These are discussion sessions that aim to bring together experts on a topic, which they will discuss during the session and will have a longer and more interactive discussion with the audience.
Workshops are subject focused sessions that provide participants the opportunity to gain knowledge and learn skills together. This can range from professional development topics, such as teaching strategies, to timely theoretical topics.
A formal, speaker-led session where an expert or group of experts present on a specific topic related to the maker mindset. This session is designed for attendees to gain new information, insights, or perspectives on a focused area, typically including slides, data, or case studies. Audience interaction is limited to Q&A at the end, allowing for in-depth exploration of the presented material.
Interactive sessions led by a facilitator where participants share ideas, experiences, and challenges around a focused topic. The facilitator guides the conversation, encourages diverse perspectives, and helps the group generate practical insights and takeaways
Session Title: Empowering the Makers: Fostering Social-Emotional Learning with a Maker Mindset
Presenter: Tara Lewis
Session Format: Traditional Presentation
Description: Discover how to integrate SEL into your Maker Space, cultivating student growth beyond technical skills. Learn practical strategies, explore engaging activities, and create an inclusive environment that empowers students to develop self-awareness, build healthy relationships, and navigate challenges with resilience.
Session Title: Tiny Robotics and Pocket Computers
Presenters: Eileen Malick
Session Format: Workshop
Description: You can teach STEM, robotics, and coding on a shoestring budget thanks to tiny robotics, pocket computers, and tiny remote controlled vehicles. Several pocket computers will be introduced (microbits, bluebirds, etc.) are less than $40. Tiny remote controlled vehicles such as race cars and drones are less than $30.
Session Title: AI for Teacher Lesson Planning
Presenters: Eileen Malick
Session Format: Campfire
Description: AI for lesson planning will show the variety of ways AI can save time for lesson planning. AI covered includes:
OpenAI chatGPT ( https://chatgpt.com/ )
Diffit for Teachers ( https://app.diffit.me/ )
EduAide AI ( https://www.eduaide.ai/ )
Brisk Teaching (https://www.briskteaching.com/ Chrome App)
MagicSchool AI ( https://www.magicschool.ai/ )
Canva Worksheet Maker ( https://www.canva.com/create/worksheets/ )
Session Title: Sphero Mini Challenge
Presenters: Jen Labor & Janet Gresham
Session Format: Workshop
Description: Spark Classroom Engagement with Sphero Minis! Explore these robots through a mini-STEAM challenge, tapping into your engineering, art, and critical thinking skills as you become the student and play with the Sphero Minis.
Session Title: EducProtocols: Keeping Your Class Engaged with High Effect Size Instructional Frames
Presenter: Mari Galindo -Sanchez & Shannon Myer
Session Format: Workshop
Description: Join us for an interactive workshop focused on instructional strategies that will keep your students engaged from bell to bell while also being simple to implement and easy to prep. Together, we will explore 3 EduProtocols that can be used across all subjects and most grade levels while also providing time to brainstorm and create resources to use in your own classroom.
Session Title: Integrating Computational Thinking through Storytelling
Presenters: Perry Shank
Session Format: Workshop
Description: This workshop explores how educators can use a computational thinking (CT) framework to enhance the story writing experience for students. Participants will engage with hands-on activities, learning to structure narratives through CT concepts such as sequencing, logic, and problem-solving. Educators will leave with practical approaches for integrating CT into storytelling.
Session Title: Making Math Digital: How incorporating technology in math projects fosters student confidence
Presenters: Haley Gosman
Session Format: Traditional Presentation
Description: This session will explore how the use of technological projects in the classroom contributes to student enthusiasm towards math and a decrease in math anxiety.
Session Title: LEGOs Across the Curriculum
Presenter: Kristina Peck
Session Format: Workshop
Description: Discover how LEGO can transform teaching and learning across K-12 subjects. This hands-on session explores strategies for integrating LEGO into your classroom to promote design thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. From STEM challenges to storytelling and art, learn how these versatile tools can engage students in meaningful, interdisciplinary learning experiences.
Session Title: Literacy and Maker Integrations – Boost Motivation, Engagement, and Learning!
Presenters: Dr. Laura Goll, Dr. Melissa Wells, & Kristina Peck
Session Format: Workshop
Description: Want to see typically unengaged students come to life AND learn literacy standards? We have experienced how integrating literacy standards with the Maker Mindset boosts learning by increasing motivation and engagement, all while increasing confidence and collaboration! Participants will learn by engaging in activities and procedures that have been proven successful in the classroom.
