February 2022 Updates

2/2/2022

EDUCATOR OPPORTUNITIES

STEAM Showcase 2022 KICKOFF

Wednesday, March 30, 2022, 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Join us as we take time together to connect with one another and our shared purpose of revitalizing education, community, and the workforce.

FREE Interactive student sessions with CodeJoy (Limited offer)

ABC CREATE Exclusive

CodeJoy (Kelsey Derringer and Matt Chilbert – formerly with BirdBrain Tech) shares an understanding with ABC CREATE that taking the leap to integrating STEAM technologies into the classroom can feel a bit intimidating. Yet, teachers who have successfully brought STEAM technologies like Hummingbirds, Finches, or micro:bits into their lessons tell us it’s inspiring to be able to engage their students in core content in such a meaningful way.

We’d like to bring that joy of teaching and learning to more ABC CREATE educators (and their students) by providing a supportive learning environment to those teachers who are ready to take the leap – or at least to take a small jump.

We’d like to start with an offer of a FREE interactive student session with CodeJoy.
Interactive students sessions with CodeJoy are an innovative new way to introduce coding and robotics to more students and classrooms than ever! During these free sessions (lasting 30 - 45 minutes), students are introduced to coding and robotics concepts through fun interactive stories, characters, and themes. Students need only a computer or Chromebook to join.

Sessions can serve up to 400 participants simultaneously, target absolute beginners grades 3-12, and will be delivered for ABC CREATE from March 14-25, scheduled whenever works for YOUR classroom.

Even if you’ve never taught coding, but are curious, this is the perfect opportunity!

There are 3 sessions to choose from:

Help our Little Bot friends score a hole-in-one with Robot Mini Golf.
Help calm down some robot students with test anxiety with Robot Relaxation.
Invent some new moves with Robot Aerobics.

In April and May, ABC CREATE and CodeJoy will offer professional development with Finch, Hummingbird Bits, or micro:bits to allow educators to take the next small jump toward integrating coding and robotics into their everyday curricula.

Intrigued? Want to get started? Simply say “Yes” in an email to Colleen by February 15th to learn more about the interactive student sessions and/or to get one scheduled. This is a limited opportunity – offered to ABC CREATE – so reply right away. (Preference will be given to ABC CREATE districts, but all who are reading this may email interest. If space is available, those outside of ABC CREATE who have expressed interest will be invited to join).

SAY 'YES' NOW

BELONG in STEM - Educators Needed

ABC CREATE and the Digital Foundry are looking for educators who share ABC CREATE’s vision and who embrace ABC CREATE’s mission and values to help to build the BELONG in STEM (Bringing Education Learning Opportunities for New Growth) program. BELONG in STEM is a free, out-of-school time (OST) program designed to engage high school students who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM/STEAM.

Five educators will work as part of a team with STE(A)M professionals to guide the overall BELONG experience, to center a BELONG vibe, and to contribute teaching and pedagogical expertise. BELONG in STEM will include 5 out-of-school time (OST) sessions in the spring + 4 day summer camp. Educator's PAID commitment includes 20 hours between March and August 2002 for planning and delivery of at least one OST session and one day of summer camp.

Hope you can join our BELONG in STEM team!

Application Deadline: February 20, 2022. We have space for 5 educators.

LEARN MORE

INFO SESSIONS

APPLY NOW

Cultural Connections with Hummingbird - FREE Course

Cultural Connections with the Hummingbird Robotics Kit is a FREE, brand new course designed for teachers in grades 4+. Educators will create a personally meaningful robot while developing the skills to engage students in making and computer science. You’ll learn not only the nuts and bolts of robotics and coding through hands-on experiences, but also how to integrate robotics into any subject or grade level. Along the way, you’ll forge connections with dozens of other educators learning how to bring robotics into their classrooms across the country.

The first 100 educators from grades 4+ from US public and charter schools to apply (and fit the criteria) may get a FREE Hummingbird Bit Premium Robotics kit. Apply now: https://pathfinders.onwingspan.com/en/page/home

An added EXTRA: if you’d like to move through the course as part of a synchronous cohort, please register for the course by March 13th!

