Updates

Summer Updates 2021

7/16/2021

ABC CREATE educators co-designed our ABC CREATE Teachers’ Summer STEAM Retreat 2021 to be PD that they’d want to attend: in-person, fun, relevant, meaningful and filled with opportunities to connect with peers. Our theme: Revitalization!

Revitalization ties together the elements of this extraordinary professional development opportunity:
Revitalization of YOU - as a person -- as an educator -- as you head in to the new school year

Reconnecting with other teachers and sharing experiences and ideas
Reconnecting with your teaching practice
Lunch + Happy Hour
Optional activities: bike ride in the ‘Burgh, Jazzercise, and a Walking Tour of the Corridor of Innovation in downtown, New Kensington

Revitalization of the workforce and society in which we live - and helping you to understand your role in preparing students with future ready skills

Conversation partners with experience on a national scale will share their perspectives
Business and industry reps will join you and our other educators in conversation about shared goals

Revitalization of our communities

How are we working together to shift rust belt communities to thriving digital belts?
How are we addressing inequities?
Explore the Bloser Mansion, New Kensington’s Corridor of Innovation, and learn about the Digital Foundry

VISIT TEACHER SUMMER CAMPS FOR MORE INFO

Nearby Data Project Info Session - Opportunity for MS and HS teachers

The Nearby Data Project will support middle and high school teachers in developing and implementing ways for their students to not only understand big data systems, but also to explore how their data is being used and how data is being used to represent them. In addition, this model encourages students to notice, wonder and explore how data is represented on both a macro and micro scale. Rather than taking every data visualization as infallible fact, students will examine the origin of the datasets and seek out more questions than answers about the way the data is represented and the story that it tells.
Teachers participating in the Nearby Data Project will receive a stipend along with resources for implementation in their classrooms.

Questions: Reach out to Lou Karas at lkaras@westliberty.edu or 304-336-8162

Info Session: Monday, July 19, 2021 from 10:00 - 11:30 AM (via Zoom)

Info and Registration for Information Session: https://forms.gle/YaGFkvYaKyadnMaJ6

PittEd Justice Collective Community Meet-Up

You’re invited to this free, open, virtual event to meet with educators, activists, caregivers, and community organizations who advocate and work for justice in our teaching and learning spaces. Educators here in the greater Pittsburgh region and across the country are welcome and warmly encouraged to attend.

Date: Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Time: 2 - 3 PM ET (online)

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pitted-justice-collective-meetup-tickets-162073138119

About PittEd Justice Collective: The PittEd Justice Collective is a working group at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education that is engaged in anti-racist, justice-directed initiatives. We proudly work with and learn from students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, youth, and district and community partners. All are welcome to participate.

State of Black Learning Conference
About: Historically, education has been seen as a ‘one size fits all’ system for students. Research shows this is not the case with Black students. Whether considering a child’s home life or integrating a learning strategy to enhance student engagement, it is essential to hone in on the ways in which educators interact with and teach Black students. SBL is designed to increase educator effectiveness and provide the tools necessary to help participants address all of the factors that improve student outcomes and help Black children learn.

Date: August 12 - 13, 2021

Info and Registration: https://stateofblacklearning.com/

CodeJoy: Free Summer CodeJoy Shows with Summer Maker Camp!

About: Kelsey and Matt from CodeJoy will be offering free shows highlighting robotics, coding, and making as part of Maker Camp 2021.

New shows each week:
Robot Mini Golf: July 12 - 16
Robot Aerobics: July 19 - 23
Robot Memories: July 26 - 31
Robot Rovers: August 2 - 6
Robot Relaxation: August 9 - 12

Register: Become a Community Partner: https://makercamp.com/. It’s free and takes about 10 minutes! Who can be a Community Partner? Anyone! A summer camp, a library group, a pod of learners at home, a single kid and parent! Then, look for an email from Maker Camp with instructions on how to complete your registration. Email that address with any questions, issues or concerns.

IU1 Summer Institute
The 2021 IU1 Virtual Summer Institute is a two-day institute of collaboration, workshops, and communication. Via Zoom, learn from local educators and be inspired this summer through engaging, interactive online workshops for educators that offer a variety of effective strategies that enhance your classroom instruction as you begin a new school year.

Dates: August 3 - 4, 2021
Info and Registration: https://sites.google.com/iu1.org/iu1summerinstitute

Early Summer Updates 2021

6/17/2021

ABC CREATE Summer STEAM Retreat 2021 - SAVE the DATES

Mark your calendars, and plan to attend! Registration info coming soon!

Date: August 10, 11, 12, 2021
Time: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: TBD - Expected to be in person (That's why we say "Back to the Future: PD like it's 2019!)

West Liberty University Connected Classroom Virtual Learning Series

The Connected Classroom Virtual Learning Series is focused on approaches, resources and tools for teaching and learning in K-16+ classrooms. In these fifty-minute virtual sessions, educators will learn new ways to use engaging and relevant methods and technologies. Join us for one or more of the thirty-eight sessions being offered this summer.
https://sites.google.com/view/the-connected-classroom/home

The Summer 2021 Series will run from June 22, 2021 through July 29, 2021 with sessions scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9:00am and 10:30am. There are a few sessions at 1:00pm throughout the series.

The schedule and registration information are available at:
https://westliberty.edu/education/connected-classroom/

Please reach out to Lou Karas at lkaras@westliberty.edu or 304-336-8162 if you have any questions about the Connected Classroom 3.0 schedule or a specific session.

Educators have the option of receiving graduate credit, through West Liberty University, for their participation in the Connected Classroom Virtual Learning Series 3.0 this summer. Both three credit and six credit options (for re-certification and pay increments) are available at the special rate or $180 for three credits and $360 for six credits.

For additional information about the graduate credit options or to register for the classes, please contact: Vincent Sirianni, Graduate Program Coordinator, at vincent.sirianni@westliberty.edu or 304-336-8156.
For information about the required assignments for the graduate credit courses, please contact Dr. Nicole Ennis, Director of the Masters of Arts in Education Program at nicole.ennis@westliberty.edu, 304-336-8486 (office) or 304-830-1777 (cell).

The Connected Classroom Virtual Learning Series is a program of the Center for Arts and Education and the Masters of Arts in Education Program of the College of Education & Human Performance at West Liberty University.

WE ARE (Anti-Racist Educators) - Leaders and Learners Workshop

We ARE (Anti-Racist Educators) is a cohort-based approach to growing into anti-racist leaders, recognizing that this work is most successful when done in community. “We ARE - Leaders and Learners” is a 5 session workshop series designed for superintendents, principals, instructional coaches, school board members, and others in school leadership positions. Participants will develop a lexicon, create habits, and generate dynamic practices as leaders in education creating an anti-racist future. By exploring personal identity through critical reflection, we will examine how we are present in systems of oppression and how we can best act as anti-racist change agents. This series is designed from the perspective of white educators working to dismantle the inherent racism in our education system though all are welcome to join.

Date and times: July 27, 28 and August 3, 4, and 5 from 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm EST
https://www.betterquestions.education/events

Cost: $400 - ABC CREATE educators in partner districts are eligible to use discount code ABCCREATE to receive 25% off the listed price.

ABC CREATE STEAM Show & Tell Series Recordings Available

Teachers and/or our education partners have shared tech tools or pedagogical approaches that have helped them to resolve challenges that arose while teaching through a global pandemic.

All sessions have been recorded and are viewable HERE.