Session Title: Engaging Concepts with the Code and Go Mouse
Presenters: Georgette Willis
Session Format: Workshop
Description: This workshop will explore strategies for reinforcing and extending academic concepts through the use of a Code and Go mouse.
Session Title: Code and Go Mouse, How to use in instruction?
Presenters: Patty McElhatten
Session Format: Workshop
Description: If you have Code and Go Mice you might be asking "How do I use them in the classroom?" I will be showing all members how to use code and go mouse and help navigate the track. I will also share how to make your own squares to use and ideas of how to use in math and reading and possible other subject areas.
Session Title: Teaching Hands-on Solar Energy Lessons
Presenters: Kim Ward
Session Format: Campfire
Description: Engaging interdisciplinary hands-on activities will help students understand the uses of solar energy. Prior knowledge of solar-powered circuits is not necessary. The Scientific Method will be emphasized in each activity. Exploring ways to engage younger and older students will be included in group discussions.
Session Title: KidWind Renewable Energy Challenge
Presenters: Kim Ward
Session Format: Workshop
Description: KidWind is an international renewable energy challenge for students in grades 4-12. Students design a wind or solar-powered device and compete regionally across Virginia. The session will explore renewable energy activities that can be used regardless of interest in competing in a KidWind Challenge.
Session Title: Exploring Applications of Wind Energy
Presenters: Kim Ward
Session Format: Campfire
Description: Converting wind energy into electric energy will be explored through hands-on interdisciplinary activities for students in all grades. The Engineering Design Process is emphasized in each activity. Exploring ways to engage younger and older students will be included in group discussions.
Session Title: Writing & The Maker Mindset
Presenters: Forrest Clift
Session Format: Workshop
Description: Participants will explore the subject of writing as being a parallel of the maker mindset and look at how everyone - whether in the classroom or for personal reflection - IS a writer. Taking a "positive only" approach to listening and sharing, attendees of this session will learn how to nurture their own talent and that of others, with a process of three simple "ST" phrases.
Session Title: Make it Clean: Soap Creation, Box Engineering, and Marketing
Presenters: Yvonne Richard
Session Format: Workshop
Description: Have you ever wanted to make soap? Can you engineer a box for transporting soap? Can you design a logo for your very own soap company? During this session, participants will experience Glo-Germ and discuss integrating the health standards into the regular classroom. Participants will then use simple materials to make soap (that will be able to take home with them by the end of the day). Participants will also create a box for soap transportation and marketing. If time allows, participants will create a business logo for their new soap company. Find out how to tie these activities to Standards of Learning.
Session Title: Sawhorses & Scraps - teaching STEM through the trade
Presenters: J. Andrew Ewing
Session Format: Campfire
Description: Using sawhorse project as an example, show the relationship between scientific method, troubleshooting built objects/systems, and engineering. Also explore the use of concrete objects to build a robust conceptual understanding and application of various mathematical, geometric, and trigonometric principles.
Session Title: Invent, Play, Learn: Sparking Creativity and Computational Thinking with Makey Makey in the Elementary Classroom
Presenters: Tobin Traxler
Session Format: Workshop
Description: Discover how to use Makey Makey devices to spark creativity, foster a maker mindset, and develop computational thinking in elementary students. This hands-on workshop equips educators with practical strategies to integrate fun, interactive STEAM activities into the classroom, using everyday objects to inspire problem-solving and innovation.
Session Title: Unleashing Science Beyond the Lab
Presenters: Ivelisse Maddalena & Lindsay Sutton
Session Format: Traditional Presentation
Description: Discover innovative ways to spark curiosity and foster critical thinking in your science classroom. This session will explore creative approaches to science education, including outdoor learning, hands-on projects, and real-world problem-solving. Learn how to challenge students' minds and ignite their passion for science through unconventional yet effective methods.
Session Title: Ozobots Unleashed: Igniting Creativity and Problem-Solving in the Elementary Classroom
Presenters: Tobin Traxler
Session Format: Workshop
Description: Explore how Ozobots can foster a maker mindset in elementary students. This hands-on workshop equips educators with strategies to integrate robotics and coding into the classroom, promoting creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration across subjects through engaging, interactive STEAM activities. No coding experience required.