Concurrent Session I: 8:40 AM – 9:40 AM, EST (60 minutes)
Workshop 1: Bridging Math and Code: Teaching Pre-Algebra and Algebra with Scratch Programming
By Heejung An, William Paterson University of New Jersey
Target Audience: Grades 4-9 Teachers
This session explores how Scratch, a visual programming platform, can bring algebra concepts to life. Participants will learn how to use coding projects to visualize equations, functions, and variables, transforming abstract mathematical ideas into engaging, interactive experiences. Through guided activities, we will connect algebraic principles, such as slope, intercepts, and coordinate geometry, with coding structures like variables, operators, and conditional statements. Educators will leave with ready-to-use project ideas that align with mathematics standards and foster computational thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. No prior coding experience is required.
Workshop 1: Bridging Math and Code: Teaching Pre-Algebra and Algebra with Scratch Programming
By Heejung An, William Paterson University of New Jersey
Target Audience: Grades 4-9 Teachers
This session explores how Scratch, a visual programming platform, can bring algebra concepts to life. Participants will learn how to use coding projects to visualize equations, functions, and variables, transforming abstract mathematical ideas into engaging, interactive experiences. Through guided activities, we will connect algebraic principles, such as slope, intercepts, and coordinate geometry, with coding structures like variables, operators, and conditional statements. Educators will leave with ready-to-use project ideas that align with mathematics standards and foster computational thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. No prior coding experience is required.
Workshop 2: Deploying Design Justice to Code Solutions for Communities in Need
By Antonio Byrd, University of Missouri-Kansas City
Target Audience: High School Teachers
Based on research from his book Black Tech Ecosystems: How Black Adult Learners Use Coding Bootcamps for Liberation, this workshop explores how to leverage design justice principles for scaffolding community-based coding projects. Design justice uses collaborative practices that center marginalized communities who have been historically excluded from technology design. Marginalized people become co-creators of their solutions with coders. First, teachers learn about key overarching themes from Antonio's research at a computer code bootcamp, and then explore design justice with an overview of a sample curriculum. As a starting point, participants will complete a student assignment in which they analyze mobile apps and websites designed for and with marginalized communities and nonprofits using the design justice framework. By the end of the workshop, participants while have a digital goody-bag of assignments and activities. This workshop would appeal to educators interested in strategies for helping marginalized students discover that they matter in computer science; it also appeals to educators interested in developing an equity-mindset among their students.
By Antonio Byrd, University of Missouri-Kansas City
Target Audience: High School Teachers
Based on research from his book Black Tech Ecosystems: How Black Adult Learners Use Coding Bootcamps for Liberation, this workshop explores how to leverage design justice principles for scaffolding community-based coding projects. Design justice uses collaborative practices that center marginalized communities who have been historically excluded from technology design. Marginalized people become co-creators of their solutions with coders. First, teachers learn about key overarching themes from Antonio's research at a computer code bootcamp, and then explore design justice with an overview of a sample curriculum. As a starting point, participants will complete a student assignment in which they analyze mobile apps and websites designed for and with marginalized communities and nonprofits using the design justice framework. By the end of the workshop, participants while have a digital goody-bag of assignments and activities. This workshop would appeal to educators interested in strategies for helping marginalized students discover that they matter in computer science; it also appeals to educators interested in developing an equity-mindset among their students.
Workshop 3: Teach About Artificial Intelligence Starting in Kindergarten? ABSOLUTELY
By Vicky Sedgwick, Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) Greater Los Angeles Chapter
Target Audience: Grades K-5 Teachers
We have all heard and seen the impact that AI is having on our world and in K-12 education. Even our youngest students encounter AI in their daily lives, but can they really start to learn how it works? Yes, they can! In this session you will be introduced to activities and lessons that can be used to demystify how AI works for K-5 students, including: what AI is and how it is already impacting our lives; how AI is trained and where bias may occur; how large language models like ChatGPT work; and more. Leave with ready-to-teach resources and knowledge of how you can implement teaching about AI in computer science lessons, as extensions to digital citizenship lessons, and in a variety of curricular areas.
By Vicky Sedgwick, Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) Greater Los Angeles Chapter
Target Audience: Grades K-5 Teachers
We have all heard and seen the impact that AI is having on our world and in K-12 education. Even our youngest students encounter AI in their daily lives, but can they really start to learn how it works? Yes, they can! In this session you will be introduced to activities and lessons that can be used to demystify how AI works for K-5 students, including: what AI is and how it is already impacting our lives; how AI is trained and where bias may occur; how large language models like ChatGPT work; and more. Leave with ready-to-teach resources and knowledge of how you can implement teaching about AI in computer science lessons, as extensions to digital citizenship lessons, and in a variety of curricular areas.
