Getting Started With Sphero Robots and Sphero Edu

Theresa Sevrence, Teacher, Southgate Community Schools  • Presentation

This session examines the basics of Sphero and Sphero Edu to get it "rolling" in the classroom. Participants will learn how to program Sphero Robots using draw, blocks, and text as well as how to navigate Sphero Edu through course creation, activity assignment, and progress monitoring. Ways to integrate Sphero Edu into classrooms through student-centered, hands-on activities will also be explored.

Level: Elementary, Middle School, High School

Topics: Coding, Computer Science, Makerspaces, Robotics, STEM

Explore Your World with NASA's AEROKATS & ROVER Education Network

Andy Henry, GIS and Multimedia Development Consultant, Wayne RESA • Presentation

Participants in this session will learn how NASA's AEROKATS and ROVER Education Network can bring STEM to life for students. Using novel NASA remote sensing technologies, students can explore their environment. Kite-borne Aeropods, ground-based TerraROVERs, and aquatic AquaROVERS allow students to collect, visualize, and map data about the world and about their local environment. At the session's end, participants will learn about upcoming opportunities to participate in the AREN project and bring NASA STEM opportunities into their classrooms.

Level: Middle School, High School

Topics: STEM

Making for a Purpose

Laura Begley, Pam Cunningham, and Amber Wade, Assistive Technology Consultants, Wayne RESA • Presentation • Resources

We are all makers - and often we are making for the purpose of learning how to make. What if instead, we focus on making that can benefit our peers? The idea of Making for a Purpose stems from the fact that around 80% of people with a disability rely on an assistive device to help them be more independent. Unfortunately, these assistive devices are costly if purchased - but many can be made. Join us for out-of-the-box thinking, focusing on helping individuals within the special education sphere.

Level: Elementary, Middle School, High School

Topics: Assistive Technology, Design Thinking

Learn By Doing in the Makerspace

We invite you to visit the stations in the makerspace and participate in the maker activities/challenges. Once you are finished at a station, use the QR code to access the Padlet for that station. Upload a photo or video as evidence that you were there. Then, find a RESA helper to stamp your card. Once you get at least 7 squares stamped, turn your card in to the designated basket. At the end of the day, you will be eligible for the Grand Prize drawing. Must be present to win.

Prisms of Reality

Ann Smart, Ed Technology Consultant, and John Hill, Math Curriculum Consultant, Lenawee ISD

Learn about Prisms of Reality by running through a Prisms module. Prisms of Reality is an experiential learning platform for math that uses adaptive Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) to transform the math learning experience along with science, middle school math, and advanced courses dropping in 2023!  This session will provide an opportunity for participants to discover Prisms, experience a Prisms module, and discuss potential classroom experiences with time at the end for Q & A.

Level: Middle School, High School

Topics: Assistive Technology, STEM, Virtual Reality

Making Through History: A Tour of The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Olivia Marsh, Manager, Educator Engagement & Professional Development, and Phil Grumm, Senior Manager, Learning Services & Onsite Programs, The Henry Ford

Take a tour of the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation with the Learning & Engagement team. You'll uncover stories of incredible historic and contemporary makers and innovators and discover how you can apply their lessons to your classroom using The Henry Ford's learning framework. Then, learn how to access these stories, the framework, and hundreds of classroom resources through a demo of The Henry Ford's inHub, a learning platform for educators, by educators.

Level: Elementary, Middle School, High School

Topics: Design Thinking, STEM, Social Emotional Learning

Coding with Ozobots

Anna Borgman, Katherine Fredrickson, Pam O’Brien, Technology Specialists, West Ottawa Public Schools • Presentation

Learn more about coding while programming tiny bots called Ozobots! This session takes a closer look at color coding programs that help Ozobots change color, make special moves, and change directions. Come play with the bots, familiarize yourself with their coding capabilities using marker color codes and the Ozoblockly software, and create fun programs.

Level: Elementary

Topics: Coding, Computer Science, Design Thinking, Digital Creations, Robotics, STEM

Learn By Doing in the Makerspace

We invite you to visit the stations in the makerspace and participate in the maker activities/challenges. Once you are finished at a station, use the QR code to access the Padlet for that station. Upload a photo or video as evidence that you were there. Then, find a RESA helper to stamp your card. Once you get at least 7 squares stamped, turn your card in to the designated basket. At the end of the day, you will be eligible for the Grand Prize drawing. Must be present to win.

