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.

Please note, log in instructions will be sent upon registration. Click here for registration information.

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

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