Essential Tools for Every Educator- Melinda Waffle, REMC

Description: Navigate the evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence with confidence! This session will explore the wealth of free AI literacy resources available from the REMC Association of Michigan. Discover practical guides for integrating AI into lesson planning and assessment, master effective prompt engineering, and gain insights into addressing ethical considerations like bias and student privacy. We'll showcase professional learning opportunities designed to help you leverage AI for teaching efficiency. Empower yourself and your learners to understand, use, and evaluate AI responsibly.

Cadillac Room:
micro:bits in Elementary- Nicole Consiglio, Van Buren Public Schools

Description:  Learn how to apply elementary CS Knowledge and Skills with hands-on learning using micro:bits and makecode.microbit.org.

Buick Room:
Computational Thinking Meets Literacy: Hands-on Pathways to Empower Learners- Judy Bowling, Wayne RESA

Description: Discover the exciting intersection of computational thinking, literacy, and computer science in this hands-on, interactive session! Participants will explore dynamic ways to engage students by integrating problem-solving strategies from computer science into literacy instruction. Through collaborative activities, you’ll experience how computational thinking can transform literacy and STEM classrooms alike.

Chevrolet Room:
Future-Ready Thinking: Computational Thinking for Age of AI- Katie Marchionna, Project Tomorrow

Description: Today’s students need more than content knowledge—they need thinking strategies that prepare them for a rapidly evolving world. In this hands-on session, explore Computational Thinking (CT) as a foundational skill for workforce readiness and AI literacy. We'll break down the four core CT concepts (decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithm design), engage in classroom-ready activities, and examine practical examples of integration across K–12 settings. Discover how CT empowers future-ready learners and equips them for the careers of tomorrow.

Oldsmobile Room:
Coding Across the Curriculum with LEGO® Education- Susan McGrath, LEGO® Education 

Description: It’s time to learn to code, one brick at a time! Join us for an interactive session focused on LEGO Education Learning System, including how it can bring computer science learning to life in your classroom. Through this system, students learn to work collaboratively and solve problems creatively – all while “playing” with a familiar set of tools that are easy to manage. Come ready to get hands-on and discover the power of interactive learning through play at all ages.

Classroom 1:
Design Thinking Meets Agile: Preparing Students for Essential Career Skills- Andrew Spiece, Genesee Career Institute, GISD

Description: This session explores how combining Design Thinking and Agile Methodology equips students with the problem-solving, collaboration, and iterative mindset demanded in modern careers. Participants will learn practical strategies to embed these frameworks into computer science and interdisciplinary classrooms while supporting students’ growth in communication, adaptability, and leadership.

Auditorium:
AI and Agency: Helping Students Navigate the Ethics of Generative Tools- Jennifer Colby, Ann Arbor Public Schools

Description: As generative AI tools rapidly become part of everyday learning, students must develop not just technical skills, but the ethical awareness and decision-making abilities to use them responsibly… or choose to not use them at all. This session explores how educators can support student agency in an AI-enhanced learning environment by fostering critical thinking, digital citizenship, and ethical literacy.

Participants will discuss the nuanced choices students face when engaging with GenAI—such as distinguishing between appropriate assistance and academic dishonesty, recognizing algorithmic bias, comprehending the environmental impact, and understanding data privacy implications. Through collaborative discussion and hands-on examples, attendees will explore strategies for creating learning experiences that empower students to reflect on the ethical use of AI, take ownership of their learning, and develop the judgment needed to navigate emerging technologies with integrity.

This session will also provide tools and frameworks for co-creating classroom norms and guidelines with students, ensuring they play an active role in shaping the responsible use of generative AI. Whether you're just beginning to explore GenAI or seeking to deepen ethical conversations in your classroom, this session offers practical approaches to cultivating student agency in an evolving digital landscape.

Cadillac Room:
Mission: Tech Possible – Escape Room Challenges- Jamie Phillips, Three Rivers Community Schools

Description: Engage students with hands-on escape room challenges using Ozobots, Micro:bits, and classroom tech. Discover how our Tech Ninjas solve real-world tech puzzles to develop problem-solving, collaboration, and digital skills. Gain practical ideas, resources, and funding tips to create your own immersive tech escape experience.

Buick Room:
Enhancing Computational Thinking Through Robotics- Carrie Russell, Detroit Public Schools

Description: Teachers will have a chance to review various mini robots that can be used in most 3-12 grade classrooms to help enhance student knowledge and engagement with CS and computational thinking.  This session is designed for teachers that would like to use robotics in their classrooms and want to know where to start.  We will look at over 5 different robots, talk about how to code them, what lesson/curriculum exists for each, and explore strengths and weakness of each.

Chevrolet Room:
"That’s what they s-AI-d!”: Exploring Critical AI Literacies Through Quotes- Danielle Peck, Michigan Virtual

Description: Critical AI Literacies include understanding how AI systems work, the limitations to which they are subject, the affordances they present, and some of the known harms they produce. In this session, we’ll participate in an interactive activity that will allow us to engage with the ideas of thought leaders in the field. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of Critical AI Literacies, along with concrete ways to dig into these concepts with learners in your community.

Oldsmobile Room:
3P Learning with LEGO® Education: Bringing Relevance to Computational Thinking - Susan McGrath, LEGO® Education

Description: What does it look like to embed computer science meaningfully into the classroom—not just as a standalone subject, but as a lens for engaging with real-world problems, projects, and places? In this hands-on session, explore how 3P Learning—Problem-, Project-, and Place-Based learning—paired with LEGO® Education solutions can help students make deep, lasting connections between computational thinking and core classroom content.

We’ll demonstrate how problem-solving, student-driven projects, and connections to local communities and environments can deepen learning and relevance—especially for Michigan students.

Classroom 1:

TBD

Classroom 2:

TBD