ABC CREATE@Burrell STEAM Teachers’ Camp Date: Wednesday, June 19 - Friday, June 21 from 8:30 AM - 3 PM Location: Burrell School District (6/19 and 6/20) and Penn State New Kensington (6/21) Open to ALL teachers – ABC CREATE districts and others, any grade level – any subject area. Designed for educators who want to feel more comfortable integrating STEAM in to their classrooms. No experience required! Guided and supported by fellow teachers who are excited by this work! Hands-on opportunities to play around with technologies and ideas. Wonderful networking opportunities. Explore STEAM teaching and learning concepts, strategies, and resources. PAsmart Advancing Grant Opportunities Learning Pathways - Paid Summer 2019 Opportunity A goal of ABC CREATE's PAsmart Advancing Grant is to have 6-10 Learning Pathways within each strand developed by June 2020. To start this effort, we are reaching out to teachers for paid opportunities this summer. If you started a Pathway you'd like to polish or have one in mind you'd like to create, please complete this application. Invitations to participate will be issued based on the following criteria:
PAsmart Grant Project Facilitator - Seeking independent contractor The ABC CREATE Connects (PAsmart grant) is seeking an independent contractor to manage tasks and responsibilities of the Grant Project Facilitator including assisting the ongoing collaborative (ABC CREATE) initiatives and taking the lead on the targeted outcomes of the PAsmart ABC CREATE Connects grant. This person will help to push forward the new initiatives without interrupting the work already started within the member school districts. Please share this posting and help us to find someone great for ABC CREATE. Happy Hour: Bots and Bevs Part of Remake Learning Days! Location: The Pub at 333 333 Allegheny Avenue Oakmont, PA 15139 Date and Time: Tuesday, May 14, 2019 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM It's Remake Learning Days! Join ABC CREATE teachers and BirdBrain for our Educator MeetUp! Kick back, relax, and create some robots with educators from the Pittsburgh area! Talk with peers about edtech, bring curriculum ideas and questions, or just use a Hummingbird Robotics Kit to make your own robot. No programming/robotics experience required! Technology and craft materials will be provided if you want to build your own bot. Brews and other beverages are available for purchase at the bar. BirdBrain Technologies: Seeking Math Coaches for Summer Residency! BirdBrain Technologies is looking for math teachers to help to design a new product! BirdBrain Technologies is collaborating with the CREATE Lab at Carnegie Mellon University to develop a new educational technology focused on elementary math. To be eligible to participate you must:
Participants will receive a stipend of $150/day. (Total payment up to $1500.) You will be responsible for transportation and parking costs. Educating Young Innovators: PDMA Pittsburgh Panel Discussion Location: CMU, Integrated Innovation Institute, 4612 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh Date and Time: Wednesday, May 15, 6 - 8 PM Overview: Join PDMA (Product Development Marketing Association) on May 15th for an engaging panel discussion (featuring two from ABC CREATE) to learn how to unlock the potential of young innovators. We have gathered the area’s top educators to discuss how innovation is being engaged at all age levels. Our panelists will discuss best practices to help you cultivate innovation and creativity to prepare students to become successful innovators for the products and services of tomorrow. Business Partner: Sherri McCleary, Kennametal + Education Partner: Laura Fleischer Proano, Highlands Location: The Corner, 701 Fifth Avenue, New Kensington Corridor of Innovation Date and Time: Thursday, May 16th, 6-8pm Highlighting direct connections between ABC CREATE STEAM classroom projects and 21st Century workforce applications. High school students, teachers, and business representatives will demonstrate the links between classroom STEAM projects, the 21st Century skills students are learning, and the ways these skills are utilized in today’s work places. Open to the Public: All are welcome to join this FREE learning event with demos, door prizes and refreshments. Contact: Colleen Smith, STE(A)M Outreach Coordinator PDE Seeking teachers of all levels to help with a NGSS and PA Standards Crosswalk I am sharing this on behalf of Dave Bauman, Science Advisor for PDE. Please feel free to pass this on to anyone who may be interested. PDE is looking for several elementary, middle and high school teachers. PDE is planning on completing a crosswalk of NGSS and the PA Standards. The committee will convene on May 20 and 21 at PaTTAN Harrisburg. It is intended that this document will help districts in moving towards NGSS and developing curricula that is aligned to both NGSS and expectations for the PSSA and Keystone Exams. We are looking for teachers at all levels to help with this project. If you are interested in participating, please complete this FORM You will be notified by email if you are selected to participate in this important project. Seeking video highlights of #STEMinPA From: Judd Pittman, Special Consultant to the Secretary of Education for STEM Department of Education To: STEM Ecosystems (that includes ABC CREATE!): Greetings STEM Ecosystems, Are you interested in highlighting your students, educators, partners, and ecosystem in front of an international audience? Then keep reading this email! Have you heard? Secretary Pedro Rivera will provide the opening keynote at the ISTE EdTech Conference this year, and his keynote will include a brief video highlighting #STEMinPA. Interested in being a part of the video? Awesome! We will need iPhone/iPad/Android video from you that feels and looks authentic – shot by students (or their advisors/teachers). The content could include:
