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

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

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

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

Micro:bits in Wonderland

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

Mirco:bit in Wonderland is a hands on adventure. There are multiple projects to test as we explore the story of Alice in Wonderland with Make Code and Micro:bits. These projects can stand alone or be made into a unit to fit your classrooms needs.

Speakers

Kayla Burkel

Teacher, Silver Hills

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

1-hour presentation

Intended Audience 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Block Programming, Cross-curricular Integration/CS Integration in non-CS Classes, Maker Activities
Device Compatibility Chromebook, Mac Computer, Windows Computer

TBA

Pioneering Computer Science Integration; Grand Mountain’s Journey

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

Join us as we explore Grand Mountain’s groundbreaking journey as Colorado’s first Computer Science Innovation School. Since opening six years ago as a PreK-8 Computer Science Integration School, we have been dedicated to embedding computer science across all grade levels and subjects. This session will highlight how our educators seamlessly integrate computer science into diverse curricula with the support of our administration. Discover our innovative learning approaches, see how our students engage with computer science in meaningful ways, and gain insight into our vision for the future of computer science education. Whether you're looking to start or enhance CS integration at your school, our experiences, successes, and lessons learned will provide valuable takeaways for educators and administrators alike.

Speakers

Louana Prunty

Teacher, Widefield School District 3

Louana teaches 6th Grade Social Studies at Grand Mountain School in the Widefield school district. She has 14 years of experience in both elementary and middle school. Louana joined Grand Mountain School in 2019 because of its computer science focus. She has successfully integrated... Read More →

Alena Loan

Middle School Computer Science Teacher, Widefield School District 3

I am a Middle School Computer Science teacher at Grand Mountain k-8 school. I have been teaching for 7 years, and have been a part of the computer science curriculum integration team for the last 4 years.

Danielle Selke

Art Teacher, Widefield School District 3

Middle School Art

Heather Knight

6th grade science teacher, Grand Mountain School

I am a 6th grade science teacher who has 24 years of classroom experience spanning K-6. Heather joined Grand Mountain School excited to see how computer science could be integrated into the regular classroom. She has successfully used Elementari, Spheros, Ozobots, computational... Read More →

Luz Burnside

Middle School Band

Heather Smithers

I am a first year middle school Computer Science teacher. I am certified in several PLTW courses, and enjoy using the PLTW curriculum in my course. I teach Automation and Robotics, Computer Science Innovators and Makers, Design and Modeling, App Creators, Web Design and Computer... Read More →

Stephanie Smith

Curiosity Center Coordinator- Librarian- Technology Integration Coordinator- WSD3 STEMologist- KGMS News Production Teacher. All things books, chromebooks, 3D printers, flight simulators, robotic arms, laser cutters, and online systems. I teach the News Production class as well as... Read More →

Samantha Hope

With eight years of teaching experience across grades K-5, I currently serve as a fifth-grade educator at Grand Mountain School, which I joined at its founding. My enthusiasm for integrating computer science into the standard curriculum has influenced my career. I have successfully... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

1-hour presentation

Intended Audience 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Community Engagement, CS Curricular Alignment/Pathways, Cross-curricular Integration/CS Integration in non-CS Classes
Device Compatibility Chromebook, Mac Computer, Windows Computer

TBA

Stretching Minds and Bodies: Exploring Problem-Solving in Action

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

This session will get you and your students moving mindfully. Learn techniques and activities that combine students' problem-solving skills with physical challenges, connecting their minds and bodies to Computer Science concepts in a safe and inclusive environment. The session will begin with breath-awareness practices and move into computer science activities out of our seats! Come prepared to stretch your mind and body through cooperative learning strategies and hands-on activities!

Speakers

Cassandra Bryning

Business and Computer Science Teacher, Adams 12 Five Star Schools

Cassandra has taught Computer Science and Business in elementary, middle and high school classes for over 10 years. For the past 4 years, she has been a part of the team that planned and implemented Adams 12 Five Star Schools’ online school: Five Star Online Academy. In 2024 she... Read More →

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

1-hour presentation

Intended Audience 3-5 teachers, 6-8 teachers
Skill Level BEGINNER: Limited or no experience or prior topic knowledge; no prerequisite skills required.
Topic Block Programming, Classroom Practice / Pedagogy / Instructional Strategies, SEL- Social Emotional Learning AND Unplugged
Device Compatibility Android Device, Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer, Windows Computer

TBA

Teaching Test-Driven Development with AI-generated Code for HS Students

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

In this session, teachers will learn 5 test-driven development strategies they can teach HS students to use with AI-generated Python code (unit tests, edge cases, assert statements with descriptive statements, before/after validation, test iteration).

Speakers

Aaron Verstraete

Christine Liebe

Professor of Practice, Colorado School of Mines

Christine Liebe, Ph.D., is a Professor of Practice in the Computer Science Department at Colorado School of Mines, Director of the Teach@Mines Program, and a K-12 licensed educator. She developed the first K-12 CS pre-service courses in Colorado.

Sunday June 8, 2025 TBA

1-hour presentation

Skill Level INTERMEDIATE: Basic core competency or knowledge of the topic; some prerequisite skills or knowledge required.
Topic Artificial Intelligence (AI) including Machine Learning, Classroom Practice / Pedagogy / Instructional Strategies, Text-based Programming
Device Compatibility Android Device, Chromebook, iOS Device, Mac Computer, Windows Computer