PD Event Archives

The Center for Excellence in STEM Education at The College of New Jersey is pleased to announce that registration is open for Code.org professional development workshops designed to prepare middle school and high school teachers to teach computer science.

The Code.org Professional Learning Program has both in-person and online supports designed to prepare teachers before and during their first year teaching CS Principles or CS Discoveries.

There are different programs depending on grade level. For more information, click here or click the register button above.

Registration is open for Code.org CS Discoveries professional development workshops designed to prepare middle school and high school teachers to teach computer science. CS Discoveries is an introductory computer science course that empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun. The curriculum is recommended for middle and high school students (grades 6-10) and can be taught either as a semester or full-year offering.

The Code.org Professional Learning Program has both in-person and online supports designed to prepare teachers before and during their first year teaching CS Principles or CS Discoveries. Participants kick off the Professional Learning Program with a 5-day workshop to be held at TCNJ in Ewing, NJ where we will explore the curriculum and learning tools, discuss classroom management and teaching strategies, and build a community of teachers. With a focus on a customized experience, participants will develop skills while working in small groups to deepen their understanding of the materials. Support continues throughout following academic year as participants attend local, 1-day quarterly workshops hosted by Code.org Regional Partners.

Drexel University’s College of Computing & Informatics is pleased to announce that the REThink Project, a Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) Site in Engineering and Computer Science for Machine Learning to Enhance Human-Centered Computing, is now accepting applications for its 2019-2020 Program. REThink CS @ Drexel is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. CNS-1711773.

STEM and Computer Science high school teachers and 2-year college faculty in the City of Philadelphia and Greater Philadelphia Metropolitan Area are encouraged to apply for this non-residential program running June 24, 2019 – August 2, 2019. Over the course of the 6-week institute, teachers will participate in seminars that cover the sources of big data, machine learning techniques, human-centered computing, overviews of project areas and the ‘big ideas’ and computational thinking practices of CS Principles. Teachers will spend the remaining time performing research with faculty and students in labs on project topics that include driver distraction, histology image analysis, and smart textiles for perinatal monitoring, while initiating work on educational modules for use at their home institutions.

Teachers are expected to commit to full-time participation during the six-week summer program and additional activities throughout the school year. Teachers will participate 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and receive up to $6000 for the summer program, up to an additional $2000 additionally for follow up activities throughout the year, and will be allotted up to $2000 for equipment/supplies needed to effectively develop and deliver new course materials based on their research experience. No prior research experience is necessary. We encourage applications from two persons at the same institution, who can work as a team in developing and delivering curricular materials.

Applications will be accepted through March 16, 2019. For more information, including how to apply, visit the project website or contact Evy Vega directly at evy.vega@drexel.edu or 215-895-2669. Drexel University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The College of Computing & Informatics’ REThink Project is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

CS Fundamentals is an introductory computer science course that requires no computer science background. Today’s students need to prepare for tomorrow’s careers. Computer science teaches critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Integrate computer science in your classroom with our 20 hour course for beginners.

This fun, hands on curriculum blends online learning with unplugged, hands on activities. You will learn how to introduce computer science basics in a format that’s fun and accessible to the youngest learners.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Please create a Code.org account prior to the workshop. Make sure to bring your laptop and charger. All teachers will receive a Code.org swag bag, curriculum guide, and PD certificate. You will leave prepared to teach CS Fundamentals in your classroom. Ongoing Support is provided throughout the academic year.

Presenter: Paige Besthoff

Registration is open for Code.org CS Principles development workshops designed to high school teachers to teach computer science. Computer Science Principles (can be taught as an AP​®​ course)​ is also an introductory course that requires no computer science background (from students or teachers). We recommend it for students in grades 9-12 with stronger reading and writing skills. More than a traditional introduction to programming, it is a rigorous, engaging, and approachable course that explores many of the foundational ideas of computing so all students understand how these concepts are transforming the world we live in.

The Code.org Professional Learning Program has both in-person and online supports designed to prepare teachers before and during their first year teaching CS Principles or CS Discoveries. Participants kick off the Professional Learning Program with a 5-day workshop to be held at TCNJ in Ewing, NJ where we will explore the curriculum and learning tools, discuss classroom management and teaching strategies, and build a community of teachers. With a focus on a customized experience, participants will develop skills while working in small groups to deepen their understanding of the materials. Support continues throughout following academic year as participants attend local, 1-day quarterly workshops hosted by Code.org Regional Partners.

Registration opens March 15th!

LEGO Mindstorms EV3 is a powerful and engaging tool for teaching engineering, technology, science, and math. Through hands-on constructions and small projects, participants will learn the basic concepts of LEGO hardware & software. We will focus on building a robot that can perform multiple tasks including the challenge of navigating through a maze. Classroom management will be discussed as well as organizing small students groups, storing of materials and effective ways to encourage creativity for both genders. This session is designed for educators with little or no experience with LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3.