What’s the timeline look like? We need the video content from you by Friday, May 17, 2019. Important: we do not want you to edit the video in any way/use professional video cameras to film this – our goal is to create an authentic video that truly depicts STEM, shared with the world straight from the hands of our future leaders and their mentors. Let us know if you are interested in participating in this opportunity – we’ll work together to craft a storyboard/more detailed plan surrounding the above, and, the best possible way to get the video from your devices to ours. Thanks for your support! Judd R. Pittman | Special Consultant to the Secretary of Education for STEM Department of Education Phone: 717.991.7264 | Cell: 717.991.7264 c-jpittman@pa.gov If you decide to follow up with Judd on this opportunity, please be sure to identify yourself as part of ABC CREATE! OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS ABC CREATE@Burrell STEAM Camp for Middle Schoolers Date: Monday, June 17 - Wednesday, June 19 from 8:30 AM - 3 PM Location: Charles Huston Middle School, Lower Burrell, PA Open to ALL Middle Schoolers – Rising 6th, 7th and 8th graders – ABC CREATE districts and others. Youth who want to get their hands on cool tech at an informal learning pace. Time to tinker with tools, program robots and build virtual worlds. No experience required! Guided and supported by teachers who are excited by this work. $25 fee includes lunch each day. SUMMER STE(A)M CAMPS for Kids Introducing a new page on our website -- under Special Projects. http://www.abccreate.org/steam-summer-camps.html
Business Partner: Mike Holtkamp, Siemens + Education Partner: Sue Mellon, Allegheny Valley Location: The Corner, 701 Fifth Avenue, New Kensington Corridor of Innovation Date and Time: Monday March 25th, 6-8pm Highlighting direct connections between ABC CREATE STEAM classroom projects and 21st Century workforce applications. High school students, teachers, and business representatives will demonstrate the links between classroom STEAM projects, the 21st Century skills students are learning, and the ways these skills are utilized in today’s work places. Open to the Public: All are welcome to join this FREE learning event with demos, door prizes and refreshments. Contact: Colleen Smith, STE(A)M Outreach Coordinator Business Partner: Sherri McCleary, Kennametal + Education Partner: Laura Fleischer Proano, Highlands Location: The Corner, 701 Fifth Avenue, New Kensington Corridor of Innovation Date and Time: Thursday, May 16th, 6-8pm Highlighting direct connections between ABC CREATE STEAM classroom projects and 21st Century workforce applications. High school students, teachers, and business representatives will demonstrate the links between classroom STEAM projects, the 21st Century skills students are learning, and the ways these skills are utilized in today’s work places. Open to the Public: All are welcome to join this FREE learning event with demos, door prizes and refreshments. Contact: Colleen Smith, STE(A)M Outreach Coordinator Ignite Grants Applications accepted March 18 – April 8. It only takes one spark to ignite big change! How would $1,000 spark innovation in your classroom or learning space? This spring, Remake Learning will award 100 Ignite Grants of $1,000 to support innovative learning practices, projects, and environments. Funding will support equitable learning experiences and projects that work alongside, uplift, and support learners impacted by poverty, learners of color, learners in rural areas, girls in STEM, and learners with exceptionalities. Any organization that is active in the Remake Learning network and mission is invited to apply starting Monday, March 18. Organizations can join the network online at remakelearning.org/join. Support for Ignite Grants is generously provided by The Grable Foundation. Hummingbird Bit Professional Development Location: transformED WEST @ Montour HS 223 Clever Rd., McKees Rocks, PA 15136 Date and Time: Friday, March 29, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM EST FREE. Design, build, and program with the new Hummingbird Bit Robotics Kit in this hands-on professional development. This 6-hour introductory workshop is designed for any teacher interested in bringing robotics, programming, and design into their classrooms. We will provide helpful tips on how you can integrate robotics into any subject area while you create your own working robot. Please note: when you register, you have the option to choose a free workshop seat along with options for discounted kits along with your free registration. Pittsburgh Regional STE(A)M Ecosystem Updates The Pittsburgh Regional STE(A)M Ecosystem cultivates diverse and equitable high quality STEM and STEAM learning opportunities, addressing real world challenges, for all students in our region with an eye toward building a scientifically-informed citizenry, and creative, prosperous, and resilient population. Happy Hour: Bots and Bevs Part of Remake Learning Days! Location: The Pub at 333 333 Allegheny Avenue Oakmont, PA 15139 Date and Time: Tuesday, May 14, 2019 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM It's Remake Learning Days! Join ABC CREATE teachers and BirdBrain for our Educator MeetUp! Kick back, relax, and create some robots with educators from the Pittsburgh area! Talk with peers about edtech, bring curriculum ideas and questions, or just use a Hummingbird Robotics Kit to make your own robot. No programming/robotics experience required! Technology and craft materials will be provided if you want to build your own bot. Brews and other beverages are available for purchase at the bar. Rethinking How Math is Taught Free ASSET Professional Development Location: ASSET STEM Education 2403 Sidney Street #800 Pittsburgh, PA 15203 Date and Time: Friday, May 10! Two sessions - 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. (two-hours) Middle School math teachers are invited to ASSET's Remake Learning Days event, “Rethinking How Math is Taught" to be held on Friday, May 10, 2019. The event is a FREE professional development course to explore how inquiry-based teaching and learning can be an effective tool in math classrooms. Participants will be immersed in inquiry-based, hands-on mathematical experiences where they will walk away understanding the importance of embedding authentic and critical problem-solving skills into their instruction. Learn more about the course here. Sevenzo's Try a Practice Sevenzo has collaborated with experts to identify actionable practices that will help educators build a more caring classroom for students. Each practice is easy to try using a toolkit that includes a mix of self-reflection, classroom activities, and ways to share how the practice