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

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

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

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