Presenter: Graciela Elia

Registration opens March 15th!

** Please note: this workshop requires participants to install the Unity software package on their machine PRIOR to the workshop. This is a large, time consuming installation and the workshop will not wait for individuals who are not prepared.**


This workshop proposes to immerse you in a series of activities so that you can learn the value of Unity through direct experience. When you complete this workshop, you will know how to create a fully functioning game in Unity that can be shared with others. Participants will be able to:

Presenter: Suzanna McGee

CS Fundamentals is an introductory computer science course that requires no computer science background. Today’s students need to prepare for tomorrow’s careers. Computer science teaches critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Integrate computer science in your classroom with our 20 hour course for beginners.

This fun, hands on curriculum blends online learning with unplugged, hands on activities. You will learn how to introduce computer science basics in a format that’s fun and accessible to the youngest learners.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Please create a Code.org account prior to the workshop. Make sure to bring your laptop and charger. All teachers will receive a Code.org swag bag, curriculum guide, and PD certificate. You will leave prepared to teach CS Fundamentals in your classroom. Ongoing Support is provided throughout the academic year.

Presenter: Paige Besthoff

All New Jersey high schools are now required to offer a computer science class. During this FREE workshop counselors and administrators will learn about highly successful computer science programs in New Jersey and why your school should offer computer science if you do not already do so. You will learn about an affordable one year professional learning program sponsored by Code.org that includes a full week summer workshop and quarterly in person follow up sessions. We will confirm your registration and provide additional information including travel and parking directions closer to the time.

Presenter: Henry Harms, Assistant Director of the Center for Excellence in STEM Education at The College of New Jersey and Code.org Partner Manager for New Jersey.

The desktop cutter is a great elementary and fun introduction to the world of digital fabrication. Learn how to design digital images to create vinyl stickers and iron ons. We’ll also cover two color layering.

In this hands-on workshop, you will the the basics of electronics sewing, electronic circuits and microcontroller. We will also learn how to design and cut felt with a desktop cutter commonly used with vinyl. We will be making light up projects that you can take back to the classroom.

Desktop cutter skills has been covered in Designing with the Vinyl Cutter workshop but can serve as an excellent refresher while working with a different medium.

** Please note: this workshop is designed to follow our Programming with Arduino, basic workshop. It is not designed to be a participants first exposure to Arduino. If you have not attended our basic workshop but do have other experience with Arduinos you are welcome to attend.**

Ready for round two? This advanced workshop will focus on controlling pretty much anything electrical with an Arduino. Participants will engage on hands-on practical activities that will include some of the more advanced shields and break out boards that can be added to an Arduino for increased function. The topics of Bluetooth, RFID, and IR control will be discussed and used in a variety of circuits that control both AC and DC products as well as pneumatic actuators. Participants will also design some homemade sensors that can be shared in the classroom with their students. For anyone who does not have a Technology Education/Industrial Arts certification, we will be having an introductory, ONE hour safety lesson at the beginning of the workshop. Sample lessons and activities will be shared with the participants.


Presenter: Michael Cappiello

Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world and is now used to teach programming at six of the top ten computer science undergraduate programs in the United States. Python has a reputation for being a well-supported computer language that is ideal for education and is also a favorite among scientists. This workshop acts as an introduction to computer programming with the Python programming language. The basics of imperative programming will be covered as well as ideas from selected areas of computer science, data science and education. We will review the basics of the language and discuss how it is used and taught.

Presenter: Lars Sorensen

In this workshop, we will start with learning how to work with Scratch and Makey Makey to create a desktop fun project. Ultimately, participants will build a carnival activity using Makey Makey and Scratch.

This workshop is an overview of machine learning and digital fabrication techniques involved with modifying an off the shelf R/C car to drive autonomously. Participants will have an opportunity to “teach” the cars and see how effectively they “learn”.

Using common materials, we will create a primitive micro:bit robot that draws. With a second micro:bit, we will create a remote control for the artbot. All programming will be done with micro:bit Javascript Block code.

Explore how computers see and understand what they see while we play with computer vision. Participants will build and setup their own custom vision kit. It’s a great starting point to learn and work with Computer Vision and Machine Learning on the Raspberry PI 3 B+.

Participants will keep their completed projects at the end of the workshop.

The focus of this workshop centers around the basics of working with the PI Camera. Participants will learn how to setup the camera with Raspberry PI 3 B+ and how to operate it. We will by working with Python to create simple projects/tasks — No previous Python experience necessary.