made a difference for students. Practices focus on relationships, learning environments, and student ownership. Try one today! Select a practice & download a toolkit PAsmart: Keep an eye out for a special edition with updates on our first steps to implement the PAsmart Advancing grant initiatives. Summer 2019 STEAM Camps - ABC CREATE@ Burrell Save the Dates - Kids’ STEAM Camp - June 17 - 19, 2019 | Teachers’ STEAM Camp - June 19 - 21, 2019 (Note: Change in dates) Registration will follow. For more information, contact Colleen Smith Seeking K-12 Educators for Focus Group Location: The Corner, 701 Fifth Avenue, New Kensington Corridor of Innovation Date and Time: Tuesday, April 2 at 6 pm As part of a class project, Penn State New Kensington’s PSYCH 424 (Applied Social Psychology) students are conducting a series of focus groups exploring perceptions of The Corner in New Kensington. One of the groups will be conducted among K-12 teachers. The students are looking for K-12 teachers who incorporate entrepreneurial activities in their lessons to participate in a Teacher Focus Group to be held on April 2 at 6 pm at The Corner. Interested participants are to complete the registration form that can be found at http://nk.psu.edu/groups. Participants will receive $25 for their involvement. ABC CREATE Awarded PAsmart Advancing Grant WooHoo! Governor Wolf announced the PAsmart Advancing Grant Awards – including one for ABC CREATE! ABC CREATE will receive $328,944. Put these on your radar for Summer 2019: PAsmart: Learning Pathways Planning to pay stipends for three teachers in each ABC CREATE district to work on the Learning Pathways created by the ABC CREATE collaborative. Expected to be 2 days in June 2019 and 1 day in August 2019. PAsmart: CS Opportunities Providing professional development for four teachers (and paying a stipend for attendance) from each member district to participate in a training for code.org’s CS Discoveries curriculum to help develop skills and confidence for our teachers in CS. Our further goal is to expose all ABC CREATE district students to the 6 CS Discoveries units by the end of 8th grade. This will prepare them for a more advanced coding language course and will move forward from simple drag and drop platforms. Expected to be 5 days of training during Summer 2019. More to come...focusing on equity and an workforce + education task force .... ABC CREATE STEAM Showcase 2019: Skills for Today and Tomorrow - Register Now! Location: Penn State New Kensington, 3550 7th Street Road, New Kensington, PA 15068 Date and Time: Wednesday, March 6, 2019 Arrival: 8 AM Showcase Ends: 3 PM Overview: The ABC CREATE Showcase 2019: Skills for Today and Tomorrow is taking shape! With his presentation, “Industry 4.0 – Technologies Shaping Modern Business, Education, and Society”, our featured speaker, Dr. Joseph Cuiffi from Penn State New Kensington’s Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology program will frame the day by creating a better understanding of how the Digital Revolution is shifting approaches to teaching, learning, living, and working. We have a wonderful mix of showcase presentations from which to choose highlighting technologies in the classroom, project-based learning, and building relevant skills for our students. You can expect sessions that include AR/VR/AI, Desmos, the Hummingbird Bit, entrepreneurship, social justice + the technology classroom, global competencies, STEAM/CS + Students with special needs, cross-curricular projects, School Retool, and more! Free. Open to educators (including pre-service students) in ABC CREATE and the local region. Lunch provided. ACT 48 eligible. Summer 2019 STEAM Camps - ABC CREATE@ Burrell Potential opportunity for 2 - 5 ABC CREATE content experts (enthusiasts, like you, who are using technologies/project-based learning in your classrooms) for peer-led instruction for each of the three-day camps. Stipend available. Preference will be given to teachers who can commit to both weeks of camps. For more information, contact Colleen Smith Save the Dates Kids’ STEAM Camp - June 17 - 19, 2019 | Teachers’ STEAM Camp - June 24 - 26, 2019 Registration will follow. Sevenzo Professional Learning Project - A few district spots still available With support from the Grable Foundation, up to seven (7) districts within the ABC CREATE collaborative have an opportunity to examine and strengthen their district professional development systems. As of today, there are a few district spots remaining. Districts that choose to participate will have the opportunity to investigate and strengthen their own professional learning systems, with the longer term goal being that we share, build upon, and spread models that support collaboration and learning across the entire collaborative. Districts that choose to participate will:
If you would like to learn more or are ready to sign up to participate, please contact Meredith Bortz at meredith@sevenzo.org. Connecting Classrooms Highlighting direct connections between ABC CREATE STEAM classroom projects and 21st Century workforce applications with three Expos and a Saturday Robotics Build. Kennametal and Highlands: Preparing Students for Industry 4.0 - May 16th - 6 - 8 PM Siemens and Allegheny Valley: Preparing Students for Industry 4.0 - Date TBA Eye-Bots + District Player(s) To be named soon: Preparing Students for Industry 4.0 - Date TBA Saturday Robotics Build - Date TBA OPPORTUNITY:
Burrell’s Elementary STEAM Night Location: 1021 Puckety Church Road Lower Burrell, PA 15068 Date and Time: March 28, 2019 Food Trucks 5pm - 8pm (open to the public) STEAM Activities 6pm - 8pm (3rd grade Burrell students) 5th Grade Food Truck Entrepreneurship Showcase 6pm - 8pm (open to the public) Overview: STEAM Night is an open to the public event designed for 3rd grade students to visit Stewart Elementary School and immerse themselves in the opportunity to preview what they will experience in 4th grade. New to STEAM Night this year is the 5th grade entrepreneurship food truck showcase. To celebrate the food truck projects, actual food trucks have been invited to setup at Stewart Elementary to kick-off the event. All are invited to patron the food trucks at 5pm and stick around to gallery-walk the food truck projects beginning at 6pm. 3rd grade STEAM Night activities will also begin at 6pm.