2021 IU1 Virtual Summer Institute

IU1 will be hosting the 2021 Virtual Summer Institute on August 3-4, 2021. The theme of the 2021 IU1 Summer Institute is “What Now? Supporting Educators Moving Forward from a Pandemic.” There are over 30 different sessions offered over two days and each session will last approximately 1 hour. Session topics include Google, SEL, ELA, Math, tech tools, and more. There will be two sessions offered focused on open discussions where basic research learned during the pandemic will be shared, and participants will have plenty of time to share their own experiences, learning, and resources too! The cost per session is $10. Seats will fill quickly, so register early to ensure your seat at the 2021 IU1 Summer Institute!

Dates: August 3 - 4, 2021
Location: Virtual
Cost: $10 per session

https://sites.google.com/iu1.org/iu1summerinstitute/home

Equitable Practices Hub

The purpose of the Equitable Practices Hub is to establish a coherent collection of resources that an educational community may use in promoting intentional equity in their communities. The resources have been hand-picked and reviewed, and represent best practices, models, and guidance from all their component parts.

https://www.education.pa.gov/Schools/safeschools/equityandinclusion/EPH/Pages/default.aspx

Remaking Tomorrow

So many of us are asking: Where do we go from here? What comes next? A better tomorrow isn't guaranteed, but it is possible if we act today. In this online publication, you’ll find “insights & actions to shape a post-pandemic future of learning that is just, equitable, and learner-centered.”

https://readymag.com/u673640268/2508445/

MoonShot Grants

Does your school or program have a bold idea that challenges the status quo—and wants to be considered for funding in this next phase of Moonshot Grants?

https://remakelearning.org/blog/2021/06/09/how-to-shoot-for-the-stars/

Requesting Your Voice on the PA Science & Technology and the Environment & Ecology Standards

Deadline: July 6th, 2021

The State Board of Education's current regulations include two sets of science standards – Science and Technology and Environment and Ecology – which serve as the basis for curriculum development and instruction in schools. Both sets of standards took effect on January 5, 2002.

After several public stakeholder sessions and the work of 60 STEM education colleagues serving on content and steering committees from across our Commonwealth, a modified set of standards has been proposed. On September 9, 2020, the State Board of Education voted to adopt as a proposed regulation (Chapter 4) the three sets of science standards developed by the committees: Pennsylvania Integrated Standards for Science, Environment, Ecology, Technology and Engineering (Grades K-5); Pennsylvania Integrated Standards for Science, Environment and Ecology (Grades 6-12); and Pennsylvania Technology and Engineering Standards (Grades 6-12) (reflected in Appendix B-1)

Access the Standards

Here is how you can make a difference:

1) Create an EMAIL: Karen Molchanow, State Board of Education Board
ra-stateboardofed@pa.gov with your recommendations and specific content you feel may be missing from the proposed sets of standards.

2) Please encourage as many individuals across all sectors - business & industry, libraries, higher education, science/art centers & museums, schools etc. to send comments as soon as possible. The reviewers of the comments will be counting the number of comments asking for certain things then make a determination to allow the proposed standards to go through a round of revisions/updates or not.

3) You can also sign this Call to Action below:

From the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, there is a call to action regarding the Environment and Ecology standards. "In an egregious oversight, the newly proposed science education standards for Pennsylvania could eliminate all of the requirements for students to learn about the state's environment and ecology." Please use your voice and speak up for this critical area to be addressed.

Speak Up for Science Education

Green Schools Conference

Green Schools Conference (GSC) is an annual event that convenes people from across the world to further the vision of sustainable, healthy schools. GSC is the only event to bring together all of the players involved in making green schools a reality: the people who lead, operate, build and teach in our nation’s schools.
Dates: June 28 - 29, 2021
Location: Virtual

https://greenschoolsconference.org/

Early Winter Updates

1/29/2021

Finch 2.0 Training

Classroom Sets: Classroom sets of 15 Finch 2.0's are now available for borrowing from the ABC CREATE Resource Library.

Workshops: We want to be sure you are ready to roll with the Finch 2.0's, so we’re offering FREE, online Finch 2.0 workshops in early 2021. You need only register for one session. Priority registration reserved for ABC CREATE partner districts; all others will be welcomed as space allows. You will need to have a Finch 2.0 with you during the workshop; if you do not already have one, please reach out to Colleen Smith to borrow one from the ABC CREATE Resource Library.

Dates (Register for one session only)

2/9/21 3:30-5:30 PM

2/16/21 4:00-6:00 PM

2/23/21 6:00-8:00 PM

WLU Connected Classroom Connected Learning Series
The Connected Classroom Series is focused on approaches, resources and tools for teaching and
learning in K-16+ classrooms. In the fifty-minute sessions, educators will learn new ways to use
engaging and relevant methods and technologies.

Date/Time:
Connected Classroom Virtual Learning Series 2.0 sessions - February 2, 2021 through March 11, 2021
Connected Classroom Virtual Learning Series 2.1 sessions - March 16, 2021 through April 29, 2021

Location: Virtual, on Zoom
(https://westliberty.zoom.us/j/99153946185?pwd=bmNIYkFTTW9zU1U1Q3pWTXVXUU1odz09)

Registration: Please click on the registration link below for series 2.0 and 2.1 sessions.

Please contact Lou Karas, Director of the Center for Arts & Education, at
lkaras@westliberty.edu or 304-336-8162 if you have any questions or need any additional
information about The Connected Classroom Virtual Learning Series 2.0 and 2.1 sessions.

Educators have the option of receiving graduate credit through West Liberty University by
participating in six of The Connected Classroom sessions and completing several assignments.
The fee is $180 for three graduate credits. There are two three credit graduate classes available
during West Liberty University’s Spring 2021 Semester. For additional information or to register
for the graduate credit option, please contact Vincent Sirianni, Graduate Program
Coordinator at vincent.sirianni@westliberty.edu or 304-336-8156.

For information about the required assignments for the graduate credit, please contact Dr.
Nicole Ennis, Director of the Masters of Arts in Education Program at
nicole.ennis@westliberty.edu, 304-336-8486 (office) or 304-830-1777 (cell).

SCHEDULE OF SESSIONS

REGISTRATION

Education Collaboration Opportunity
CREATE Lab + AirViz + ABC CREATE with Speckles
Airviz + CREATE Lab are partnering with ABC CREATE to explore elements of maker practices, environmental education, and community engaged design through the use of the Speckle. If you are interested in exploring how to use the Speckle in your classroom, please click on the link below and fill out the form.

The Speckle, a small DIY air quality monitor, will be shipped to your school district for free.

If you are interested in collaborating with us on the design of a lesson on air quality involving the Speckle as a measurement tool, please indicate this on the form. A small stipend is available. (You do not need to develop a lesson plan/learning pathway to receive a free Speckle.)

LINK TO FORM

CEISMC@Georgia Tech 2021 STEAM Leadership Conference
Discover solutions and innovative ways of leveraging immersive technology, community partnerships, citizenship, and diversity to improve your STEAM education. This year's conference seeks to build leaders through educational pathfinder engagement. Changing the way people think by fostering and designing authentic STEAM learning experiences through remote, blended, informal, or hybrid learning.

Conference Theme: The Path Forward: Leveraging STEAM Education in an Evolving World

Audience: STEAM decision-makers – school leadership, curriculum and after school coordinators, informal educators, principals, teacher leaders, and artists.

Registration: Registration starts February 15, 2021

Date/Time: Thursday, April 15, 2021 - Friday, April 16, 2021

Location: Atlanta, GA - Hosted Virtually

Funding for registration may be available for educators in ABC CREATE partner districts who are interested in attending; please contact Colleen Smith if you're interested. #steamleadership2021

LEARN MORE

Penn State New Kensington STEAM Outreach Club and Women in STEM@PSNK Presentation
Please share with your high school juniors and seniors, particularly those interested in exploring careers in STEM, who may be interested. We’d like them and YOU to join Penn State New Kensington students, faculty, staff, recent graduates, and STEM professionals as we create a personal vision and mission statement during this interactive session. Excellent opportunity for personal career development as well as for networking within our STEM community.

