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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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected], 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) Here is how you can make a difference: 1) Create an EMAIL: Karen Molchanow, State Board of Education Board [email protected] 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. 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/  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)  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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected], 304-336-8486 (office) or 304-830-1777 (cell).  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.)  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  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  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  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.
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:
Interested educators may apply by contacting Brian Lucarelli at [email protected]. Please provide the educator's name, contact information (email or phone), grade level, and school name.  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!
 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.
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.)  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.  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. 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. 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.
#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.
CSforPGH Mini-GrantsCalling 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 UpdatesScience Standards Updates: To receive updates on the PA Science Standards, email [email protected] 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”. 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. 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.  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!
INSTRUCTORS: Sessions will be facilitated by Kelsey Derringer and Matt Chilbert of CodeJoy. WHEN: Choose any one of the following times at checkout.
 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 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:
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 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:
To ensure that classroom teachers can also participate in our meetings, we will schedule some upcoming meetings in the late afternoon – stay tuned.   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?  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:
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  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. 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.  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.  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.  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! 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:
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.  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
 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  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 ([email protected]) or Jess Kaminsky ([email protected])  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.  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. 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: [email protected] by April 29, 2020 DISTANCE LEARNING RESOURCESThe 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.  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.  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):
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 [email protected]  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.   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.  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.  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.  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!  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  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.  ABC CREATE Ambassadors Fall 2019 application deadline: November 1, 2019 We’re looking to enhance our outreach and engagement of teachers in ABC CREATE districts. If you’re reading this (and you work in a participating ABC CREATE district), it’s likely that you’re just the kind of teacher we’re looking for. We’re building a corps of ABC CREATE Ambassadors. If you would like to be an ABC CREATE Ambassador for your building (or maybe for your district), please apply now. ABC CREATE Ambassadors will be expected to communicate about ABC CREATE workshops and activities to fellow educators in their buildings/districts. ABC CREATE Ambassadors will be sounding boards and conduits of ideas that will shape the work of ABC CREATE. At least twice a year, ABC CREATE Ambassadors will be invited to attend an after school function (a dinner or happy hour or something hopefully with a mix of work and fun!) where you will get ABC CREATE updates and share insights. Think how much fun it would be to have the opportunity to get together with your ABC CREATE peeps! Not only will you make an impact in your district and within the ABC CREATE community of learners, but you will also be rewarded with a soon to be highly coveted ABC CREATE T-shirt!  2019 ABC CREATE Survey for educators and administrators in ABC CREATE Participating Districts We know you're working hard everyday to engage students in relevant and innovative learning. In collaboration with ABC CREATE and other districts in the Alle-Kiski Valley, we want to learn how to better support you and your students. Specifically, we want to understand what support you need to integrate essential skill-sets that our students will need to succeed in the ever-changing digital economy and job market. Please take 10 minutes to respond to this survey by Friday, 11/1 to inform opportunities for educator professional learning and support. Your voice and perspectives are essential to shaping future opportunities for educators, like you, in our region. As a bonus, the district with the highest response rate will be treated to donuts or some other tasty treat! Thank you for participating.  Hummingbird Bit & the Digital Age Location: Penn State New Kensington 3550 7th Street Road New Kensington, PA 15068 Date and Time: Thursday, November 7th 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Overview: Hummingbird Bit Training (Appropriate for teachers of grades 3-12 of any subject, administrators, STEM and STEAM teachers, CS teachers, or any educator interested in creative robotics. No prior experience or knowledge necessary.) Why teach robotics and computer science? This workshop will touch on many important reasons for teaching robotics and CS, K-12, including equity, joy, and the future of work. Using the radio function of Hummingbird Robotics Kit, participants will design and build a working model of a Smart Home in which devices in different rooms "talk" to and control one another. This innovative session will take participants through the basics of robotics, coding, and building, through a few more advanced features like radio. We'll also be answering the question, "What can students do with data?" Please bring a laptop or Chromebook with a USB port. (If you do not have one, we can provide one for you.) 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 Sessions Location: Penn State New Kensington, Art Gallery 3550 7th Street Road New Kensington, PA 15068 Dates and Times: Tuesday, November 12th Arrival: 8:00am Session: 8:30 AM -3:00 PM Tuesday, December 3rd Arrival: 8:00am Session: 8:30 AM -3:00 PM 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 in to 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 these sessions.  