Penn State New Kensington Seeking Summer Camp Instructors The Continuing Education Department at Penn State New Kensington is recruiting instructors for their Kids in College Summer Camp Program. We are looking for individuals who enjoy working with children, have special talents or hobbies and can coordinate hands-on activities. Camp topics can be anything creative, educational or unique that would be appropriate for youth ranging in grades 1-12. Bachelor’s degree or certification in related field is preferred for these paid positions. Summer camp programs are scheduled for the weeks of July 8, 2019, July 15, 2019 and July 22, 2019 with morning (9:00-11:30 a.m.) and afternoon (Noon-2:30 p.m.) sessions. Please feel free to contact Megan Krachanko, Youth Coordinator, to discuss your ideas! Grant Opportunity for Educators DUE: Applications are due by March 22, 2019 The NoVo Foundation and their partners, Education First and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, recently released the 2019-20 application for Innovation in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) grantees. Educators can apply for up to $5,000 and districts can apply for up to $25,000 in support of SEL projects with a focus on elevating belonging, well-being, non-violence, inclusion, and equity. There are some prioritized student populations, including immigrant and English learner students, LGBTQIA+ students, girls of color, and students with learning disabilities. If you or your schools is trying to do more from an equity perspective, perhaps this grant opportunity could help. ABC CREATE@Riverview littleBits Workshop Location: Riverview School District 901 Pennsylvania Ave, Oakmont, PA 15139 Date and Time: February 6, 8:30 AM – 3 PM Overview: This littleBits training session will introduce classroom teachers to this versatile tool designed to introduce coding into any classroom. This easy to teach and easy to learn resource engages students through making and game design and is available for classroom use through the ABC CREATE Lending Library. This session is designed for teachers of grades 3–12 (all subject areas) although all teachers are welcome to come and experience the possibilities. While easy to use with younger students, littleBits are versatile enough to be integrated into older grades as well. Presented by teacher and ABC CREATE Fellow Cathy Favo, this workshop will offer hands on experience with the littleBits coding kits and connect teachers across local districts to collaborate in planning and implementing lessons. Questions: Contact Cathy Favo, cfavo@RSD.K12.PA.US
Host An Event for Remake Learning Days 2019 Each ABC CREATE District is encouraged to host at lease one event during Remake Learning Days! What will yours be? Location: Our Region and Spanning Across America Due: Submit event by February 1st Date and Time: May 9 - 19, 2019 Overview: Your Remake Learning Days (RLD) event should offer youth the opportunity to participate in a 21st century future-forward hands-on learning experience utilizing one or more RLD themes: arts, maker, outdoor learning, science, technology, and youth voice. Let Colleen Smith know what you'll be hosting! ABC CREATE STEAM SHOWCASE 2019 Location: Penn State New Kensington 3550 7th Street Road New Kensington, PA 15068 Date and Time: March 6th from 8 AM - 3 PM Overview: SAVE THE DATE. More details to come. ABC CREATE@Highlands Learning Pathways Writing Session Location: Higlands School District 500 Pacific Avenue, Natrona Heights, PA 15065 Date and Time: February 13, 8:30 AM – 3 PM Overview: Represent your District in ABC CREATE’s next Learning Pathways Writing session. While educators who attended the Learning Pathways session at the Fall Convening 2018 in December will automatically be invited to attend (if that’s you, keep an eye out for an email coming soon), we welcome others who are ready to get involved with writing an ABC CREATE Learning Pathway. If this interests you, you could partner with others on a developing pathway or you could propose a new pathway. Pathways currently in development: Creative Design: AR/Cospaces Pathway | Veterans Website | littleBits | Makey/Makey-Hummingbird Engineering: Tram Building | Engineering Design Process | Structural Design/Forces | Bridge Construction/Mobile/Snap Circuits | Bike Generator Data Fluency: Ethics in Data | Human Rights | Speck | VR/Google Expeditions/Bee-Bots Coding & Computer Science: Dash & Dot | Code n Go/Puzzlets | Hummingbird | Scratch/Arduino/Hummingbird | Cospaces/ALICE | Finch | Drones | Vex Get in touch with Stacie Isenberg, Laura Fleischer Proano, or Colleen Smith for more information. TransformED Winter Workshops Overview: Attend one - or more - of these FREE workshops to expand your expertise in computer science, STEAM, robotics, coding, and more. Open to classroom teachers, school administrators, out-of-school instructors, and all other educators. TransformED at Allegheny Intermediate Unit 475 E. Waterfront Dr. Homestead, PA 15120 TransformED WEST at Montour High School 223 Clever Rd. McKees Rocks, PA 15136 HundrED Spotlight on Pittsburgh Shining a global spotlight on the education innovations forged in the Pittsburgh region. Location: Various Workshops in January + February Deadline to submit: March 6, 2019 Overview: In 2019, HundrED is shining a spotlight on the educators and innovators who are doing extraordinary things to help students in southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia flourish. The HundrED Spotlight Pittsburgh will identify ten inspiring innovations from the Pittsburgh region and share them with the world. Learn more by attending one of the workshops being held in the region. Let's see ABC CREATE in this spotlight! Submit your educational innovation! Free Speck Air Quality Monitors - Read on for details Location: Carnegie Mellon University Overview: Airviz would like to donate the remainder of their Speck inventory and are taking nominations for potential recipients. The Specks in inventory are a few years old. Many of them have a dead battery. Those receiving these free specks will be responsible for their own maintenance such as any quality control issues, purchasing and replacing batteries. Recipients will need to be comfortable enough to replace batteries on their own (here are the instructions).
