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

Hands On Computer Science with LEGO Education

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

Join us to explore how LEGO Education can support Coloroado Computer Science in the classroom. Attendees will experience how hands-on computer science activities can enhance cross-curricular learning in this interactive session. Together, we’ll demonstrate how integrating coding, computational thinking, and digital literacy into various subjects boosts critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, while reinforcing core concepts in math, science, and literacy.

Discover the benefits of hands-on learning, where students actively engage with technology to build deeper understanding and retention. You'll gain practical strategies for incorporating these approaches into your curriculum, making lessons more interactive and relevant.

Key Takeaways:
• Benefits of cross-curricular computer science integration
• Advantages of hands-on learning in skill development
• Practical examples and strategies for classroom use
• Resources to support implementation and sample bricks to take home!

Speakers

Danna Hollander

Account Manager, Lego Education

Danna Hollander is the Colorado Key Account Manager for LEGO Education. She supports districts around the state with hands-on learning that supports engagement, combats absenteeism and builds college and career ready skills.

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

1-hour presentation

Intended Audience P-2 teachers, 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers, Administrators
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic CTE, Maker Activities, Programs and Spaces, Physical Computing/Robotics
Device Compatibility Chromebook, Mac Computer, Windows Computer

TBA

Engaging with AI4K12 Learning Standards through an Open-Access Unit on Self-Driving Cars

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

In this workshop you will gain hands-on experience with how to teach the AI4K12 Artificial Intelligence learning standards through an open access middle-school curriculum that focuses on both Self Driving Cars and Make Code programming with micro bits. This unit is centered around phenomenon-based instruction where students explore the question of how self-driving cars can make safe and ethical decisions to get us where we want to go. Come to this session to learn about how to incorporate AI standards, computer science topics, and a compelling social issue into science and STEM classrooms. During the workshop you will participate in hands-on unit activities as well as review this freely available curriculum. We will discuss assessment strategies, alignment to learning standards, and transferability of these topics even if you are not going to use this exact 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

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 Artificial Intelligence (AI) including Machine Learning, Block Programming, Physical Computing/Robotics
Device Compatibility Chromebook, Mac Computer, Windows Computer

TBA

Lilypad Sewable Circuits

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

This hands on sessions will help teachers bring Lilypad Sewable Electronic into their classroom. As teachers we are always looking for ways to provide learning experiences our students will remember. With Lilypad Sewable Electronics students get a hands on learning experience, a project they get to take home, and a life skill they can expand on. Teachers will get to practice working with conductive thread, LED lights, and other crafting materials. I will be sharing project slides, and set up tips.

Speakers

Kayla Burkel

Teacher, Silver Hills

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 Maker Activities, Programs and Spaces, Physical Computing/Robotics, STEM Integration
Device Compatibility Chromebook, Mac Computer, Windows Computer