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

AI and the Law: What Do Educators Need to Know

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

The session, led by an educator & attorney, will explore legal implications and complexities related to AI in schools. We will discuss privacy concerns, data protection, and compliance with COPPA and FERPA. We will look at some tools educators can use.

Speakers

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth

Spanish and STEAM Teacher, Consultant, Riverview SD and ThriveinEDU LLC

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is an edtech consultant, presenter, attorney, author, and teacher of Spanish and STEAM: Emerging Technology. Rachelle has a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law, a Master’s, and a Doctorate in Instructional Technology. Rachelle specializes... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

1-hour presentation

Intended Audience P-2 teachers, 3-5 teachers, 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, Cybersecurity / NSA

TBA

Capturing Imaginations by Capturing Flags ( a CTF primer)

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

I'd like to present an updated version of my presentation of 2023. As we reflect on the evolution of Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions since 2023, we've witnessed remarkable growth in both scope and sophistication. The landscape has transformed significantly, with more events being hosted globally and challenges becoming increasingly diverse and innovative. The integration of artificial intelligence has revolutionized how participants approach and solve problems, introducing new techniques and methodologies to the field.

Yet despite these technological advances, CTF competitions continue to serve their fundamental purpose: providing an invaluable entry point into cybersecurity. While these events can initially appear daunting to coaching newcomers, they remain one of the most effective tools for engaging students in both cybersecurity and computer information systems. The hands-on experience, competitive spirit, and collaborative learning environment create an unparalleled educational opportunity that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Speakers

John Freeburg

Founder/Lead Trainer, C Cubed Training

Founder and Lead Trainer at C Cubed Training, a registered 501(c)3. I currently train home school students in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Walsenburg under the BOCES Enrichment program. I also conduct after school clubs in Trinidad and Pueblo. In 2024 I coached 3 separate Cyber... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

2-hour workshop

Intended Audience 9-12 teachers, 6-8 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic CS for all genders, Cybersecurity / NSA, Extra Curricular
Device Compatibility Windows Computer

TBA

Cyber Sleuths Unite: Exploring AICS for Engaging Cybersecurity Education

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

Are you looking for a unique opportunity to transform your learning environment for your students by easily integrating cyber scenarios? This session by CYBER.ORG offers an innovative approach to teaching cybersecurity through an engaging and immersive experience. Our focus will be on guiding teachers through one of our cybersecurity tabletop exercises, known as AICS (Analysis and Investigation of Cyber Scenarios). In AICS, students step into the shoes of DHS agents, investigating realistic cyber scenarios with potential national implications. This hands-on approach allows students to analyze briefings filled
with authentic documents related to a fictional cyber event. Participants will collaborate in teams, scrutinizing the materials to answer critical questions: who orchestrated the cyber event, how it was executed, and why it occurred. This session is designed to enhance critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills as participants work together to uncover the truth and propose actionable steps for DHS. CYBER.ORG presenters will facilitate the exercise, showcasing best teaching practices to seamlessly implement AICS in middle and high school classrooms. By attending this session, K-12 educators across the US will not only experience a dynamic and realistic cyber investigation but also gain access to a wealth
of no-cost educational resources provided by CYBER.ORG.

Speakers

Charlene Cooper

Director of Curriculum, CYBER.ORG

Charlene Cooper is a National Board Certified Teacher in the area of Early Adolescent Science with over 20 years of experience as a public-school educator. She has a master’s degree in educational leadership and a Cyber Education Graduate Certificate from Louisiana Tech. Charlene... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

2-hour workshop

Intended Audience 6-8 teachers, 9-12 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Unplugged - Tech Free, Cybersecurity / NSA

TBA

Protecting the world from Bifrost, a cybersecurity escape room

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

We would like to have teachers participate in an interactive experience, learning the building blocks of cybersecurity knowledge that they can take into their classroom. After some activities we will have them complete the cybersecurity escape room. This is a portable activity that teachers can use and customize to meet their classroom activities and reinforces student learning and assimilation of knowledge to apply it in a real-world scenario. This workshop would cover binary, cyphers, steganography, and cyber ethics and concepts in hands on activities.

Speakers

Gretchen Bliss

Director of Cybersecurity Programs, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Gretchen is the Director of Cybersecurity Programs at UCCS and leads national efforts to support early-career faculty through mentorship and collaboration.

Terri Johnson

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

2-hour workshop

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 Cybersecurity / NSA, Equity and Inclusion, Classroom Practice / Pedagogy / Instructional Strategies

TBA

Unlocking Cyber Adventures: Empowering Educators with Engaging RING Cybersecurity Curriculum and Activities

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

Dive into the world of cybersecurity education with this hands-on, collaborative, and engaging workshop, "Cyber Adventures." Designed for educators, this workshop will introduce the RING secondary education cybersecurity curriculum and other fantastic resources through interactive and exciting activities. Participants will explore a variety of classroom exercises, an engaging escape room challenge, and other fun activities that bring the curriculum to life.

Throughout the workshop, you'll gain access to valuable teacher resources and practical tips for seamlessly integrating cybersecurity concepts into your classroom. Discover innovative ways to captivate your students' interest in cybersecurity and empower them with essential skills for the future.

All participants should bring a charged laptop and have access to the RING curriculum prior to the session. Access is FREE! Please complete this form to request access to the curriculum: https://forms.gle/YosUwAN6WpZaLjYZA

Speakers

Jennifer Marden

Research Scientist/ RING Cybersecurity Curriculum Instructor, University of Alabama Huntsville

Jennifer Marden is a distinguished trainer and research scientist with the Regions Investing in the Next Generation (RING) cybersecurity curriculum team at the Center for Cybersecurity Research and Education at the University of Alabama Huntsville. Her primary responsibilities include... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

2-hour workshop

Intended Audience 9-12 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Cybersecurity / NSA
Device Compatibility Chromebook, Mac Computer, Windows Computer