Interested? Contact Sara Longo sara.r.longo@gmail.com and mention you are from ABC CREATE! CMU CREATE Lab is seeking RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS Location: Carnegie Mellon University Eligibility: Teach a Kindergarten through 5th grade class in a public or charter school Date and Time: Currently seeking for Spring 2019 semester Overview: The CMU CREATE Lab is conducting a research study of our new educational technology for Kindergarten through 5th grade, called Flutter. They are seeking research volunteers to pilot Flutter curriculum in their math classrooms during the Spring 2019 semester. If you participate in the study, you will receive 8 hours of professional development. Refreshments will be provided. Following PD teachers will implement two math units with their class in spring 2019 (an estimated 4-6 days). Teachers will also be interviewed for approximately 1 hour. To be eligible to volunteer for the research study you must:
Participants will receive a stipend of $100 for professional development, $10/session to compensate for parking expenses while attending PD, and $100 for completing curriculum and interview. (Total payment up to $220.) If interested, please email Lauren Zito at lcz@andrew.cmu.edu to find out more. CMU CREATE Lab is seeking PARTNERS Overview: A friend of the CREATE Lab, who has worked with them on a number of humanitarian projects, is interested in fostering a letter writing and cultural exchange program with her local schools in Uganda. If interested, please email Jordan Mroziak at jordan.createlab@gmail.com to discuss partnership. Advocate Grant Program Application Deadline: March 5, 2019 Overview: Apply for the Society for Science & the Public's Advocate Grant Program, which provides a $3,000 stipend and training to an individual (teacher, scientist, counselor, or mentor) who agrees to serve as an advocate for 3-5 underserved students to transition them from conducting scientific or engineering research projects to completing applications to scientific competitions. Carnegie Mellon Launches HS CS Curriculum Announcement: Carnegie Mellon University, world-renowned for computer science and artificial intelligence, has launched a free, online curriculum for high school students that helps instructors teach programming skills using engaging graphics and animations. The curriculum fills a gap between introductory computer science educational materials available for grades K-8 and the rigorous Advanced Placement courses that the most advanced students might take later in high school. ABC CREATE Fall Convening Location: Penn State New Kensington 3550 7th Street Road New Kensington, PA 15068 Date and Time: December 12th from 8 AM - 3 PM Overview: Our ABC CREATE Fall Convening 2018 will combine morning ABC CREATE work sessions with a mid-day opportunity to join industry and educational leaders for an introductory discussion about how the digital industrial age, known as Industry 4.0, is changing the way companies, education providers and partners are interacting, doing business and preparing for the future. The afternoon will conclude with a sharing out of action steps from the morning work sessions and with a debrief about how the digital revolution is impacting education. Morning sessions (choose one): Learning Pathways, Equity and Access, PAsmart Advancing Grant. Keynote Speaker: Illah Nourbakhsh from Carnegie Mellon's Robotics Institute and CREATE Lab Panelists: Regional experts from industry and education including Kennametal, Penn State University, Arconic, Carnegie Mellon University, and the Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII) Closing session: Work session action items and debrief A complimentary lunch will be included. Eligible for ACT 48 hours. Remake Learning Network Assembly Location: CCAC Allegheny Campus Student Center 808 Ridge Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Date and Time: Friday, December 7 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Overview: Network members from across southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia will gather at the CCAC Northside Campus for the annual Remake Learning Network Assembly. UPCOMING TEACHER PD Hummingbird with Arduino + Open Lab Led by Matt Chilbert from Birdbrain Technologies Location: ABC CREATE@Plum High School 900 Elicker Road, Plum, PA 15239 Date and Time: Thursday, November 29th from 8:30 AM – 3 PM Overview: This Hummingbird session will focus on Ardublock and Arduino languages in the morning -- giving participants an opportunity to bridge the transition from block-based to text-based programming. The afternoon will include Open Lab time to explore classroom integration and application, to share ideas, to play with more complex builds, and to enhance participants' understanding of and confidence in using Hummingbirds. Attendees should have some previous experience with Hummingbirds -- using any programming language. Lunch will be included. Eligible for ACT 48 hours. Finch Robots + Hummingbird with Micro:bit Led by Kelsey Derringer from Birdbrain Technologies Location: ABC CREATE@Leechburg ??NEED ADDRESS - 215 First Street Leechburg, PA 15656 Date and Time: Wednesday, December 5th from 8:30 AM – 3 PM Overview: Spend the morning learning about Finch Robots and the afternoon exploring Hummingbirds with Micro:bits. This workshop will have built in time for sharing of ideas, for exploring or developing classroom applications, and for potential cross-district collaborations. Suitable for all: new or experienced users of Finch and/or Hummingbirds. All skill levels, grade levels, and