Topic: Creating a Personal/Professional Vision and Mission Statement to Guide Your Career

Presenter: Sherri McCleary, Executive Director of the Penn State New Kensington and Westmoreland County’s Digital Foundry at New Kensington

Audience: High School and College students, faculty, staff, recent graduates, and STEM professionals.

Registration: Online registration preferred, but not required.

Date/Time: Monday, February 8 from 4:30 - 6 PM

Location: Penn State New Kensington - Online Offering through Zoom

REGISTRATION

LEARN MORE

2020 ABC CREATE Report for the Collaborative Published
Future-Ready Learning in a Year of Disruption and Change identifies seven key findings and provides recommendations and opportunities for ABC CREATE’s future. Take a look!

Thank you to all the ABC CREATE educators and administrators who completed our annual survey and/or participated in the interviews; your participation was critical to developing our annual assessment.

Submit your Event for Remake Learning Days 2021
Will you be designing an in-person or virtual STEAM activity anytime between May 6 - 16, 2020? Might this be created in a way that engages young people and their adults in arts, making, science, technology, outdoor learning, and youth voice? If so, make it part of Remake Learning Days!

Amplify your students' work by offering a great way for parents and caregivers to learn alongside their children and to have hands-on experience with the future of learning!

Remake Learning Days Across America is a learning festival that celebrates innovative experiences and opportunities for youth to develop creativity, perseverance and curiosity. Schools, after-school organizations, nonprofits, museums, and more are invited to submit an innovative, family-friendly learning event for inclusion in the festival. Local Remake Learning Days returns to southwestern Pennsylvania and West Virginia May 6 - 16, 2021, and event submissions are now open. #RemakeDaysSWPA

LEARN MORE + SUBMIT AN EVENT

Everyday Engineering for Students in Grades 6 - 8
The CMU College of Engineering would like to invite students in grades 6-8 to Everyday Engineering -- a virtual event with the intent to demonstrate that engineering is all around us. Our goal is to get middle school students thinking about their environments with more curious eyes. This event will take place via Zoom on Saturday, February 27, between 12:30 – 2:00 pm.

"What problem does this solve?"
"Who has the problem?"
"Why is it important to solve the problem?"
"What types of engineering were used to solve the problem?"

We will have an introductory presentation about the wide range of engineering disciplines followed by a series of virtual exhibits led by CMU undergraduate and graduate students.

WHO: Students in the 6-8 grades
*if you know middle schoolers who would enjoy this event, please feel free forward this invitation to them.

WHEN: Saturday, February 27, 2021; 12:30 - 2:00 PM

WHERE: Zoom.
*All Participants must be registered to attend. The Zoom link will be provided in the confirmation email you receive following your registration.

Engineering is Everywhere
The Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Concrete Institute is accepting applications for a pilot program using the Engineering is Everywhere curriculum to introduce 4th through 6th graders to engineering. Engineering is Everywhere is an evidence-based training for upper-elementary teachers who want to teach their students about what engineering is, what engineers do, and how the math and science they learn in school is used by engineers.

The selected schools for the pilot program will receive the full curriculum, which includes:

Three video lessons to present to the classroom
Online training for elementary educators to facilitate lesson planning and class discussion
A kit that supplies the materials used to teach the hands-on activities, which can be used year after year

After completion of the curriculum, ACI-Pittsburgh asks that the educator participate in a 1 hour teleconference to provide feedback on the curriculum and its implementation.

Interested educators may apply by contacting Brian Lucarelli at Lucarelli.ACI@gmail.com. Please provide the educator's name, contact information (email or phone), grade level, and school name.

Late Fall Updates 2020

12/4/2020

ABC CREATE Fall Convening 2020

The ABC CREATE Fall Convening this year, in keeping with this UNusual 2020, will be an UN-conventional - UN-convening - UN-conference.

Who: Anyone within the ABC CREATE community (ABC CREATE districts and any other interested educators)
What: Using an UN-conference format, participants will determine the topics to be explored; participants will then choose an area of interest and connect with peers with shared interests.
When: Tuesday, December 15th from 4 - 5:30 PM (just long enough)
Where: Zoom

WHY? You deserve a chance to connect with other educators who are experiencing teaching through a pandemic and working hard to deliver quality education -- including STEAM/future-ready skills. Besides, we miss you!

Share ideas
Hear how others are creatively navigating remote, hybrid, and F2F instruction
Release some stress
Inspire and be inspired

ABC CREATE Year-End Assessment Survey

The good and the bad: Let us hear it! Really. We want to take a brief moment to check in with you, hear how you’re navigating all the changes this year, and learn how ABC CREATE can support you and your students going forward. There are two ways you can share your thoughts to ensure they're reflected in our end-of-year assessment.

Respond to this 10-15 minute survey.
Spend 15-20 minutes on the phone with our evaluator (email MeredithBortz@gmail.com with a couple available times).

We wouldn't ask if we didn't believe so strongly in listening to you and ensuring our next steps are in sync with what you need most right now. Thank you! (PS - If you’ve already completed this survey or connected with Meredith -- Thank You -- and no need to do it again, now.)

Education Collaboration - CREATE Lab + AirViz + ABC CREATE with Speckles

Airviz + CREATE Lab are partnering with ABC CREATE to explore elements of maker practices, environmental education, and community engaged design through the use of the Speckle. If you are interested in exploring how to use the Speckle in your classroom, please click on the link below and fill out the form.

The Speckle, a small DIY air quality monitor, will be shipped to your school district for free.

If you are interested in collaborating with us on the design of a lesson on air quality involving the Speckle as a measurement tool, please indicate this on the form. A small stipend is available. (You do not need to develop a lesson plan/learning pathway to receive a free Speckle.)

LINK TO FORM

CEISMC@Georgia Tech 2021 STEAM Leadership Conference - Call for Proposals

ABC CREATE educators are rock stars doing great work! We’d love to have a collaborative presentation of ABC CREATE educators (or individual individual educators) showcasing the innovative, integrated, engaging STEAM teaching and learning happening in your classrooms (F2F, virtual, or hybrid).

Check out this piece of the description from the Call for Proposals, and let Colleen Smith know if you’d like to be a part of putting together a conference proposal. (ABC CREATE will pay the cost of the conference registration.)

Have you found solutions or created innovative ways of leveraging immersive technology, community partnerships, citizenship and diversity for the betterment of STEAM education? How does STEAM drive your progress? Has STEAM opened your mind to new possibilities? This year's conference seeks to build leaders through the engagement of educational pathfinders-- that are changing the way people think, by fostering and designing authentic STEAM learning experiences through remote, blended, informal, or hybrid learning.

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Finch 2.0s Have Arrived!!!

Classroom Sets: Classroom sets of 15 Finch 2.0s are now available for borrowing from the ABC CREATE Resource Library.

Workshops: We want to be sure you are ready to roll with the Finch 2.0s, so we’re offering online Finch 2.0 workshops in early 2021. You need only register for one session. Priority registration reserved for ABC CREATE partner districts; all others will be welcomed as space allows.

DATES (Register for one session only)

Empowered Educator Series 2020 - 2021

Kickoff Session: On Black English
Date: December 16
Time: 4 - 5:30 PM

Guest speakers Dean Valerie Kinloch, School of Education, University of Pittsburgh and poet and educator Dr. Sheila Carter-Jones join us to consider both the importance and the complexities of "Black English" and utilizing language as both liberator and as a means of oppression.

