Rock CS 2025 | Rocky Mountain Computer Science Conference for P-12 Educators: Full Schedule

Rock CS is a professional development event designed by Adams 12 Five Star Schools and St. Vrain Valley School District.

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TBA

Beyond the Screen: Engaging Unplugged Activities for Elementary Computer Science

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

Make Computer Science accessible, engaging, and inclusive for all students—no screens required! This session explores hands-on, unplugged activities that help young learners grasp fundamental computing concepts in meaningful ways. I’ll share how I used simulations, physical models, and imagination to engage even my most challenging classes.
Students become countries (table groups) working to gain internet access by connecting across oceans with PVC pipes, CS detectives deconstruct old devices to uncover the essential seven components, programmers guide their human robots through step-by-step tasks, and input, processing, storage, and output come to life with physical models. Plus, experience the surprising excitement of a low-prep game show! Discover lessons co-created with students that make Computer Science engaging, inclusive, and possible on little to no budget.

Speakers

Alicia Estis

Computer Science Teacher, Adams 12 Five Star Schools

While I have 25 years of experience in education—teaching ESL, 3rd grade, and 4th grade—this is my second year as an elementary Computer Science teacher. Teaching Computer Science has been an exciting whirlwind, and I firmly believe that my students have taught me as much as I... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

1-hour presentation

Intended Audience P-2 teachers, 3-5 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Computational Thinking, Unplugged - Tech Free

TBA

Learning AI through Self-Driving Cars

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

In this workshop you will experience our innovative unit, Self Driving Cars. Incorporate AI, computer science, and a compelling social issue into your computer science or STEM classroom. The unit uses research-based teaching routines proven to promote equity, engage students and increase student agency in the classroom. During the workshop you will participate in hands-on unit activities as well as review this freely available curriculum. The unit includes advanced programming with MakeCode, an exploration of AI classifiers and much more. You will leave ready to implement our high quality unit with your students allowing them to develop expertise in AI. You will also have authentic student assessments to accompany the unit.

Speakers

Jeffrey Bush

Asst. Research Professor, University of Colorado Boulder

Jeff is an assistant research professor at the University of Colorado's Institute of Cognitive Sciences (ICS). Jeff's research focuses on the intersection of technology, STEM teacher learning and professional development with sub-topics of mathematics education, computational thinking... Read More →

Gregory Benedis-Grab

Director of K-12 Computing and AI intiatives, University of Colorado Boulder

Greg is the director of K-12 Computing & AI Initiatives at the Institute of Cognitive Science at University of Colorado Boulder. He is leading the scaleup of K-12 Computing and AI curriculum and professional development nationally. Previously, Greg worked in schools as a teacher and... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

1-hour presentation

Intended Audience 6-8 teachers, 9-12 teachers, Administrators
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Artificial Intelligence (AI) including Machine Learning, Computational Thinking, STEM Integration
Device Compatibility Chromebook, Mac Computer, Windows Computer

TBA

From storytelling to digital design and animation

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

Participants will design an interactive game or science model, starting with storytelling and transforming the story into a digital design, including use of artificial intelligence and animation techniques.

Speakers

Fred Gluck

presenter, independent consultant

Fred Gluck is a retired engineer with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics and electrical engineering/computer science. He served in the Navy for five years and then worked in the computer industry for 20 years. He taught computer science at the University of Colorado... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

2-hour workshop

Intended Audience 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers, 9-12 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Artificial Intelligence (AI) including Machine Learning, Computational Thinking, STEM Integration
Device Compatibility Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer, Windows Computer