subject areas are welcome. Designed to introduce or build upon existing skills. Interaction between new and experienced users is encouraged as we build a greater understanding of the tiers of learning for both educators and their students. Lunch will be included. Eligible for ACT 48 credits. Dancing Our Way Through STEM Instructor: Joanna Abel Location: Trust Arts Education Center 807 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15222 Date and Time: Saturday, December 8, 9 AM - 12 PM, $14 Overview: Intended for Early Childhood Educators During this interactive workshop, educators will participate in a variety of dance-focused strategies that will deepen understanding in science, math, ingenuity, and other fundamental STEM concepts. PROJECT-BASED LEARNING INSTITUTE Location: ASSET STEM Education 2403 Sidney Street, Suite 800 Pittsburgh, PA 15203 Date and Time: January 3-4, March 28, May 22 (deadline to sign up: 12/20) Overview: K-12 educators in Southwestern Pennsylvania Create a student-focused culture for learning through this innovative program, aimed to transform teaching practice, create equitable learning opportunity classrooms, and prepare students for workforce challenges. Program includes professional development on PBL, an externship with a STEM-industry mentor, and participation in a Professional Learning Community. Funded by Heinz Endowments CLIMATE LEADERSHIP: FROM CLASSROOM TO COMMUNITY Location: ASSET STEM Education 2403 Sidney Street, Suite 800 Pittsburgh, PA 15203 Date and Time: January 24-25, May 20 (deadline to sign up: 1/10) Overview: K-12 educators in Southwestern Pennsylvania Explore the Nature of Science through air quality with this 2.5-day program, providing middle-grade (6-8) science educators with the strategies, skills, and equipment needed to empower students to employ the processes used by environmental scientists. Funded by Alcoa Foundation ABC CREATE featured in recent Learners First Publication developed by Remake Learning.
Download it here. Physical copies available at ABC CREATE Fall Convening on December 12th. See excerpts below TALK BACK: TEACHER REFLECTS ON ABC CREATE TRAINING + LENDING LIBRARY "What I like most about the Hummingbird kits that I borrow from ABC CREATE is that they make robotics and coding engaging for students of so many skill levels and interests. I am always looking for ways to teach my students 21st Century skills that involve collaboration, interdependence and real-world problem-solving." What I learned from giving the Hummingbird kits a try was that it is okay to learn together and that because I didn't know everything, it gave my students a chance to come up with their own unique solutions and to seek out experts among themselves - students who could become robotics mentors. It was truly amazing! Check out the ABC CREATE Lending Library! Exclusive to ABC CREATE district partners, the page is password protected. Password: collaborative UPCOMING TEACHER PD transformED Fall 2018 Calendar The Fall 2018 TransformED calendar features over 30 professional learning opportunities for educators. As always, workshops are open to all educators—classroom teachers, out-of-school time providers, pre-service teachers, etc. For more information, visit www.centerforcreativity.net. The Warhol: Annual Teacher Open House Location: The Andy Warhol Museum 117 Sandusky Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Date and Time: Thursday, October 25, 2018 4:30 - 8:30 PM Overview: This annual event includes lite bites, drinks (cash bar), preview of the current exhibition, lectures, gallery talks, art making activities, and classroom resources. Teachers in attendance may receive Act 48 credit hours and information about school partnership and scholarship opportunities. An Introduction to Apple Swift Playgrounds Location: Allegheny Intermediate Unit - transformED 475 E Waterfront Drive Homestead, PA 15120 Date and Time: Monday, October 29, 2018 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM Overview: We know coding is an essential skill that teaches problem-solving, develops teamwork, and inspires creativity. This 1-day professional Apple learning workshop will introduce teachers to coding with iPad and free Everyone Can Code curriculum. With your interest in teaching with this curriculum, the workshop will be a great way to get started. You’ll get hands-on experience with the Everyone Can Code teacher guides and with iPad coding apps for students in grades K–8. This session will be facilitated by AIU Apple Education Trainers. State of Maker Learning in SW PA and Beyond Location: CoLab18 100 South Commons, Suite 100 Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Date and Time: Thursday, November 15, 2018 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM Overview: Join education practitioners in a discussion of the State of Maker Learning in SW PA and Beyond. This event, through lightning talks and group discussion, will serve as a catalyst to better understand the maker space landscape in Pittsburgh, obtain ideas from national makers, and generate new ideas for all. Light breakfast and lunch provided. STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES COMETS Location: Penn State New Kensington Date and Time: 2018 - 2019 COMETS begins with Meet-n-Greet Reception for students, parents and STEM Professionals on October 29, 2018. Overview: The COMETS program is designed to develop middle school girls' interest in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) fields. Students participate in special events, field trips, and six monthly workshops on Saturday mornings.
