Powering STEM Learning Through Computational Thinking
Sessions summary
1
Session title: Minnesota's STEM Workforce
Presenter(s): Tim O'Neill /Cameron Macht
Organization(s): Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Description: Minnesota’s labor market is in constant flux. Looking forward, two major factors will accelerate the
changes witnessed recently: baby boomers and technology. In this session, audience members will
discover just how these factors are impacting Minnesota’s economy and its numerous industries, with a
special emphasis on IT and engineering. ​
Focus will also be placed upon data on STEM-related skills, which may help justify funding requests or
explain the value of STEM skills development to the public.
2
Session title: "From Consumers to Creators" Coding in the Elementary
Presenter(s): Jessica Cabeen /Julie Loveland
Organization(s): Woodson Kindergarten Center /Woodson Kindergarten Center
Description: The elementary years are full of discovery, inquiry, and a place to grow sparks in our youngest learners.
Coding Club has been a way to provide students an opportunity to explore the computer science field
while connecting these experiences to learning occurring in school and at home. This session will give an
overview of how the club was created, what tools are used during the classes, and how information is
shared back to teachers and parents.
Participants will have an opportunity to interact with the following tools and activities:
- Sphero activities for primary level students
- BeeBot Challenges
- Think like a programmer activities that utilize materials that can be found in the classroom or at home.
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Engaging Youth in Computational Thinking via Project-based Challenges
Ajay Raikar
ARDUTIME, LLC
We will discuss the use of computational thinking to build awareness and interest in STEM fields.
Participants will interact with an ARDUTIME device using computational thinking to reinforce math and
science concepts taught in the classroom, by applying them to real world problems. This connection from the abstract to the concrete - enhances understanding and engagement.
Kids engage when learning:
1) is project-based
2) allows for creativity
3) involves activities in the physical world
4) leverages gamification through Badges, points, etc.
We will share feedback and learnings from multiple middle and high school classes which used the
ARDUTIME Learning system to teach computational thinking.
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Powering STEM Learning Through Computational Thinking
Sessions summary
4
Session title: Developing a Fab Lab
Presenter(s): Christopher Lee /Kerry Blaine
Organization(s): Apple Valley High School /Apple Valley High School
Description: It's hard to not make it awesome when it's already the Fabulous Lab; actually it's a Fabrication Lab. We
make stuff in the Fab Lab. Students must change their whole learning process when designing and
learning about using machines in the Fab Lab. This presentation will give an overview of how Apple Valley
High School set up the Fab Lab, incorporated it into the curriculum, and created it with support of two
industry partners. The impact that the Fab Lab has had on students will also be addressed.
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Kids Can Code
Angie Kalthoff
St.Cloud Area School District 742
Do you want your kids to become technology creators instead of just playing games? Code.org can teach
them to write their own games. Do you teach computer science? Computer science gives opportunity to
all children and supports all subject areas. Coding can be for everyone. It is an essential skill for success in
life and careers. Not only will students learn to code but they will also learn to problem solve. work
together and create.
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Teaching coding and computational thinking through robotics
Cheryl Moeller /Rand Whillock
High Tech Kids /Whillock Visions/Adventium
Learn how teaching a robot to perform a task is real world programming skill that students of all ages can
learn. Rand Whillock, a robot enthusiast and computer scientist, and Cheryl Moeller, electrical engineer
and coding enthusiast, will share how educators and students learn together on the ever changing world
of coding and robotics.
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Computational Thinking as a Habit of Mind
Andrea Wilson Vazquez /Laurie Aaronson
Osseo Area Schools / Code Savvy /Cedar Riverside Community School
Empower your students to become computational thinkers across content areas by tapping into their
curiosity, collaboration and creativity! This hands-on session will highlight a variety of unplugged activities
that can be integrated across content areas and educational settings, including within specialist classes
and before/after school programs, to develop students’ computational thinking habits of mind.
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Computer Science Standards and Frameworks – Part I: Introduction and Panel
Firasat Khan /Cindy Drahos
AdvanceIT MN /Burnsville High School
This is part one of a two-part session. This first session will feature a panel educators sharing how their
curricular materials and courses align with the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) K-12
Standards and the proposed K-12 CS Framework. This session is recommended (but not required) if you
plan to take part in the Part II Review session. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the CSTA
strands of computational thinking, collaboration, computing practice & programming, computer &
communication devices, and community, global, & ethical impacts as well as the concepts and practices
being proposed as part of a CS framework. Standards and the proposed K-12 CS Framework. Attendees
will gain a better understanding of the CSTA strands of computational thinking, collaboration, computing
practice & programming, computer & communication devices, and community, global, & ethical impacts
as well as the concepts and practices being proposed as part of a CS framework.
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Powering STEM Learning Through Computational Thinking
Sessions summary
9
Session title: Computer Science Standards and Frameworks – Part II: K-12 CS Framework Review
Presenter(s): Jennifer Rosato /Cindy Drahos
Organization(s): College of St. Scholastica /Burnsville High School
Description: Attendees will actively participate in a facilitated review session of the draft K-12 Computer Science
Framework (www.k12cs.org) which is a joint effort between CSTA, Code.org, ACM, and other CS
education stakeholders, to provide a set of concepts and practices that states and districts can use in
developing standards. You will work in small groups based on the grade bands of students served.
Feedback will be gathered and submitted to the framework committee by presenters. Participants are
recommended to attend the Part I: Introduction and Panel session or watch the webinar on reviewing
available at http://k12cs.org/review/
10
Session title: Designing and developing a simulation-based intelligent tutoring system for NASA: a retrospective on
the application of computational thinking
Presenter(s): Rose Chu
Organization(s): Metropolitan State University
Description: With the advancement in technology, problems and challenges in complex dynamic systems necessitates
solutions and innovations grounded in computational thinking. Computational thinking is interdisciplinary
in nature and draws from many intersecting yet distinct domains of knowledge such as computer science,
artificial intelligence and cognitive engineering. This approach to problem solving will be illustrated in the
context of the need to prepare human operators to perform complex tasks for a satellite ground control
system at NASA. This session helps educators envision an industry example of computational thinking.
Students developing this skill set could one day engage in projects of this nature.
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Integrating STEM Throughout the Curriculum at all levels K-12 and post-secondary Instutions
Paul Olson /Cathy Kindem
ISD 196 /ISD 196
In this session, listen to an interactive panel discussion on how STEM has been applied not just in STEMcourses but throughout the curriculum in elementary, middle, and high school. Attendees can also
participate in the discussion with follow up questions.
12
K-12 Computer Science Programs: a look at how it works in the three levels
Sonya McNamara /Kurt Helgeson
Project Lead The Way /St. Cloud State University
Session attendees will understand what computational thinking is and why it's important for today's
students. Presenters will provide an overview of a K-12 Computer Science program that has been
scaffolded throughout elementary, middle and high school levels, while utilizing relevant real-world
problems. Attendees will also have the opportunity to do a quick hands-on session of an activity done in
the elementary CS program.
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