The Empowered Educators Series provides a forum for teachers, educators, administrators, counselors, and the like to think critically and openly discuss topics of race, equity, bias, and pedagogy. Empowered Educators Series promotes ongoing learning, partnerships with supporting organizations, and community building among teachers.

MORE INFORMATION

PA Statewide STEM Info

Pennsylvania STEM Coalition Meeting

What: STEM Year in Review
When: December 10, 2020 4 - 5 PM
Where: Zoom Log-in: https://zoom.us/j/91891474586

The PA STEM Coalition is being led by Judd Pittman, Special Consultant to the Secretary of Education on STEM, and the Pennsylvania Statewide STEM Ecosystems (PSSE). The vision of the PSSE is to support all Pennsylvanians' access to quality STEM education and career pathways and to becoming tomorrow’s leaders, influencers, and problem-solvers. We invite all of the Pennsylvania’s STEM Champions to join us and to continue to support Pennsylvania’s vision for STEM!
Save the dates for future STEM Coalition Meetings: January 14, January 28, February 11, February 25, March 11, March 25, April 8, April 22, May 13 & May 27.

State-wide opportunities to share

Educators' Showcase of Learning, Adapting, and Modeling (Ed-SLAM). PDE is pleased to request proposals for their February 24 virtual symposium.

Family Night Coding, sponsored by PA PBS, will take place on December 10 from 7–8pm on your local PBS station.

Amazon Cyber Robotics Challenge. Can you code an Amazon Hercules robot to deliver your friend’s birthday present on time?Bring real-world industry to your classroom.

Fall Updates 2020

11/11/2020

ABC CREATE Resource Library

Good news! The ABC CREATE Resource Library has officially reopened! We have shelves full of resources just waiting to be checked out and used to enhance your classroom instruction!

Some of our newest resources include Makey Makey, littleBits, Dash + Dot Robots, Edison Robots, Merge Cubes, Bee Bots, Sphero Robots and more!

Check out our Resource Library website to view all of our resources and complete an online request form.

While you're there, make sure to take a look at the Finch 2.0 robots. Our Finch Flock is on a train across the US on its way to us, and is expected to arrive by the end of the month!

#CSforInclusion 2020: Webinar Series

Computer science can help students unlock worlds of potential, from developing key skills to preparing them for computer-based careers. But, how do we ensure computer science education is relevant, accessible, and inclusive for every learner?

Join us for a 3-part webinar series on developing inclusive approaches to computer science: Learn strategies to help drive youth interest in computer science, particularly for Black and brown students, students with disabilities, and others who are often left out of the computer science conversation.

NOVEMBER 11, 2 - 4 PM
Press Pause to Play: Personas, Places, and Possibilities
Led By Shimira Williams
Register Now
NOVEMBER 17, 2 - 4 PM
CSforALL Through Advanced Placement Exam Support
Led By Muriel Alim from the National Math and Science Initiative
Register Now
DECEMBER 2, 2 - 4 PM
Fireside Chat: Centering Computer Science and Race
Led by Dr. Richard Purcell
Register Now

CSforPGH Mini-Grants

Calling all organizations, school districts, and educators interested in starting or expanding their computer science efforts!

Apply now for a CSforPGH Mini-Grant, designed to support educators in improving K-12 computer science pedagogy and broadening access to computer science training.

Grants will award up to $2,000. Educators in all disciplines, especially those with little to no experience in computer science, are encouraged to apply. Applications are due November 15.

PA Statewide STEM Updates

Science Standards Updates:
To receive updates on the PA Science Standards, email Ra-stateboardofed@pa.gov to be added to the Science Standards stakeholders’ list.

Creating Equitable School Systems: A Roadmap for Education Leaders
This webinar series is designed to assist leaders to “honestly reflect on successes and challenges of local continuity of education plans in the 2019-20 school year and to learn how to make instruction more engaging and effective for all students” as we move forward in the “rapidly changing environment of the pandemic”.

LEARN MORE

ROADMAP FLIER

PA Schools for Tomorrow: Proactive Planning Past the Pandemic Webinar Series
The Pennsylvania School Study Council and the American Center for the Study of Distance Education in the College of Education at The Pennsylvania State University invite you to join the webinar series.

REGISTRATION AND FLIER

To receive information like this and to receive notifications for PA statewide STEM Coalition meetings and resources, register for the PA STEM Listserve.

Penn State New Kensington’s COMETS (Courses On Math, Engineering, Technology, and Science) outreach program is designed to support and guide middle school-age students, particularly those in under-represented populations, as they develop impressions of their abilities in science, technology, engineering and math. In the past our program has been instrumental in sparking the interest of young women in particular. The COMETS program strives to show many different applications of STEM and promote diversity in STEM education. Our Saturday sessions are 1 hour in length on two consecutive Saturdays from 10:00-11:00 am. The first Saturday each month, students will be introduced to a guest speaker who is a local STEM professional and students will learn about what they do in their profession and what sparked their interest in their field as well as how they got there and the education required. There will be demonstrations and activities that span both sessions to keep students engaged. Project boxes will be mailed to students with supplies for hands-on activities when activities require things that aren’t normal household items. Students will have the week to complete as many of the proposed activities that go along with the workshop and will be able to share their results and experience at the second monthly workshop. Field trips showcase STEM professionals in action and are a student favorite; these will also be virtual experiences.

Please distribute the COMETS flier to students who may be interested in exploring a variety of STEM activities. If it is possible in your district, please link the flier to your district web page.

Program registration is open through December 3, 2020 on the Penn State New Kensington website. If it is possible in your district, please add this link to your district web page: .

Our virtual Meet-N-Greet for registered students and their parents is Saturday, December 5th at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom.

COMETS FLIER

LEARN MORE + REGISTER

Early Fall Updates 2020

10/8/2020

A Special Offer for ABC CREATE Educators: FREE OBS Professional Development!
Are you teaching virtually from home or school? Are you teaching in a hybrid environment, with some students in the classroom and some tuning into class from home? Struggling to show students everything they need to see, play videos, manage sound, and actually teach? CodeJoy can help.

Check out this 90 second video to see what teaching COULD be like.

Spots are limited to 7 participants each session, so reserve your spot for NOW!

ABC CREATE partner districts register for any of the upcoming OBS sessions: https://codejoyeducation.com/abc-create
Anyone outside of ABC CREATE partner districts, register for $75 here: https://codejoyeducation.com/products/obs

INSTRUCTORS: Sessions will be facilitated by Kelsey Derringer and Matt Chilbert of CodeJoy.
WHEN: Choose any one of the following times at checkout.

Wednesday 10/14, 6:30-8:30 pm
Wednesday 10/21, 6:30-8:30 pm
Wednesday 10/28, 3:30-5:30 pm
Wednesday 10/28, 6:30-8:30 pm
Wednesday 11/4, 3:30-5:30 pm
Wednesday 11/4, 6:30-8:30 pm
PLUS a special follow-up session for ABC CREATE teachers only on Thursday, November 5, 2020 from 4:00-5:00 pm.

Finch Playgrounds! Intro to the Finch Robot 2.0
ABC CREATE has Finch 2.0's on the way (expected to arrive in November)! To get a head start thinking about how you might use the new Finch 2.0 and to try it out in real time, join us for the next Finch playgrounds. Using the remote robot capability offered by Birdbrain Technologies, you can explore this tool in a virtual, but still interactive and engaging way! This webinar is free for anyone to attend.

WHEN: Tuesday, October 27th at 7 PM ET or Wednesday, November 18th at 4 PM
WHERE: On Zoom

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

AIU Teacher Grant Opportunity
The Allegheny Intermediate Unit will be offering OnRamp Grants for remote learning! These grants of up to $2,500 each will support educators planning innovative remote learning opportunities.