Culture Jam 2018: Allies in Action Location: The Ellis School 6425 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Date and Time: November 16, 2018 8 AM - 3 PM Overview: Culture Jam is an annual student-led and produced conference focused on diversity. It is designed to empower students to have courageous conversations alongside their peers. Culture Jam offers a safe, inclusive space for high school students to discuss equity-related issues that are present in schools, the Pittsburgh region, and the global community. RECOGNIZE AND/OR ACTIVATE YOUR LEARNING COMMUNITY Nominations Sought: Remake Learning STEM Spotlight Who are the champions of STEM? Timeframe: Nominations currently being accepted. Overview: Who is bringing science, technology, engineering, and math alive for learners in the Pittsburgh region? Who is charting new paths of access and equity in STEM education and careers? Who are the champions of STEM?There are remarkable people in our community shaping the future of STEM in their professional lives as scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians, and in service to young people as teachers, mentors, and coaches. LEARN MORE Play for Change Unconference Location: the Carnegie Museum of Art and Schenley Plaza REGISTER a team NOW Date and Time: Tuesday, October 30, 2018, 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Overview: In partnership with Philadelphia Playful Learning Landscapes, join us on Tuesday, October 30, at the Carnegie Museum of Art in the Oakland community of Pittsburgh, in a day-long event to think critically about play. We will have keynote speakers, lightning talks, hands-on activities and action plan time. LEARN MORE ABC CREATE INSIGHTS Reflections on Summer Robotics Workshops with ABC CREATE Posted on CREATE Lab Satellite network blog by: Colleen Smith Penn State New Kensington What do teachers do on the last days of summer? Sign up for a robotics workshop - with their own kids! Teachers with kids often cherish the time in the summer with their families and are hesitant to pursue professional development opportunities as they don't want to lose that precious time. At ABC CREATE, we invite the kids to join in! It's a win-win... ...The moments of discovery, collaboration, creativity, pride …. Not bad for a professional development in August. And not a bad way to spend some time with your kids before summer’s over, either! UPCOMING TEACHER PD ABC CREATE@Armstrong Hummingbird with Micro:bit Training Location: Armstrong School District, Building TBD Date and Time: Monday, October 8, 2018 Full Day Overview: For both NEW and EXPERIENCED users of Hummingbird Robotics kits. Come explore use of Hummingbirds with the new to us micro:bit. Building Compassionate Learning Communities Location: Mt. Lebanon High School, 155 Cochran Road, Pittsburgh, PA Date and Time: October 8, 2018 8 AM - 4 PM Overview: Bringing educators together with the best teachers, researchers, and practitioners in the fields of social emotional learning (SEL) and contemplative practices - mindfulness, resilience, and the science of human flourishing to build, grow, and support compassionate and resilient learning communities at the inaugural conference of Building Compassionate Learning Communities (BCLC). An Introduction to the Hummingbird Bit Robotics Kit Location: TransformED West 223 Clever Road McKees Rocks, PA 15136 Date and Time: Tuesday, October 9, 2018 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Data Visualization and Inquiry: Exploring CREATE Lab’s EarthTime Location: TransformED West 223 Clever Road McKees Rocks, PA 15136 Date and Time: Friday, November 2, 2018 8:30 am - 11:30 am RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY Research Opportunity at CREATE Lab for K-5 teachers with Flutter The CREATE Lab, part of the Robotics Institute at CMU, is conducting a research study of our educational technology called Flutter. We are exploring how hands-on technology projects can be used to support math curriculum in K-5 classrooms. We are seeking research volunteers to take part in four focus group meetings. Participants will brainstorm and provide feedback on curriculum and app designs. To be eligible to volunteer for the research study you must:
Participants are compensated. Contact: Lauren Zito TEACHER EXTERNSHIPS/PBL ASSET's Project-based Learning through Teacher Externships program Dates: OCTOBER 23-24 and NOVEMBER 28, 2018 DECEMBER 4-5, 2018 and JANUARY 23, 2019 Through this innovative program, educators engage in professional development exploring Project-based Learning (PBL) and participate in an externship at a STEM-related business where they observe, first-hand:
STUDENT CHALLENGE Join Matt's Maker Challenge Timeframe: September 1st - October 5th, 2018 Overview: This fall, challenge your students to an exciting contest where they will make a unique contraption that completes a simple task using everyday items, teamwork, humor and their imaginations. Held in conjunction with the world premier of Rube Goldberg™, The World of Hilarious Invention! Exhibit at the Children's Museum. Nine classes (3 for each grade category, K-1,2-3,4-5) will receive $2,000 to support making in their schools PLUS an invitation for each class and their families to Family Night at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh on October 23, 2018, to celebrate with dinner and an award ceremony. AWARD FOR WOMEN IN TECH - APPLY NOW NCWIT's: Aspirations in Computing Calling all 9th-12th grade and college women, as well as the educators who support them! Apply today for the opportunity to receive prizes and recognition for all that you do (or want to do) in computing. And, help us spread the word. Lunch & Learn: Storytelling 101 Location: APOST (United Way of Allegheny County) 1250 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15230 Date and Time: Tuesday, August 21, 2018 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm, Lunch will be provided Overview: Join the Remake Learning communications team to explore the sourcing, crafting, and sharing of stories. Storytelling: ancient practice, tool for social good, buzzword. Networks like Remake Learning know sourcing, crafting, and sharing stories is a key part of how to gather and share complex information. 