Computer science, pedagogy best practices, AND a free robotics kit?! What are you waiting for?

Remake Learning Days

Calling all districts and partner organizations! Host an event and become part of Remake Learning Days 2022.

What’s Remake Learning Days? The Remake Learning Days festival is one of many initiatives by Remake Learning, a network that ignites engaging, relevant, and equitable learning practices in support of young people navigating rapid social and technological change. Remake Learning Days Across America (RLDAA) is a learning festival that celebrates the many learning opportunities in a community! This celebration highlights innovative experiences and opportunities for youth to develop their sense of creativity, perseverance and curiosity.

What makes a Remake Learning Days event?

A hands-on, innovative and engaging activity (could be something you’d already planned to do)
Invite families, caregivers or community members to share in the learning – either in person (hey, it will be Spring, so maybe it could be outside) or virtually.

When is Remake Learning Days
May 12 - 23, 2022

Now is the time to register your Remake Learning Days event to get it posted in the event publications.

ABC CREATE Goal: At least one Remake Learning Days event in each district! Let us know if you’re hosting.

LEARN MORE AND SUBMIT YOUR EVENT

Future Jobs Watch Party & Pizza Opportunity from PBS-WQED

Middle School and High School Educators -- Would you like to host a FutureJobs watch party for your students? WQED will provide the pizza!

If you are an educator and would like to host a watch party with your students, WQED Future Jobs will provide pizza! (While supplies last)

SIGN-UP NOW

LEARN MORE ABOUT FUTURE JOBS

CS in PA Exemplary Educator Award - Nominations Open

Nominate an educator for the Exemplary Educator Award.

In conjunction with the Summit, the CSinPA team would like to recognize outstanding K-12 CS educators for their efforts to expand CS learning for all. At the Summit, the three finalists will be featured in a panel discussion and the winner will be announced.

APPLY FOR THE AWARD

NOMINATE SOMEONE

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

BELONG in STEM - Student info

Please help us to fill this program with students who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM by actively recruiting students you think would benefit.

BELONG in STEM (Bringing Education Learning Opportunities for New Growth) is a FREE STEAM program for high school students who are typically underrepresented in STEM careers. A group of 35 high school students will be selected to participate in 5 out of school time sessions and a 4-day summer camp experience.

This free STEAM program, created in partnership with ABC CREATE and the Digital Foundry (and support from the Arconic Foundation), provides bridges from classroom learning experiences to those in the real world through hands-on experiences with technologies including robotics and smart connected systems, connections to industry networks, and exposure to future opportunities. Sessions will be held at locations throughout the New Kensington area including at the Corner Launchbox, the Penn State New Kensington campus, the Digital Foundry and at various businesses.

Who Should Apply: High School students in the Pittsburgh region (with priority given to underrepresented populations from the Alle-Kiski Valley) who want to explore emerging technologies and build STEM and future ready skills. No prior experience with STEM or technology needed.

Deadlines: Applications must be submitted by February 15, 2022. All applicants will be notified of their status by February 25, 2022.

INFO SESSIONS

STUDENT APPLICATION

PROGRAM FLYER

2022 LAUNCH Hosted by Fortyx80
in partnership with the Pittsburgh Technology Council

The LAUNCH program transforms the natural curiosity of high school girls into a voice of leadership in the STEM industry. Through our comprehensive program, high school girls will gain insight into their leadership style and be equipped with the confidence to pursue a successful career path in STEM. Through their engagement, our participants experience growth as leaders and exit the program prepared to create positive changes in their chosen career path.

When: March 25-27
Where: In-Person and Via Zoom
Who Should Apply: 10th and 11th Grade Girls interested in gaining career and leadership skills in the world of STEM.

LEARN MORE + APPLY HERE

Summer Opportunities for Students

Check out Remake Learning’s recent. blog post about upcoming summer opportunities for students.