The funding will be used to support the following outcomes:

Increase opportunities for joyful and creative learning, especially for students who might experience particular hardships or obstacles due to school disruptions
Develop and implement instruction that is engaging, empowering, and equitable, addressing new challenges in creative and innovative ways
Improve in-class practices
Help families become learning allies

Any educator from AIU’s 42 member districts, Pittsburgh Public Schools, or brick & mortar charter schools located in Allegheny County is eligible to apply.

IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES:
January 4: Grant proposal opened for Round 2
January 18: Proposals due for Round 2
February 1: Round 2 Grantees Announced

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY

PA Statewide STEM Ecosystem (PSSE) and PA STEM Coalition
The Pennsylvania STEM Coalition was and is a collective of stakeholders that planted the seeds for: a common vision for STEM; monthly virtual statewide STEM collaboration meetings; the Pennsylvania’s computer science initiative; the expansion of STEM Ecosystems; the formation of the PAsmart [SEP4] Initiative; and the review of Pennsylvania’s Science standards.
PDE is continuing its commitment to collective impact and stakeholder-driven change in STEM through the ongoing Pennsylvania STEM Coalition and the Pennsylvania Statewide STEM Ecosystem (PSSE). PSSE is a collaborative of formal and informal STEM Ecosystems across Pennsylvania. PSSE will support the PA STEM Coalition by coordinating meetings, events, collaboration opportunities and communicating about STEM Coalition activities, emails, and updates.

To receive notices and information about online sessions for PA STEM stakeholders, please sign up through the PA STEM Listserv Registration before November 1, 2020.

This is the link to our evolving fall calendar of meetings.
Please save the dates for:

November 12th, 2020 Time (TBD): Standards Update
November 19th, 2020, 4:00 PM- 5:00 PM - Ecosystem Networks - East Coast meets West Coast
December 10th, 2020 Time (TBD): STEM Year in Review

Anyone is welcome to attend any of our Thursday meetings. If you are not able to join us, you can access all past STEM Coalition sessions in the Google Folder.
To ensure that classroom teachers can also participate in our meetings, we will schedule some upcoming meetings in the late afternoon – stay tuned.

GET MORE INFO AND REGISTER

NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Educator Award
The NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Educator Award identifies exemplary formal and informal educators who play a pivotal role in encouraging 9th-12th grade students who self-identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary to explore their interest in computing and technology. The award recognizes these educators for their efforts to promote gender equity in computing. Since 2011, more than 500 educators have been recognized and have received more than $225,000 in professional development funding to improve their computing education skills.

Love to see an ABC CREATE Educator win this! 2020 Western PA Affiliate Winner - Tamar McPherson: Plum; 2019 Western PA Affiliate Winner - Stephanie Reilly: Fox Chapel; 2018 Western PA Affiliate Winner - Maureen Garda: Franklin Regional W. Could you be next?

LEARN MORE AND APPLY

INFORMATION FLIER

The Robert F. Tinker Fellows Program
The fellowship program aims to promote innovation, creativity, and cross-disciplinary conversations in educational technology for STEM teaching and learning. Originally organized as a residency program, the fellowship was designed to bring individuals to the Concord Consortium to spark new ideas, tinker with novel technologies, cultivate outside perspectives, and provide opportunities for reflection on our work.

Fellows with synergistic work in the following broad themes are invited to apply:

Theme 1: Tools for inquiry
Theme 2: Learning and collaboration
Theme 3: Data explorations
Theme 4: Sustainability and the environment
Theme 5: Tinkering with models; playful experimentation
Theme 6: Online learning
Theme 7: Learning everywhere

The 2021 fellowship will be remote.
Fellows will be selected by an application and review process.
Application deadline: November 16, 2020
Fellows will be notified by December 14, 2020

LEARN MORE

TEN and MLN FallBbook Study
The book study will start on October 19th and we will be discussing the book Chart A New Course! There will be a slow chat with discussion questions posted throughout the week. To participate, use the hashtags: #ChartYourNewCourse #isteten #istemln
Sign up with the link below to receive the questions and additional information. Thanks to @Laurie Guyon and @Kendre Perry.

LINK TO PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS BOOK

Student Opportunities

Award for Aspirations in Computing (Award for AiC)
The Award for AiC honors 9th-12th grade students who self-identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary for their computing-related achievements and interests, and encourages them to pursue their passions. Recipients of the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing receive access to a community of more than 16,000 technical womxn and exclusive opportunities. Share this announcement with students in grades 9-12 who self-identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary! www.aspirations.org/AiCHSAward #NCWITAiC21

DEADLINE:
Submit a completed application by the early deadline on October 15, 2020 to receive an invitation to the AiC Tech-Blazers VIP Event. Applicants must submit an application by the final deadline at 11:59 p.m. EST on November 5, 2020.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY

INFORMATION FLIER

Black Engineering Student Scholarship
DEADLINE: Monday, November 2, 2020
Carnegie Robotics is proud to introduce the Black Engineering Scholars Program. The program promotes educational and economic equity through community outreach, professional mentorship, and financial assistance to students from the Greater Pittsburgh Area’s black community who are pursuing a degree in an engineering discipline. Each year we will select up to four high school students who will be chosen to receive a Carnegie Robotics’ Student Scholar Award.

LEARN MORE

SCHOLARSHIP FLIER

APPLY HERE

SCAN ME

Southwest Pennsylvania Education Symposium
WHAT: The Education Symposium is the kickoff event of a student initiative of high school students from across 10 counties in Southwest Pennsylvania dedicated to make a change when it comes to systematic discrimination in education as well as discrimination faced within our schools.
WHEN: October 24th from 10 am to 4 pm
WHERE: The symposium will be held on a virtual platform.

LEARN MORE

SYMPOSIUM FLIER

Want to help kids change the world?

UNICEF and the Swedish Institute need YOUR help to facilitate online learning for our event Kids Hack the Crisis, in which we’re tapping into kids’ creativity to solve the Covid crisis.

WHAT: A weekend-long hack-a-thon event in which we are tapping into kids' creativity to help solve the coronavirus crisis
WHO: 800 kids age 10-15 in Europe, Africa, and North America
WHEN: October 23-25, 2020
WHERE: On Zoom

VOLUNTEER: Volunteers should be over 18, be available in afternoon time slots in Europe or North American time zones, and have some experience with kids, online teaching, or technology. Learn more and sign up for a volunteer slot here. For helping out, you’ll receive recognition from UNICEF and the Swedish Institute as a way to say thanks.

SHARE: Plus, share the event with the kids, schools, and families you serve to encourage participation!

We need hundreds of volunteers to sign up in the next 2 weeks - so please share this with your friends - and then get ready to help Kids Hack the Crisis!

Summer Updates for ABC CREATE

7/20/2020

August 2020 Hummingbird in the Virtual and Hybrid Learning Age
Date: August 12 - 13, 2020, (Optional office hours available on August 14, 2020)
Time: 8:30 - 11:30 AM each day, plus optional office hours on August 14th from 9 - 11 AM
Location: Digitally, on Zoom
Who: Up to 40 teachers, starting with CS Discoveries Cohort and expanding to others

Are you considering adding creative robotics to your curriculum to fill out your hands-on, STEM learning? Do you already have Hummingbirds in your classroom and find yourself wondering how you might be able to use them in a virtual or hybrid teaching experience? Join Kelsey Derringer from BirdBrain Technologies, makers of the Hummingbird Robotics Kit, along with a host of other teachers and mentors to learn the basics of coding, building, and teaching with Hummingbird in any environment or classroom Grades 4-12.

