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Session 1

Using Phidgets in the Classroom (9-12)

Allowing students to collect their own data and design their own experiments can be useful in driving engagement in the science classroom. Phidgets are quickly becoming a popular tool that makes sensor-based data collection accessible to students of all ages. In this presentation we’ll explore Phidgets, how to set them up for experiments, and enable them to collect data. We’ll also dive into how you can analyze the collected data, allowing students to learn data science skills alongside empirical science.

Target Grades: 9-12

Coding and Engineering Design Process: Practical Strategies for Your Classroom (7-12)

The new 9 de-streamed Science (SNC1W) curriculum incorporates Coding and Engineering Design Process to support the increased STEM focus.
In this workshop we will learn basic coding with Micro:bits and how to use it in your classroom to solve problems and model concepts. We will also consider how to incorporate and assess the Engineering Design Process. There will be multiple examples from the new SNC1W course, but all concepts are easily applied across multiple grades and disciplines, including cross-curricular applications.

Target Grades: 7-12

Tinkercad Circuits to Design and Test Circuitry controlled by micro:bit (4-12)

The BBC micro:bit has proven to be an effective tool for bringing physical computing into the classroom. Tinkercad has the ability to use Block Code and simulate functionality of the micro:bit such as controlling student conceived circuits that will bring their ideas to life.

Educators looking to leverage the micro:bit to control circuitry for use in their Design Engineering projects might be interested to learn more about designing and simulating circuits controlled using the micro:bit in Tinkercad. A natural fit for both Grade 6 and 9 Electricity Units, this tool is useful for anyone looking to get started with circuits, Digital IO/Analog IO, automation and the Internet of Things.

Workshop participants will design, simulate and build circuits controlled by a microcontroller.

Target Grades: 4-12

Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence (9-12)

The rapidly growing number of things one can do with machine learning and data has been discussed both as a brave new frontier and an existential threat. A less frequently explored approach is that of a philosophy of science. In this presentation I explore whether progress made through AI can be meaningful progress, applying the concepts of Plato’s distinction of art vs. habit, Popper’s falsifiable predictions, Lanier’s technological humanism, and more.

Intro to Git and Github Classroom (9-12)

Github is a platform that makes use of version control features to track changes in documents. Using this platform in the classroom enables students to work collaboratively while at the same time gaining experience with an industry standard tool. This talk will introduce the many features of Git and explore how Github Classroom may be used in computer science classrooms to distribute assignments with ease.

Target grades: 9-12