Session Titles and Descriptions

Participant Focus

1A. Hands-on: Getting Started with RoboBlocky for Absolute Beginners to Teach Math and CS with Robotics. Location: Ballroom A

This session will cover an overview of the C-STEM program and provide first-hand experience on getting started on your own computer. RoboBlocky is a web-based drag-and-drop development environment for programming virtual and hardware robots. It is designed to guide absolute beginners through an introduction to solving real-world problems with math, coding, robotics, and logic. Experience how easy it is to set up and how fun it can be to learn through coding and robotics. Learn how to get started teaching with C-STEM coding and robotics.

Participants must bring their own personal computer. Windows and MacOSX users must pre-install Linkbot Labs software and Chromebook users must pre-install the Linkbot IDE extension from https://roboblocky.com/download/. Requirements: Windows 10 or above, MacOSX 10.13 or above, Chromebook with Chrome OS v. 89 or above.

Linkbots will be provided by the C-STEM Center.

Facilitators:
Rob Schwandt, Assistant Director of Educational Technology, Alvord USD

1B. Strategies on Integrating C-STEM Math and CS Curriculum into K-12 Education. Location: Ballroom B

C-STEM  is a UC Approved Educational Preparation Program for Undergraduate Admission for both K-12 and Community College students to all UC campuses. The 20 A-G approved C-STEM courses at the UCOP website can readily be added in a high school’s A-G course list. The C-STEM Math and CS Curriculum provides students with 13 years of experience learning math with coding and robotics. Integrating coding and robotics into math education facilitates an engaging, rigorous course that promotes critical thinking and creative problem solving. Many students who take C-STEM Math with Robotics courses have fun learning without associating the course with their struggles in a traditional math class. This unique hands-on approach enables students to learn math by solving real-world problems. Join this session to learn from visionary leaders and pioneers on how they implemented the C-STEM K-12 Math and CS Curriculum in their school districts for accelerated and deeper learning math.

Co Facilitator:

Dr. Harry Cheng, Professor and C-STEM Center Director

Presenters:
Dr. Alfonso Jiménez, Superintendent, Hacienda La Puente USD    

Tiffany Benson, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Travis USD

Greg Miller, C-STEM Resource Teacher, Orange USD

Teresa Sicat, Math Teacher, Manteca High School, Manteca USD

1C. Live Teaching: Students Learning Math with Coding and Robotics in Action. Location: Ballroom C

In this session, experienced teachers and C-STEM staff will demonstrate how implementing C-STEM has led to increased student engagement and learning in math. You'll have the chance to watch a class of 5th grade students as they work with the RoboBlocky math curriculum, and see their enthusiasm and engagement while learning. By joining this session, you'll discover how the C-STEM program can revolutionize math education.

Instructor:
Jeff Hescox, Education Service Manager, UC Davis C-STEM

Facilitator:
Matt Taylor, Superintendent, River Charter Schools

1D. Arduino: Introduction to Basic Electronics and Creative Problem Solving for Physical Computing. Location: Conference Room A

Join this hands-on session to get started using Arduino microcontrollers with RoboBlocky. This session will provide an introduction to Physical Computing with Arduino by combining the hands-on projects of physical computing with the simplicity of block-based programming. Discover the possibilities of physical computing and how to incorporate modern do-it-yourself (DIY) electronics into your classroom teaching. Arduino can be integrated into Math, Computer Science, Engineering, and Robotics courses, as well as afterschool programs and summer camps, to facilitate a technologically advanced learning environment.

Participants must bring their own personal computer. Windows and MacOSX users must pre-install Linkbot Labs software and Chromebook users must pre-install the Linkbot IDE extension from https://roboblocky.com/download/. Requirements: Windows 10 or above, MacOSX 10.13 or above, Chromebook with Chrome OS v. 89 or above.

Arduino Uno Starter Kit will be provided by the C-STEM Center.

Facilitator:
Vitaliy Orlov, Math/Robotics Teacher, Cope Middle School, Redlands USD

2A. Hands-on Experience in Engaging Students Learning Math with Coding, Robotics, and RoboPlay Competition. Location: Ballroom A

The C-STEM CCSS-compliant Mathematics with Robotics curriculum employs hands-on computing and robotics activities to boost students’ interest and engagement in learning math (they learn while having fun!). Students make meaningful connections between abstract math concepts and real-life applications, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The curriculum allows for personalized learning and exploration as well as collaborative learning and teamwork. Join this session for a hands-on exploration of C-STEM Math with Robotics curriculum for Grades K-12, including 20 UCOP A-G Approved C-STEM courses. In addition, experience first-hand the excitement of C-STEM's level-playing-field RoboPlay Challenge Competition!