CALL FOR MENTORS: We will also be seeking 13+ mentors. These mentors will be in breakout rooms monitoring and acting as Lead Learners as participants learn and work, and ideally will:

Have some experience using Hummingbird
Have some experience troubleshooting Hummingbird
Have some experience with Hummingbird and MakeCode
Be comfortable using Zoom tools like Screen Share
Be available and willing to answer questions in breakout rooms

LEARN MORE

Teaching Hands-On Learning in Virtual and Hybrid Learning Environments
Date: August 18, 2020
Time: 2:00-3:00 PM
Location: Digitally, on Zoom
Who: Open to ABC CREATE educators and others who may find this to be useful

Just because some or all of your students are learning from home does not have to put an end to hands-on learning! Join Kelsey Derringer of CodeJoy, an online coding, robotics, and engineering classroom, to learn tips, tricks, and tools for teaching engaging, hands-on lessons via Zoom.

LEARN MORE

Creative Beginnings with Buncee
Date: August 3-5, 2020 (See schedule for specific session times.)
Location: Online
Creative Beginnings with Buncee is an opportunity to help you refine your remote learning practices and leverage your community to engage your students, no matter the distance. This is a free, jam-packed week of stories and best practices shared by the Buncee community to help you transform your learning! Sessions will address topics like accessibility, makerspaces, student engagement, SEL, and STEM, and more!
Learn more at: bit.ly/bunceeCB

Teacher Talk: Hybrid Learning with Remote Robots
Date: Friday, August 7, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm (ET)
Location: Online
Tune in as Birdbrain founder, Dr. Tom Lauwers, teaches how you and your students don’t need to have robots at home – you can remotely program the robots that Birdbrain built! You’ll also learn how you can build your own Remote Robot for your students to program, and cover micro:bit classroom, a tool that enables you to view your students’ work as they learn to code remotely. Participants will be able to program Birdbrain Remote Robots in real time during the webinar!
To learn more, please visit https://www.birdbraintechnologies.com/webinar/remote-robots-august7/

Learning Revolution Daily Conference Sessions
Date: Ongoing
Location: Online
Teachers, Administrators, Parents, Students, and Life-long Learners are invited to join this online conference hosted by Steve Hargadon's Learning Revolution Project. A variety of conference sessions are offered daily and attendance is free.
Join Learning Revolution and learn more at: https://learningrevolution.com/

Book Studies by Rachelle Dene Poth

Unconventional Ways to Thrive in edu

Weekly live discussions in August and September, 2020
Twitter chat in August 2020 (#bookcamppd - Sundays 7:30 PM EST)

ISTE book Chart a New Course

Twitter chat in September 2020 (#bookcamppd - Sundays 7:30 PM EST)

Indiana Connected Educators LIVE Conference
Date: July 20-24, 2020, 9 AM-6 PM
Location: Online
Educators and members of the Education Technology community are invited to attend the Indiana Connected Educators LIVE Conference. Speakers from all over the world are offering free, one-hour sessions that are open to everyone. Find content to enhance your work and help prepare you for the year ahead. Feel free to attend as many sessions as you would like!
Learn more at: iceconference.org

Mid-Spring Updates for ABC CREATE

4/14/2020

ABC CREATE Fluency Fellowship - Application Open

What: The Fluency Fellowship, in partnership with ABC CREATE, is a collaborative venture that will explore the role of inquiry in the lives of students, teachers, and administrators, as practiced in learning ecosystems. Fluency's practice of inquiry is aimed at technologies for teaching and learning, non-traditional data, and the ensuing effects on the education of our student population. The overall design of the professional learning for teachers and administrators is driven by values grounded in equity, authenticity, agency, and compassion.
(See full CREATE Lab email).

Who: This Fellowship is open to all (first preference will be to ABC CREATE partner districts; if there is space available, other regional district educators will be considered). We encourage school leadership to apply as much of this work is designed through a systems-level lens.

When: Fluency Fellowship will be held during the 2020-2021 school year and can be facilitated virtually if necessary. Fluency Fellows will meet monthly for half-day workshops and agree to implement their own inquiry project.

Cost: Participation in this year-long professional learning opportunity is a joint venture with support from ABC CREATE, Carnegie Mellon’s CREATE Lab, and the Grable Foundation; it is of no cost to the educators or districts participating.

How: Application includes Signature of Support from someone in your district.
Application Deadline: May 22, 2020
Questions, comments, concerns: Please reach out to Jordan Mroziak (jmroziak@andrew.cmu.edu) or Jess Kaminsky (jessk@andrew.cmu.edu)

APPLY

STEAM Leadership Conference Online by CEISMC@Georgia Tech 2020
Date: April 20, 2020
Location: Online
Cost: $50 (ABC CREATE will pay registration for educators in ABC CREATE partner districts; contact Colleen Smith ASAP and before registering.)
Target Audience: STEAM decision makers – superintendents, curriculum coordinators, principals, academic coaches and content specialists. Teacher leaders and artists are included.

Theme: Quite Like You: Accessing Humanity in the STEAM Classroom
This year's conference seeks to highlight projects, curriculum and tools that engage attendees in thoughtful discussions centered around the deep impact that can be made when humanity lives at the center of our work in STEAM.

LEARN MORE

Learning Pathways Design and Writing Sessions - Remote Style - Stipends Available

Location: Remote via Zoom
Date and Time: Designated Afterschool (4 - 8 PM) and Saturday sessions (8 AM - 12 PM)
To learn more and to see the full range of date offerings, scroll down to the Early Spring Updates for ABC CREATE. Upcoming April dates are on the top right of this page.
Overview: With support from our PAsmart grant, ABC CREATE is continuing to develop Learning Pathways (learning unit modules focusing on integrating K-12 STEAM technologies and project-based learning). We are looking for educators who are interested in designing something new, capturing an existing classroom project, or completing a learning pathway already in progress. Best practices for remote delivery of instruction may also be considered.

ABC CREATE Local Experts Support Peers with Remote Learning

ABC CREATE is loaded with phenomenal educators. We have educators who are recognized as award-winners in a variety of STE(A)M communities -- nationally, regionally and locally. These teacher leaders have expertise and are willing to share their knowledge and experiences to support other educators. One of those esteemed professionals, Rachelle Dene Poth, is kind enough to share resources and support designed for her colleagues at Riverview across the ABC CREATE Community. Below you will find weekly trainings that Rachelle will be hosting as well as written resources:

What: How to use Buncee for everything
When: Tuesdays 4:30 PM
Learn about Buncee for creating lessons, sharing videos, providing resources, having students create, making flyers, newsletters and more.
How: Register in advance

What: Using Nearpod
Learn about Nearpod and how to use it for lessons, how to create, the virtual reality trips, and other tips for getting started quickly. Also integrates with Remind, Google Classroom, Teams, and can be assigned live or student pace
When: Fridays starting April 24th at 3:30 - 4:00 PM
How: Register in advance

What: ISTE Online Learning Page and ebook, Resources and Support for the Online Educator.
This free downloadable collection of excerpts from ISTE books (including a chapter from Rachelle's new book: Chart A New Course) contains strategies, tips and insights to help you navigate a landscape of online learning. The activities and tools are designed for an online or home situation, or can be easily adapted for such environments.

What: Choosing the Right Tools for Remote Learning
This online article written by Rachelle Dene Poth and published by Getting Smart shares ideas for tools that educators can use and that families can have fun with, too. Included are suggested games, interactive lessons, videos, virtual reality and Live Cams around the world.

Seeking a pool of local experts to provide ongoing informal one-on-one support ...

Might you be willing to connect via email or video chat or whatever to share your expertise and support your colleagues?