Fall Convening 2019 Location: Penn State New Kensington 3550 7th Street Road New Kensington, PA 15068 Date and Time: Tuesday, November 26, 2019 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM This year’s convening will focus on the alignment of CS and Coding from K-12 with an opportunity for hands-on exploration of a variety of tech tools. More details and registration coming soon. If you’re an educator or administrator in an ABC CREATE participating district who is integrating coding/CS in to your classroom, library, or curricula, please save the date and begin to clear your path to attend.  ABC CREATE Finch 2.0 Preview Location: TBD Date and Time: Thursday, December 12, 2019 4 - 7 PM Finch 2.0 Preview -- HAPPY HOUR Be among the first educators to try out the Finch Robot 2.0! Finch 2 includes revolutionary updates to the original Finch robot, while maintaining the mission of Finch: to inspire and delight students learning computer science from Kindergarten to college. Finch 2 will launch in March 2020 with built-in support for tablets and laptops, and icon-, block-, and text- based programming, including Python and Java. It is wireless, with a battery that lasts for an entire classroom day, multiple programmable LEDs, buzzer, light/line sensors, and a pen mount for drawing. 2020 Plan Ahead/Save the Date(s) February 11, 2020 Birdbrain Workshop: Finch 2.0 and Hummingbird Bit - Elementary February 13, 2020 Birdbrain Workshop: Finch 2.0 and Hummingbird Bit - Secondary March 10, 2020 ABC CREATE STEAM Showcase - Penn State New Kensington OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH ABC CREATE PARTNERS  Lunch & Learn: ABC CREATE and Pre-service Ed Location: Carlow University 3333 Fifth Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Date and Time: Tuesday, October 29th 12 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch will be provided. Overview: ABC CREATE and Pre-service EdAs the scope of what is possible in PK-12 schools rapidly deepens, the expectations of what our soon to be educators are capable of doing is also expanding. In this session, we will explore things higher education institutions are doing to immerse pre-service teachers in different ways of thinking and teaching that parallels the work happening in K-12 institutions.  School Tours
Your hosts at each school tour site – along with leaders from each school district – will be Dr. Bille Rondinelli and Dr. Bart Rocco, fellows at The Grable Foundation: “We know that tours of schools can have a powerful impact on educators and students. They provide examples of how districts are teaching children in innovative and exciting ways, and these tours help educators build relationships with other educators to share best practices that enhance learning for all students across our region. They also give children a chance to share their experiences about their learning. We hope you'll join us for these wonderful opportunities!”  Femininity, Girls & STEM: The impact of internalized gender norms on engagement in STEM Date and Time: Wednesday, October 30, 2019 from 11:30 AM – 3 PM Location: Pittsburgh YWCA 305 Wood St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Overview: Workshop conducted by TrueChild. Special opportunity made available to ABC CREATE through Grable Funding in partnership with the Pittsburgh YWCA and Assemble. The STEM field has done an amazing job of addressing a host of external barriers to girls’ participation: like lack of role models, teacher bias, etc. But what about internal barriers, like girls’ own attitudes? For instance, in one focus group, when asked if girls couldn't be smart, feminine, AND popular with boys, they looked at one another and burst out laughing, explaining: "Yes, but not in junior high!" Because that’s when they had to "dumb it down" and focus on appearance. They described an attractive classmate whom "no one sees as a pretty girl because she is so smart she's like a nerd." As one principal in East San Jose has noted: "We're making progress, yet our upper level classes are still all boys. Gender norms feel like an overlooked but crucial part of the solution." Join this open, interactive presentation on the impact of rigid feminine norms on girls and STEM achievement. Part I is an overview of gender and STEM, Part II is a training for educators and facilitators on TrueChild’s model FaST (Feminine And STem) curriculum. As the outcome graphic from SUNY Stony Brook below shows, the results of this curriculum can be pretty robust.  Digital Bridge Conference Date: Thursday, October 31 8:30 – 3:30 PM Location: DoubleTree Hilton Pittsburgh-Cranberry 1 Bigelow Sq, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Overview:The Digital Bridge 2019, Pittsburgh’s Industry 4.0 Conference will bring together leading manufacturers in western PA to learn about Industry 4.0. While this is billed as a manufacturer’s conference, it could be a great opportunity for educators and K-12 administrators to get insights into what is happening in the work world and how the STEAM-based and 21st Century Skills we’re teaching students are valued -- like an educator in the workplace experience – except with wider scope. Members of ABC CREATE Ecosystem (Steve Leonard, Joe Cuiffi, and Mike Holtkamp) will be part of the Panel Discussion. (If you’d like to attend and you are from a participating ABC CREATE district, contact Colleen Smith at [email protected] to see if you can take advantage of a free registration).  NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing High School Award: Deadline November 5, 2019 MORE INFO Educator Award: Deadline December 2, 2019 with endorsement of High School Applicant by November 12th MORE INFO  PSNK STEAM Outreach Club Location: Students come to you Date and Time: Currently seeking Overview: If you’d like college students (near peers) who are building STEAM skills at Penn State New Kensington (typically engineering, computing, and/or science students) to visit your school to share their insights and experiences (and likely a hands-on activity and some kind of icebreaker with your students), please get in touch with Sedona Rogers, the Penn State New Kensington STEAM Outreach Club President to discuss possible activities and schedules.  CMU CREATE Lab is seeking RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS
Location: Remote Eligibility: Teach a Kindergartenl cass in a public or charter school Date and Time: Currently seeking Overview: The CMU CREATE Lab is conducting a research study to determine what and how technology is used in kindergarten classrooms. Lauren Zito is seeking volunteers to allow me to interview them about kindergarten technology use. The interview should take less than an hour. It could be by phone or in person on campus. Lauren is seeking volunteers to allow me to observe their classroom. Classroom observation time and duration can be set by the classroom teacher and will be no longer than three hours. The observation requires no time from the classroom teachers. The interview and observation would not include any teacher compensation. Please let Lauren know if you or any of your fellow educators would be interested in talking with me or allowing me to observe. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to learn from you. Any educator with experience in kindergarten can volunteer. For more information or to volunteer, please email Lauren Zito. |
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Connect with us:Penn State New Kensington
3550 7th Street Road New Kensignton, PA 15068 |