Participants must bring their own personal computer. Windows and MacOSX users must pre-install Linkbot Labs software and Chromebook users must pre-install the Linkbot IDE extension from https://roboblocky.com/download/. Requirements: Windows 10 or above, MacOSX 10.13 or above, Chromebook with Chrome OS v. 89 or above.

Facilitator:
Vitaliy Orlov, Math/Robotics Teacher, Cope Middle School, Redlands USD

2B. Best Practices on Integrating C-STEM Math with Robotics Curriculum into Elementary School Math Education. Location: Ballroom B

The C-STEM Mathematics with Robotics curriculum has had proven success in increasing student engagement and learning at the elementary level. Hear how a panel of Elementary School teachers have incorporated the C-STEM curriculum in their Elementary Math classes. C-STEM supports early learners in building confidence and understanding of abstract math concepts through applied hands-on robotics and programming activities. By incorporating coding and robotics into early education, students gain valuable exposure to modern technologies, develop logic-based problem solving skills, and apply creativity throughout their learning. Join this session to learn more about how the C-STEM Program can transform math education at the elementary level.

Chair:
Katherine Goyette, Computer Science Coordinator, California Department of Education

Presenters:

Blanca Patel, Principal, Victoria Elementary School, Redlands USD

Patricia Elder, Teacher, Los Altos Elementary, Hacienda La Puente USD

Imelda Rodriguez, Teacher, Wedgeworth Elementary, Hacienda La Puente USD

Richard Ramirez, Teacher, Jordan Academy of Language & Computer Science, Orange USD

2C. District-wide Integration of C-STEM Math with Robotics Curriculum into K-12 Math Classroom Teaching for Small School District. Location: Ballroom C

Navigating the implementation of a district-wide K-12 math with computer science curriculum with fidelity is no easy task. This presentation takes the viewer on a journey of a small rural school district turned success story. From the infancy stages of systems change to the transformation to a project-based learning environment with the addition of UC Davis C-STEM K-12 Math and CS Curriculum implementation in all grade levels. Emphasis will be placed on the following: (1) Board governance support; (2) Formulation of board goals with strategic actions and measures to support computer science applications; (3) Training and support; and (4) Application and fidelity.

Chair: 
Dr. Christina Murdoch, Executive Director Center for Applied Policy in Education (CAP-Ed), UC Davis

Presenters: 
Joey Adame, Superintendent, Los Molinos USD

Josh Rowe, Principal, Los Molinos USD

Megan Weiss, Assistant Principal & Program Coordinator, Los Molinos USD

Ashley Boone, Teacher, Los Molinos USD

Hannah Lemos, Teacher, Los Molinos USD

2D. C-STEM PD, UCD/UCR CS Supplementary Teaching Credential Authorization Program, and AP Computer Science Principles with Robotics.  Location: Conference Room A

Gain insights on how partnerships with UCD C-STEM and UCR Extension have helped school districts receive funds from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to support teacher professional development. In partnership with UCR Extension, UC Davis C-STEM offers a course pathway for teachers to earn a CS Supplementary Teaching Credential Authorization. Learn more about this program and how K-12 teachers can participate. Also join this session to learn about the new C-STEM AP Computer Science Principles course. Unlike other APCSP courses, this course uses virtual robots and optional hardware robots. Many robotics and coding features are specifically developed for students to learn computer science principles and prepare them for the corresponding AP exam.

Co-Chairs: 
Rob Schwandt, Assistant Director of Educational Technology, Alvord USD

Dr. Marie Martin, Associate Dean, UC Riverside Extension

Presenters:

Lidia Tekin, Teacher, Smiley Elementary School, Redlands USD

Shawna O'Hara, Elementary Math Coach, Travis USD

Janelle Mijares, Credential Analyst, UC Riverside Extension

3A. Hands-on: CS with Music, Art, Language Arts, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and LMS as well as Programming OmniBot   Location: Ballroom A

This session shows how the C-STEM program integrates the arts into STEAM education by giving students the opportunity to explore their artistic and creative talents using music and visual media. See how C-STEM’s curriculum and activity resources support the development of artistic talents through various channels including drawing, storytelling, playing and composing melodies, learning math with a piano, and image processing. In addition, text-to-speech and language translation features provide support for ELL students. Explore how quickly and easily reconfigurable and modular Linkbot systems can be assembled by easily snapping parts together to accomplish various tasks and solve challenges. Learn how the multidirectional OmniBot robots can create drawings and geometric patterns using markers. With Engineering Design with Linkbot curriculum, students will discover new ways to solve problems by designing, building, and testing their own robotics systems.