We will be making light up Valentine’s Day themed projects that you can take back to the classroom. In this hands-on workshop, you will learn the basics of electronics sewing, electronic circuits, and microcontroller. We will also learn how to design and cut felt with a desktop cutter commonly used with vinyl.

Desktop Cutter skills have been covered in Designing with the Vinyl Cutter workshop but this can serve as an excellent refresher while working with a different medium.

This workshop will help participants leverage the Raspberry PI as a web server for various projects in their classroom. Attendees will learn how to navigate the Command Line and get introductory exposure to Python in action.

In this hands-on introduction to using Raspberry Pi, you will learn how to get started with the Pi, some creative ways to use it in your classroom, and where to find more info for taking it to the next level. Bonus: How to remotely access the Raspberry Pi from your computer or smartphone.

Have you hit the wall coding in Scratch? This workshop will demonstrate how to troubleshoot your Scratch code projects and introduce you to advanced coding concepts such as: Variables, Arrays, Functions, Sequence, Events, Conditionals, Loops, Boolean Logic, Parallelism, Operators, Remixing, Modularizing, and Algorithms. Unleash these concepts to take your Scratch projects to the next level.

Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world and is now used to teach programming at six of the top ten computer science undergraduate programs in the United States. Python has a reputation for being a well-supported computer language that is ideal for education and is also a favorite among scientists. This workshop acts as an introduction to computer programming with the Python programming language. The basics of imperative programming will be covered as well as ideas from selected areas of computer science, data science and education. We will review the basics of the language and discuss how it is used and taught.

Presenter: Lars Sorensen

This workshop introduces teachers to the use of robots in upper elementary through grade nine. Includes hands-on learning with the EV3 Lego Mindstorms Robots while focusing on instructional strategies that promote problem based learning. We will also have a presentation on cybersecurity as it relates to robotics. 5 hours of hands-on, problem based Professional Development. Includes classroom lessons and strategies. Please email loriben@fdu.edu if you have any questions.

Arduino consists of both a physical programmable circuit board- often referred to as a microcontroller- and a piece of software, or IDE (Integrated Development Environment) that runs on your computer, and it is used to write and upload computer code to the physical board. This workshop will explain how to control hardware and sensors by using the IDE to program the arduino. The Arduino language is a set of C/C++ functions that can be called from your code. We will review the process of writing sketches and loading the code into the Arduino.

Middle and High School with an interface for developing small Android apps that can be tested on their devices. This user-friendly drag and drop interface starts with basic concepts but allows for growth into Java programming. Don’t have access to an Android? No problem. The app inventor provides a free Android simulator for Mac or PC. This content can be applied to an Hour-of-Code session.

Learn how to write code that controls hardware! Plug the micro:bit into the USB port of your computer, save your code to the micro:bit and immediately see the results of your coding. Learn the basic structures of coding and quickly see the results. The Micro Bit was designed to encourage students to get actively involved in writing software for computers and build new things; encouraging students to become producers rather than consumers of media.

Join us for this workshop where we will explore the ins and outs of Harvard/MITs easy-to-use, open source program called Scratch. You’ll learn to create in a simple drag and drop environment, and explore limitless resources to help you get closer to using Scratch in any learning environment. This workshop introduces you to Scratch and its advantages in your classroom, evaluates the features and functions of the Scratch interface, and introduces coding using the Scratch software application.

Attend this conference to learn more about women in cybersecurity. Listen to speakers and panels talk about the field, and get a chance to make connections! For more information, read about the event here.

Presenter: Various speakers

The workshop will cover how to utilize the Arduino Uno platform to teach programming and electronics at both the High School and Middle School levels. Participants will learn through hands on activities and design based projects. Topics will include: making and using sensors, motor control, audio circuits and basic robotics.

Presenter: Michael Cappiello

LEGO Mindstorms EV3 is a powerful and engaging tool for teaching engineering, technology, science, and math. Through hands-on constructions and small projects, participants will learn the basic concepts of LEGO hardware & software. We will focus on building a robot that can perform multiple tasks including the challenge of navigating through a maze. Classroom management will be discussed as well as organizing small students groups, storing of materials and effective ways to encourage creativity for both genders. This session is designed for educators with little or no experience with LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3.

Presenter: Graciela Elia

Debugging Scratch

Have you hit the wall coding in Scratch? This workshop will demonstrate how to troubleshoot your Scratch code projects and introduce you to advanced coding concepts such as: Variables, Arrays, Functions, Sequence, Events, Conditionals, Loops, Boolean Logic, Parallelism, Operators, Remixing, Modularizing, and Algorithms. Unleash these concepts to take your Scratch projects to the next level.

