Special Topics

Dive into the world of data analysis with the Data Dunkers program, an innovative approach designed to introduce students in grades 5-12 to the fundamentals of data science. This hands-on session will showcase how Jupyter Notebooks, Python, and Pandas can be utilized to decode the stories hidden within sports statistics, with a special focus on NBA star Pascal Siakam and the Toronto Raptors. Emphasizing that no prior knowledge of basketball is necessary, participants will discover how to engage young minds by transforming sports data into compelling narratives, fostering analytical skills that are transferable across various disciplines.

Importantly, this session offers a unique opportunity for educators in science, math, and computer studies to integrate coding and data analysis into their curricula. Through practical examples and interactive learning, educators will gain valuable insights into making data science accessible and engaging for students, equipping them with the tools to implement these skills in a classroom setting.

In this talk, I will be discussing a proposal I shared with my department head and admin that advocated for the creation of an all-girls option of Grade 10 Computer Studies, or ICD2O. I will share the results of a survey sent to computer science students in my school as well as some of the academic research that has been done on this topic. Ideas and suggestions will be presented that aim to increase girls’ interest, self-efficacy, and comfort in a computer science classroom, with time to discuss strategies as a group.

This session digs into the details of generative text AI (large language models, LLMs). We’ll start with an unplugged activity that could be used in a CS classroom, then work through how LLMs do what they do—and what they *don’t* do. Approachable and useful for first timers and CS veterans.

Last year my students embarked on a year long adventure of creating a 3D platform game and releasing it on steam.  I will talk about node based programming and unreal engine and its potential to super charge your classes.