We'd like to continue to provide peers support for and from ABC CREATE educators by putting together a casual opportunity for educators within the ABC CREATE community (partner districts + districts or others from the wider ABC CREATE communities) to support one another with the use of tech sites/apps that teachers are likely using right now. We know that many teacher leaders, like Rachelle, are providing this support within their districts, and we want to be sure to support teachers who may be looking for an additional avenue for help with questions or navigation of the technology in a judgement free space.

Seeking local educators with sufficient expertise in tech applications for remote teaching/learning to be able to provide support to educators with less experience with technologies. Must be willing to field some calls/emails. Must lead with kindness and create a safe space for learning. 😀

If you’re willing to make yourself available, please complete this brief form. We’ll share the information out in future ABC CREATE Updates.

COMPLETE FORM

PDE OUTREACH

Seeking Statewide Participation on the Content Committee for Pennsylvania's Science and Technology and Environment and Ecology Standards
Members of the Committee will be tasked with reviewing current research, national and state trends and stakeholder data to make recommendations to the State Board of Education.
Application Deadline: April 20, 2020
Application and PDF version (helpful for preparing your application because it allows you to see all the questions before beginning the application)

If You Could Ask a Civil Engineer - Questions Needed
The American Society of Civil Engineers (PA Chapters) is initiating an Outreach Campaign to virtually support educators and learners and will be creating a series of YouTube sessions answering fun engineering questions.
Submit questions: ascephilaymfk12@gmail.com by April 29, 2020

DISTANCE LEARNING RESOURCES

The Baxter Center for Science Education: Video: What Does Education Research Tell Us About Principles for Remote Learning? Article: 5 Research-Based Principles for K-12 Online Teaching

CSTA: CSTA-Compiled Resources to Support Teaching During COVID-19

Just for Fun
8 Tips Looking Good on Video Conference Calls

Remote Learning @AIU
Remote Learning @AIU combines a curated list of asynchronous learning opportunities with virtual professional development sessions and office hours, designed to support you in transitioning to virtual instruction.

Remake Learning in the time of COVID-19
Remake Learning is working to curate the most helpful resources for K-12 educators, share promising practices and success stories, and create opportunities for virtual community building.

Wide Open School
Wide Open School is a free collection of the best online learning experiences for kids curated by the editors at Common Sense.

Early Spring Updates for ABC CREATE

3/27/2020

ABC CREATE Community Survey

ABC CREATE is here to support this collaborative educational community, and we want to do what we can to help you with the shifts you are experiencing with the transitions to online/remote learning. The ABC CREATE values of collaboration, equitable access, innovative teaching and learning, and technological fluency remain highly relevant as does our mission. The focal point of classroom STEAM integrations may have shifted a bit for now, but the tenets, frameworks, and resources are in place to support our mission and you, our community.

Please use the very basic survey to share some of your successes, helpful resources, and/or tips & tricks that others within ABC CREATE might benefit from -- as well as to reach out to communicate any needs or questions you may have.

We'll review the results and use what we receive to try to take some steps to empower and strengthen you and your work. Please know that we may publish what you submit. If you would like to submit anonymously, you can. Otherwise, please include your name and email at the end of the survey.

PLEASE COMPLETE SURVEY

A Message and an Offer of Support from the CREATE Lab
Wednesdays from 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Fridays from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/218545006

We hope that you all are safe, healthy, and well. As we continue to grapple with the transition to socially distanced learning, our CMU team from the CREATE Lab, the ETC, the Simon Initiative, and the School of Computer Science will continue holding office hours to stay connected with you and to keep learning about how we can help. While we do have a theme that we discuss below, as always, we’ll respond to whatever comes up. In this rapidly changing landscape, we are committed to supporting educators through uncertainty and the sudden uptake of technology-based learning approaches. We will continue to host two sessions per week: one on Wednesdays from 12:30 - 1:30p and one on Fridays from 11a - 12p. Please feel free to drop in or out at any time during those hours. These are meant to be helpful and flexible first and foremost.

This week, we’ll loosely focus on a theme: Planning for “Indefinitely” while Launching Distance Learning, to facilitate discussion about: how you’re planning for indefinite remote learning, where there are gaps and needs at your school or district, and what we can do to help. These office hours also hold space for you to connect with educator colleagues from other organizations as well as our team at CMU. Bringing everyone together across communities will help us activate resources and apply them where they are most needed. In these unprecedented circumstances, we think it’s most important to stay connected with each other and learn together about how to develop a new normal that will support schools and communities in uncertain times.

To join the meeting, please use the link below:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/218545006

Learning Pathways Design and Writing Sessions - Remote Style - Stipends Available

Location: Remote via Zoom
Date and Time: Designated Afterschool (4 - 8 PM) and Saturday sessions (8 AM - 12 PM)
See full schedule below.
Overview: With support from our PAsmart grant, ABC CREATE is continuing to develop Learning Pathways (learning unit modules focusing on integrating K-12 STEAM technologies and project-based learning). We are looking for educators who are interested in designing something new, capturing an existing classroom project, or completing a learning pathway already in progress. Best practices for remote delivery of instruction may also be considered.

Stipends: PAsmart funds will pay a $160 stipend per afterschool or Saturday session for your participation. Satisfactory progress will be monitored by the Learning Pathways Leaders. Stipends are available first to educators from an ABC CREATE participating district; other educators who are interested in participating should contact Colleen Smith and will be considered.

Remote Format:
For Newbies (those engaging in a Learning Pathway session for the first time):

You will be required to participate in an initial full session. A Learning Pathways Leader will connect with you and any others via Zoom to lay the foundation, to explain the purpose and current status of our Learning Pathways, to introduce you to the template, and to guide you as you begin to develop your pathway.
After your introduction/orientation, you will begin working on your Learning Pathway; the Learning Pathways Leader will be available via phone or video conference to answer any questions or to talk through the development of your pathway.
You will connect again via Zoom for a mid-point check-in, and then you will have time to continue to develop your pathway. The Learning Pathways Leader will again only be a phone call or Zoom Chat away if you need help.
Near the end of the session, there will be a Closing Check-In where you can report on your progress, ask questions, and define next steps.

For Experienced Pathway Writers (those who have previously attended at least one Learning Pathways Writing/Design Session):

You will register for at least one of the assigned times.
You will have the option of tuning in to the introduction and connecting with the group via Zoom at the beginning of the session, although this is not required after your first session.
You will connect with a Learning Pathways Leader at some point during the session for which you have registered to provide updates, share progress, exchange insights and perspectives, and define next steps toward completion of your pathway. The Learning Pathways Leader will reach out to you to set a scheduled time and to establish the mode for connecting during the session for which you have registered.
You may register for subsequent Learning Pathways as long as you are making demonstrated progress on your pathway.

Register for an Afterschool Session 4-8pm

Register for a Weekend Session 8am-12pm

BirdBrain Virtual Offerings

Creative Robotics at Home
BirdBrain Technologies has put forth a schedule of LIVE webinars (some that require no robotics or coding -- simply cardboard creations) to support deep and joyful learning that you want to incorporate in the learning for your students and/or for your own children.

Professional Development
Look here for a schedule of LIVE webinars (some overlap with the Creative Robotics at Home + some designed solely for educators) as well as for Self-Paced Video Courses. You will find some that require a robot and some that do not.

TransformEd Pop-Up PLNs
Location: Remote via Zoom
Date and Time: Monday - Friday , 45 minutes, 11am + 3pm

Pop-Up PLNs (Professional Learning Networks) are engaging, virtual opportunities to explore new technologies and teaching practices while connecting with other educators, all from the convenience of your living room! Sessions are 45 minutes, held at 11 AM and 3 PM EST each day, and open to all educators. Webinar link: https://paiu.zoom.us/j/638767040
Questions: Email Tyler Samstag at tyler.samstag@aiu3.net

Wonder Workshop: Best of Coding and Robotics
April 6-17, 2020
Participate in live, streamed sessions or view recordings of the sessions at your convenience.

