2024VSTE Annual Conference

Kids love to code, but often educators are hesitant to work with students on a coding project because they lack background knowledge in block-based coding. Join CodeVA facilitators to learn the basics of block-based coding with Scratch. During this hands-on session, you will create a Scratch project that you will be able to replicate your students. Gain knowledge, skill and experience in coding with help of CodeVA facilitators. This session targeted to Grades 3-8.

Dive into a wave of innovation as we explore how Computer Science (CS) intersects with mathematics education. This session invites educators to explore practical integration strategies that seamlessly blend CS concepts into K-8 Math curricula. We will showcase a curated collection of lessons demonstrating how computer science enhances mathematical understanding through an integrated learning approach.

With the evolving landscape of Computer Science (CS) education, middle school educators are pivotal in preparing students for future challenges. This session will focus on equipping middle school teachers with updated tools and strategies to effectively integrate the new Computer Science Standards of Learning (SOLs) into their curriculum. Participants will explore a comprehensive toolkit tailored for middle school CS integration, aligned with the 2024 SOLs. The toolkit will feature practical resources, lesson plans, and interactive activities designed to engage students in critical thinking, problem-solving, and computational skills development. Educators will learn how to implement these resources to create meaningful CS learning experiences that prepare students for success in the digital world.

In this interactive session, participants will delve into the exciting intersection of K-5 science and computer science, discovering innovative ways to seamlessly integrate these disciplines in their classrooms. As computer science integrators and educators, we understand the importance of nurturing young minds with foundational science concepts while fostering critical computational thinking skills from an early age.; Join the Shen Valley Computer Science Regional Partnership and CodeVA as we share the lessons learned through the ACSE Grant centered on creating CS-integrated lessons for K-8. This grant provided resources to create lessons and PBL units for CS integration that are to be included in the division pacing guides.

This session focuses on building a conceptual understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), with a strong emphasis on ethical considerations and algorithmic bias, rather than technical skills. Participants will get hands-on experience creating machine learning models using Teachable Machine (no prior knowledge required!), and explore how to integrate this tool into their current curricula. We will also discuss effective pedagogical approaches to encourage critical thinking in students as they deal with ethical challenges. This session is aimed at educators, instructional technology specialists, and curriculum developers who want to provide students with a solid foundational understanding of AI and ML. Attendees will also explore lesson plans and other instructional resources aligned to the 2024 CS SOLs, supporting them in implementing CS-aligned instruction about AI and machine learning in their classrooms.