Not a Box: Creating with Cardboard

Ann Smart, Ed Technology Consultant, Lenawee ISD

A simple cardboard box can be so much more to a student of any age or ability. In this session, participants will discuss the who, what, why, and how of creating with cardboard in classrooms. Be ready to also create something of your own! 

Level: Elementary School, Middle School, High School

Topic: Assistive Technology, Design Thinking, Engineering, Makerspaces, STEM

Getting Your Students Onboard With STEM

Erin Maturen, Teacher, Montrose Community Schools  • Presentation

Working with secondary-level students can be tricky when it comes to STEM, and getting them to buy in may be even harder. This session will help participants develop ideas for working with students at this level and creating a classroom of self-motivated learners.

Level: Middle School, High School

Topics: Coding, Design Thinking, Digital Creations, Makerspaces, STEM

Breakout Games and Creating Your Own

Rebecca Keeling, Instructional Technology Specialist, Wayne Westland Community Schools • Presentation

Breakouts offer a unique way to engage students in the classroom and can be created to suit many different lesson types. Similar to an escape room, these activities can be done digitally or with a physical box with locks. In this session, participants will try a mini-game and learn about the differences between a physical and digital kit. Then, participants will discuss how to design a game and brainstorm ways to create one themselves. 

Level: Elementary School, Middle School, High School

Topics: Design Thinking, STEM, Digital Creations

Learn By Doing in the Makerspace

We invite you to visit the stations in the makerspace and participate in the maker activities/challenges. Once you are finished at a station, use the QR code to access the Padlet for that station. Upload a photo or video as evidence that you were there. Then, find a RESA helper to stamp your card. Once you get at least 7 squares stamped, turn your card in to the designated basket. At the end of the day, you will be eligible for the Grand Prize drawing. Must be present to win.

Getting a STEM Program Up and Running

Amy Ely, Director of STEM, Detroit Catholic Central High School • Presentation

How in the world do you get a successful STEM program up and running? Do you already have some STEM coursework in place, but are unsure about which direction to explore next? How can you find funding for all the amazing projects you’d like to introduce?  Are there organizations you can affiliate with that will help guide you…for free?  Come talk with me! Take home a process that works through continuous improvement; your administration will be happy, and your students will love it! Let me help you navigate the same questions I faced and make the journey easier. Come STEM with me!

Level: Elementary School, Middle School, High School

Topics: STEM

Starting a Maker-Centered Movement 

Lauren Henderson, Media Specialist, K-5 Department Head, Troy Public Schools - Presentation

Join us to learn about Troy Public Schools' journey with Maker-Centered Learning and how it has helped transform our elementary school libraries into more relevant spaces for all students. Participants will walk away with ideas for using maker-centered learning in their schools by completing some of the maker-centered learning routines used by Troy students. 

Level: Elementary School

Topics: Design Thinking, Makerspaces

No More Flat Stanley - Learning in 3D

Karen Bosch, Outschool Online Teacher • Resources and Presentation

Curious about getting started with 3D printing? This session will explore how 3D printing can impact learning in K-8 classrooms. We'll share lessons, resources, apps, and hints about using a 3D printer in the classroom, including ways to connect 3D printing across content areas.

Level: Elementary School, Middle School

Topics: Design Thinking, Digital Creations, Makerspaces, 3D Printing

Learn By Doing in the Makerspace

We invite you to visit the stations in the makerspace and participate in the maker activities/challenges. Once you are finished at a station, use the QR code to access the Padlet for that station. Upload a photo or video as evidence that you were there. Then, find a RESA helper to stamp your card. Once you get at least 7 squares stamped, turn your card in to the designated basket. At the end of the day, you will be eligible for the Grand Prize drawing. Must be present to win.

Summer Lit Lab and Giveaways

Collect raffle tickets throughout the day and enter to win some great Maker-STEM materials. Be sure to print your first and last name on the back of the ticket before placing it in the box beside the prize in the Foyer. Must be present to win.