Join Wonder Workshop for a FREE series of award-winning webinars, speakers, and workshops all available in a virtual setting that will bring together educators and parents from all around the country to learn how to engage kids in the exciting topic of coding and robotics. Dash and Dot robots are not necessary! Learn more and register here.

ABC CREATE Resource Library Temporarily Closed

Due to the increasing risk posed by the Coronavirus and the strong recommendation for all staff and students to stay off of Penn State New Kensington’s Campus, we will be unable to fulfill any resource requests at this time.

Likewise, if you have any resources checked out at this time, you needn’t worry about returning them until campus has reopened. Hopefully, this will reduce unneeded stress in this difficult time.

Early Winter Opportunities for ABC CREATE

1/13/2020

ABC CREATE STEAM SHOWCASE 2020 - March 10, 2020
REQUEST for Proposals and SAVE the DATE
Location: Penn State New Kensington
3550 7th Street Road
New Kensington, PA 15068
Date and Time: Tuesday, March 10, 2020 from 8 AM - 3 PM
RFP Overview: Educators from all grade levels and subject areas are encouraged to submit proposals for our ABC CREATE STEAM Showcase 2020. We are particularly seeking projects reflecting classroom integration of creative technologies or project-based learning that give students the opportunity to develop skills for the 21st Century while simultaneously highlighting the ABC CREATE values of equitable access, collaboration, technological fluency, and innovative teaching and learning. Please submit your proposal by January 31, 2020 (sooner if you're ready!). Presenters will be notified of the status of their proposal by February 14, 2020.

Already know it will be helpful and relevant for you? Go for it! Click the Register Now button below.

SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL

Creative Robotics for Elementary School with the NEW Finch 2.0 and Hummingbird Bit
Location: Penn State New Kensington, Art Gallery
3550 7th Street Road
New Kensington, PA 15068
Date and Time:
Tuesday, February 11th 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Overview: Join Kelsey Derringer from BirdBrain Technologies for a full day of creative robotics using the all new Finch Robot 2.0 and the innovative Hummingbird Robotics kit! Participants will use tablets to work with Finch 2.0 in the morning, beginning with icon-base programming for kindergarteners and pre-readers. Participants will then use block-based programming for 3rd-6th grade learners. In the afternoon, participants will switch to using Hummingbird Robotics Kits and build content-connected projects like Robot Poetry, Muscles and Bones, and Robot Petting Zoo. See all the new capabilities of Finch 2.0 and Hummingbird Bit, and gain experience with coding, building, and cross-curricular computer science and STEM education. No experience necessary. This workshop is appropriate for K-6 teachers in any subject interested in computer science and robotics. Tablets and robots will be provided for participants for use during the workshop. Free, eligible for ACT 48 credits, and we’ll provide lunch. Open to ABC CREATE district educators and all educators from within the region.

Creative Robotics for Middle and High School with the NEW Finch 2.0 and Hummingbird Bit
Location: Penn State New Kensington, Art Gallery
3550 7th Street Road
New Kensington, PA 15068
Date and Time:
Thursday, February 13th 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Overview: Join Kelsey Derringer from BirdBrain Technologies for a full day of creative robotics using the all new Finch Robot 2.0 and the innovative Hummingbird Robotics kit! Participants will use tablets to work with Finch 2.0 in the morning, using block-based programming appropriate for middle-high school learners. In the afternoon, participants will switch to using Hummingbird Robotics Kits with laptops/Chromebooks, still using block-based programming, to design and build content-connected projects like Robot Poetry, Muscles and Bones, and Robot Petting Zoo. See all the new capabilities of Finch 2.0 and Hummingbird Bit, and gain experience with coding, building, and cross-curricular computer science and STEM education. No experience necessary. This workshop is appropriate for 6th-12th teachers in any subject interested in computer science and robotics. Please bring a laptop or Chromebook with USB port for use during the afternoon. Tablets and robots will be provided for use during the morning activities. Free, eligible for ACT 48 credits, and we’ll provide lunch. Open to ABC CREATE district educators and all educators from within the region.

Learning Pathways Design/Writing Session
Location: Penn State New Kensington, Art Gallery
3550 7th Street Road
New Kensington, PA 15068
Date and Time:Wednesday, February 19th
Breakfast at 8:00 AM, Session: 8:30 AM -3:00 PM - Art Gallery
Lunch will be provided.
Overview: Might you already be doing awesome STEAM integrations in K-12? Have good ideas or a strong desire to integrate STEAM projects into your teaching and need some help getting started? Have a Learning Pathway in progress and need time to see it through to completion? Ready and willing to do some peer review to be sure all our Learning Pathways are ready for prime time?
Answer yes to any of the questions above, and you're a prime candidate for our focused ABC CREATE writing/design session. Fellow educators will serve as guides for designing and creating pathways for Coding & Computer Science, Engineering, Data Fluency, and Creative Design.
PAsmart funds will pay the cost of a substitute for educators from an ABC CREATE participating district attending this session.

OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH ABC CREATE PARTNERS

STEAM Showcase X Network Assembly
Location: Nova Place, 100 South Commons, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Date: Friday, January 17th, 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Overview: Join Remake Learning, Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3, and transformED for a day of hands-on STEAM exploration and a celebration of all things innovative learning. Stop by throughout the morning, afternoon, or evening to experience the region’s premier STEAM learning showcase and the latest from the Remake Learning Network. The entire day is FREE and open to the public.

LEARN MORE + REGISTER

Introduction to Hummingbird Webinar
Location: Online
Date: January 28, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Overview: Design, build, and program your own robot using the Hummingbird Bit Robotics Kit in this 1-hour introductory webinar. This hands-on webinar is designed for any educator interested in bringing robotics, programming, and design into their district. Get helpful tips on how you can integrate robotics into any subject area while you create your own working robot. Hummingbird Robotics Kit is not required, but highly recommended. Educators from a participating ABC CREATE district can borrow kits from the ABC CREATE Resource Library.

LEARN MORE + REGISTER

Hummingbird Bit PD - NEW Free Self-Paced Video Series
Location: Online
Date: Self-pace on your own time
Overview: Ready to get started with a Hummingbird Bit Robotics Kit and MakeCode but don’t know where to begin? Access the new FREE self-paced online video course from BirdBrain to ensure success in your classroom! ABC CREATE District Educators: Borrow a Hummingbird Bit Kit from our ABC CREATE Resource Library to use while you participate in this online course. Check out the first video!

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Gadgets to Teach Coding in the Elementary Classroom
Location: Allegheny Intermediate Unit - transformED
475 E Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120
Date: February 28, 2020 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Overview: Many elementary classrooms now include computational thinking skills development in their curriculum. Coding, especially, can take many forms: Code.org, Everyone Can Code, CS First, or Scratch. Teachers are discovering that when students can see or touch a physical device following the coding written in the program, they gain satisfaction and increased interest. We'll look at Sphero, Makey Makey, Puzzlets, and Dash as devices you can use in your classroom to enhance, support, and accelerate your efforts. FREE

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Submit your Event for Remake Learning Days 2020
Our favorite learning festival returns to southwestern Pennsylvania and West Virginia May 7 - 17. Schools, after-school organizations, nonprofits, museums, and more are invited to submit an innovative, family-friendly learning event for inclusion in the festival. Be part of the world’s largest open house for hands-on learning! Our ABC CREATE goal is to have each ABC CREATE district on the books with at least one Remake Learning Days Event. What will yours be? Follow the link below to learn more about the event and submit your event.

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