Instructors: Gary Schafer and Philip Polsine

This workshop will be co-sponsored by the Building CS Capacity in NJ Project (TCNJ) and The STEM Institute of Education (FDU).
The workshop involves building fully functional apps for Android smartphones and tablets using MIT App Inventor, which is an intuitive, visual programming environment that allows everyone to be able to build apps. The block based tools help in creating complex apps in significantly less time than traditional programming environments. This enables people to move from technology consumption to technology creation. App Inventor could make programming enjoyable and accessible to novices, enabling students to develop computing skills and computational thinking. Also, this empowers kids and adults to create apps that make a difference in their communities, which many have already done and continue to do so. Some features when using App Inventor:

• Your app appears on the Android phone or tablet, step-by-step as you add pieces to it, so you can test your work as you build
• If you don’t have an Android phone or tablet, you can build your apps using the Android emulator, software that runs on your computer and behaves just like a phone
• When you’re done, you can package your app and produce a stand-alone application to install.

Presenter: Rama Madhavarao and Dr. Neelu Sinha

Intro to Micro:bit with Intro to JavaScript programming concepts

Learn how to write code that controls hardware! Plug the micro:bit into the USB port of your computer, save your code to the micro:bit and immediately see the results of your coding. Learn the basic structures of coding and quickly see the results. The Micro Bit was designed to encourage students to get actively involved in writing software for computers and build new things; encouraging students to become producers rather than consumers of media.

Instructors: Gary Schafer and Philip Polsine

Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world and is now used to teach programming at six of the top ten computer science undergraduate programs in the United States. Python has a reputation for being a well-supported computer language that is ideal for education and is also a favorite among scientists. This workshop acts as an introduction to computer programming with the Python programming language. The basics of imperative programming will be covered as well as ideas from selected areas of computer science, data science and education. We will review the basics of the language and discuss how it is used and taught.

Presenter: Lars Sorensen

*PLEASE NOTE: Registrants must be able to bring their own personal laptops to participate in this workshop. No computers will be available at the site**
Alice is used by teachers at all levels from middle schools to universities, in school classrooms and in after school and out of school programming, and in subjects ranging from visual arts and language arts to the fundamentals of programming and introduction to java courses. Using this 3D, block-based programming environment, students will create animations, build interactive narratives, and program simple games. The student will learn fundamental principles of programming including objects and classes, control structures, event handling, and passing data. Logical and computational thinking flow naturally into the creative explorations and exercises. Finally, a custom designed applet showcases the students’ work and provides a touchstone for concepts learned and understood.

Presenter: Karen Sullivan

*PLEASE NOTE: Registrants must be able to bring their own personal laptops to participate in this workshop. No computers will be available at the site**
LEGO Mindstorms EV3 is a powerful and engaging tool for teaching engineering, technology, science, and math. Through hands-on constructions and small projects, participants will learn the basic concepts of LEGO hardware & software. We will focus on building a robot that can perform multiple tasks including the challenge of navigating through a maze. Classroom management will be discussed as well as organizing small student groups, storing of materials and effective ways to encourage creativity for both genders. This session is designed for educators with little or no experience with LEGO Mindstorms EV3.

Presenter: Graciela Elia

This one-day professional development course is intended to introduce Middle through High School teachers to physical computing with the BBC micro:bit, a popular micro-controller for Computer Science and STEM education. The micro:bit is an inexpensive and excellent hardware platform for teaching the fundamentals of programming, digital and analog electronics and physical computing. The course will include both circuit construction and programming activities, with circuits constructed on a solder-less breadboard. To make programming more accessible to those with limited experience, most programs will be written as a group activity guided by the instructor.
In addition to teaching the technical aspects of using the micro:bit for physical computing, the course will include guidance on creating and distributing circuit diagrams, avoiding common errors in circuit construction, and setting up an effective system for storing and sharing program files.

Presenter: Jeff Beck

A mentored, project-based, immersive, online program designed specifically for STEM teachers in response to new NJ law. Learn new techniques and exercises to teach students software and security with confidence, begin coding from scratch with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Source Control. In addition, develop your command of advances tools in jQuery, AJAZ, Flexbox, and Bootstrap, and demonstrate proficiency by creating a website.

Presenter: NJIT Professors

POGIL is an evidence-based pedagogy that encourages students to construct their own knowledge and develop lifelong learning skills. In a POGIL classroom, students work in self managed teams through a learning cycle of exploration, concept invention, and application. The instructor facilitates the process, creates opportunities for teams to report out, and offers additional guidance as needed. This workshop will explore the fundamentals of POGIL, discuss how the activities are structured, provide guidance on implementing activities, and include opportunities to practice classroom facilitation techniques. Click here for more information, upcoming regional workshops, curriculum materials, and other instructional resources.

Presenter: Cliff Kussmaul