2018 TRETC Presentation Application Deadline: August 31, 2018 Overview: The Three Rivers Education Technology Conference is now accepting submissions for presentations and poster sessions. Three Rivers Educational Technology Conference (TRETC) 2018 is the best opportunity all year for teachers and K-12 administrators and higher education decision makers in the Pittsburgh region. TRETC allows you to network with peers and choose from over 50 professional development sessions to enhance your classroom teaching abilities. The theme for TRETC 2018 is, “Technology & the Future of Work.” Lowe's Toolbox for Education Deadline: September 28, 2018 11:59 pm EST Overview: Fall 2018 Cycle The application period for the Lowe's Toolbox for Education grant program is now open. The program will award $2,000 to $5,000 classroom grants to as many as 1,000 schools and parent-teacher organizations. For this fall's grant cycle, there are three priorities for the use of the funds:
SAVE THE DATE: Hummingbird with Micro:bit Location: Armstrong School District Date and Time: Monday, October 8, 2018 Overview: For both NEW and EXPERIENCED users of Hummingbird Robotics kits. Come explore use of Hummingbirds with the new to us micro:bit. Registration info will be coming soon. ACCESS THE ABC CREATE LENDING LIBRARY Location: Penn State New Kensington 3550 7th Street Road New Kensington, PA 15068 Overview: All educators within ABC CREATE can borrow a variety of creative technologies (i.e. Hummingbirds, Finch, Speck, Puzzlets, etc.). Scope out what we have and put in your request(s) for the 2018-19 school year. Hint - Password: collaborative. Pick-up and drop-off is at Penn State New Kensington. Remake Learning July Gatherings Lunch & Learn at CMU's CREATE Lab ABC CREATE is a member of the CREATE Lab Satellite Network! This Lunch and Learn is an easily accessible opportunity to learn more about the CREATE Lab - a place where creative ideas, technology, and a powerful driver like CMU meet with communities, teachers, and individuals passionate about developing a world we can all live in peacefully together? The CREATE Lab enables a new form of local change: one that empowers the citizens to chart their technology future and, most important of all, their community's prospects for quality of life. Location: Carnegie Mellon University 5000 Forbes Avenue Robotics Institute, NSH 3105 Pittsburgh, PA 15213 View Map Date and Time: Tue, July 24, 2018 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM EDT Overview: Visit the lab that brought us Hear Me, BirdBrain Technologies, and the Fluency Project. Bring all your questions for this Free and Open lunch & learn. Lunch will be served, so please email Ani (ani@remakelearning.org) with any dietary restrictions or requests. Registration is important to the lunch count. Space is limited, so please register ASAP! Allied Media Conference Follow-up: Remake Learning Delegation Location: Capital Cathedral 200 Lincoln Ave Millvale, PA 15209 View Map Date and Time:Thu, July 26, 2018 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Overview: In June, Remake Learning network members had the privilege to attend the 20th annual Allied Media Conference. In community with almost 20 different individuals from the Pittsburgh Region, we learned from some of the country's most rigorous and joyous media makers and organizers. Jess Gold, long-time teaching artist and mentor, leads a free and open debrief conversation about what we heard, learned, and felt. Read more about AMC by clicking here. Coffee and bagels will be served, so please email Ani (ani@remakelearning.org) with any dietary restrictions or requests. ABC CREATE @ STEMathon Great work happening in ABC CREATE. Let’s get the word out! stemathon.org/Looking for some folks interested in presenting at STEMathon in October 2018. Deadline for proposals is July 31. ABC CREATE may be able to help with conference registration for a limited number of ABC CREATE educators, so please contact Colleen if you are submitting a proposal and want to inquire about possible registration. ABC CREATE trainings with Birdbrain Technologies in August Hummingbird with Micro:bit Location: Penn State New Kensington 3550 7th Street Road New Kensington, PA 15068 Date and Time: Monday, August 6, 2018 8:30-3:30, Lunch will be provided Overview: For both NEW and EXPERIENCED users of Hummingbird Robotics kits. Come explore use of Hummingbirds with the new to us micro:bit. See the flier for more information!
Finch Robots Location: Penn State New Kensington 3550 7th Street Road New Kensington, PA 15068 Date and Time: Thursday, August 9, 2018 AM – Finch Robots using Snap! level 1 -3 PM – Finch Robots using Snap! level 4 and/or Scratch Overview: See flier below. Special Note: School -aged children of teachers attending this Finch Robot workshop are welcome to attend, too!
In Celebration of Remake Learning Days, ABC CREATE Announced the winning logo! Rachel Simcic is now a very recent graduate from Springdale Jr/Sr High School in the Allegheny Valley School District. We received over 20 submissions from ABC CREATE district students and teachers. See some of the other finalists' designs and find out about the legacy Rachel left for her school with the prize money! LEARN MORE ABC CREATE@Plum registration now open beyond ABC CREATE districts Location: Plum Senior High School, 900 Elicker Road, Plum, PA 15239 A FEW SPOTS OPEN: Teacher STEAM Camp for educators who want to feel more comfortable integrating STEAM and for those who want to learn more! Over 30 teachers registered! Date and Time: June 25-28, 2018 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM FREE, includes lunch + supplies. ACT 48 SAVE THE DATES: Upcoming Trainings from BirdBrain Technologies - details to come August 6 - Hummingbird Training August 9 - Finch Robots October 8th – ABC CREATE @Armstrong - Hummingbird Basics with Micro:bit Earn chances to enter Teacher Appreciation Raffle by engaging in ABC CREATE:
1st Prize: Ed Bearer, Leechburg 2nd Prize: Stephanie Reilly, Plum 3rd Prize: Kim Ord, Franklin Regional 4th Prize: Wendi Lincoln, Freeport |
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