Participants must bring their own personal computer. Windows and MacOSX users must pre-install Linkbot Labs software and Chromebook users must pre-install the Linkbot IDE extension from https://roboblocky.com/download/. Requirements: Windows 10 or above, MacOSX 10.13 or above, Chromebook with Chrome OS v. 89 or above.

Linkbots and accessories will be provided by the C-STEM Center.

Facilitator:
Sandra Soto, Teacher, Travis USD

3B. Best Practices on Integrating C-STEM Math with Robotics Curriculum into  Secondary School Math Education. Location: Ballroom B

The C-STEM Mathematics with Robotics curriculum, including 20 UCOP A-G Approved C-STEM courses, has had proven success in increasing student engagement and learning at the secondary level. Hear how a panel of Secondary School Math teachers have incorporated the C-STEM curriculum in their math classes for students to solve real-world problems. Participants will discover how coding and robotics directly support students’ math, critical thinking, and problem solving skills in a unique, engaging way. This session will also explore how C-STEM is currently being used in secondary math and math support classes.

Chair: 
Deepika Srivastava, STEAM & Innovation Coordinator, Redlands USD

Co-Chair: 
Dr. Philip Ogbuehi, Secondary Coordinator, Los Angeles USD

Presenters:

Vitaliy Orlov, Math/Robotics Teacher, Cope Middle School, Redlands USD

Angela Wysocki, Teacher, Wayne Ruble Middle School, Fontana USD 

Judith Tuddao, Teacher, Manteca High School, Manteca USD

Natali DeBritz, Teacher, Vanden High School, Travis USD

Holton Hix, Teacher, Vanden High School, Travis USD

3C. School-wide Integration of C-STEM Math with Robotics Curriculum into K-12 Math Classroom Teaching. Location: Ballroom C

Learn from C-STEM school administrators and teachers how to implement the C-STEM program schoolwide and transform sites into C-STEM schools. They will provide specific details on how they integrated the program both vertically and horizontally across different grade levels and subjects within a school, as well as provided professional development for all teachers within a school. In addition, teachers will show how math, CS, and robotics are integrated into specific grade-level curricula. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn from experienced educators and take your school's STEM education to the next level.

Chair:

Joe Nguyen, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Travis USD

Presenters: 

Dr. Andrea McClain, Principal, Chaparral Academy of Technology (K-5), Fontana USD

Alexandra Cruz, Teacher, Chaparral Academy of Technology, Fontana USD

Jason Farrel, Principal, Rex Fortune Elementary School, Center USD

Kayla Toft, Teacher, Rex Fortune Elementary School, Center USD

3D. Expanded Learning: RoboPlay Competition, Girls In Robotics Leadership (GIRL)/GIRL+ Camps, Ujima GIRL Project, Afterschool and Summer Robotics Camps for Accelerated and Deep  Learning of Math. Location: Conference Room A

Learn how to promote diversity and inclusion with C-STEM Expanded Learning Programs. RoboPlay Competition is a level-playing field robotics competition with a focus on applying math in solving real-world problems. It provides an opportunity for K-12 students to showcase their math problem-solving skills. Learn how to bring the C-STEM RoboPlay Competition to your school and districts. Discover how GIRL/GIRL+ (Girls in Robotics Leadership) Camps, C-STEM Afterschool and Summer Robotics and Robotics-Math Camps motivate students to learn STEM and computing concepts through robotics. The NSF-funded Ujima (GIRL) Project aims to address the significant challenges of inclusion and equity for Black/African American middle school and high school girls in STEM education. The project will empower over 2,000 girls to become leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in their schools, communities, and future careers.

Chair: 

Annette Webb, Dean, UC Merced Extension

Co-Chair:
Joanne Chan, Educational Services Coordinator, Hacienda La Puente USD

Presenters: 

Joanne Chan, Educational Services Coordinator, Hacienda La Puente USD

Lilibeth Pinpin, Director, Innovative Programs and Student Success, Solano County Office of Education

Marcella Grant, Ujima GIRL Program Manager, UC Davis C-STEM

Merry Kim, Assistant Director for Partnerships, UC Davis C-STEM

Judith Tuddao, Math Teacher, Manteca High School, Manteca USD

Teresa Sicat, Math Teacher, Manteca High School, Manteca USD