ISTE 2024

ISTE 2024 is right around the corner, and we can’t wait to see you in Denver! You’ll find the Finch Robot, Hummingbird Robotics Kit, and Owlet Elementary Math Tools Collection featured workshops, events, and playgrounds throughout the conference. To make sure you don’t miss any of the action, we’ve collected all of the info for you – so grab your calendar and mark these events!

Don’t forget to visit us in the Expo Hall in Booth #564. Get hands-on with our award-winning tools, meet our delightful team, and grab some flocking amazing swag before it all flies away!

Can’t make it to Denver this year? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Find resources from all of our sessions and events linked below. And don’t forget, you can borrow any of our robots free for 60 days! So sign up for your demo today, and get ready for deep and joyful learning!

⭐ Be sure to check back in on this page after the conference, as we’ll be adding more resources throughout the event.⭐

Monday, June 24

Social Emotional Learning and Robotics

Monday June 24 8:30-10:00am; Poster session

Bluebird Ballroom Lobby, Table 7

Computer Science is an engaging, hands-on way to help students develop and strengthen their Social-Emotional skills, in any subject or grade level. Explore hands-on examples of how robotics can help students develop important skills like collaboration, perseverance, critical thinking, self-reflection, emotional literacy, and more.

Resources:

Hands-On Robotics: Bringing Simple Machines to Solve Real World Problems with Melissa Zeitz and Tom Lauwers

Monday June 24 1:00-2:00pm; Exploratory Creation Lab

Colorado Convention Center, Mile High Ballroom 4BCD

Get hands-on and learn how simple machines can be brought to life through robotics and applied in various academic subjects. Learn about engaging challenges that incorporate engineering and programming to promote student interest and enhance real-world readiness. Explore automation and how to create your own cardboard robots.

Melissa Zeitz, PreK–8 Digital Literacy and Computer Science Teacher, has worked to support DLCS curricula in her school and across her district. Melissa is the technology and curriculum resource coordinator for the CSforALL Springfield NSF-funded grant which aims to write computer science curriculum to be integrated into the district’s academic curriculum. In these roles she has guided numerous teachers to different DLCS resources and curricula and advised the district in deciding what computer science resources may be beneficial for the elementary level. Melissa is the CSTA of Western Mass President and a MIEE Expert.

Resources:

 

Cardbotics! Beyond Cardboard Engineering: Simple Machines, Smart Robotics with Greg MocDonough and MakeDo

Monday June 24 11-12:30am; Poster session 

Colorado Convention Center, Bluebird Ballroom Lobby, Table 30

Kick your cardboard creations up a notch! Explore mechanisms, simple machines, and other engineering components with materials you can find in your recycling bin! In this hands-on session, we’ll take your STEM learning to the next level with engineering and robotics. No experience necessary – beginners are welcome.

Greg McDonough is the Innovation Space Coordinator at Lake Forest Country Day School. He teaches Innovation and Design courses to preschool through eighth-grade students. He is passionate about making, learning, and play-based learning. Greg is a Micro:bit Champion and Makedo ambassador.

Resources:

 

Tuesday, June 25

Living Book Reports: Bring Literacy to Life With Robotics with Darren Alcala and Lindsay Munoz

Tuesday June 25 2:00-3:00pm; Exploratory Creation Lab

Colorado Convention Center, Mile High Ballroom 3C

Elevate literacy with robotic book reports! Join our hands-on workshop, where we’ll design book cover robots inspired by literature. In this hands-on workshop, we will collaborate, build and discuss pedagogical tips to build confidence in robotics and computer science instruction. No robotics experience is required!

Darren Alcala has been in education for the past twenty-five years with sixteen at the elementary and middle school level. He is currently in his ninth year as a district technology instructional coach focused on the integration of both educational technology and computer science in the classroom while emphasizing instructional strategies, building relationships, teacher sustainability, student creativity, student engagement, and student success. He is an advocate for Computer Science centered on equitable practices, alignment to standards, cross-curricular integration, and accessible approaches. He is a Micro:bit Champion, both Google and Microsoft Certified Educator, and IACUE Board President.

Resources:

 

Ensuring Diversity & Equity with Assistive Technology (featuring Owlet) with Alicia Verweij

Tuesday, June 25, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Interactive Session

Colorado Convention Center, Bluebird Ballroom 2GH

Embracing inclusive education fosters diversity and equity in learning environments. Assistive technology is crucial. We’ll delve into the features and advantages of various assistive technologies used in local classrooms. Join us to discover how innovative tools ensure inclusivity for all students, irrespective of their abilities or backgrounds.

Alicia Verweij is a seasoned educator, passionate about teaching children to think critically and problem-solve in preparation for future careers. She is committed to collaborative, engaging learning techniques and assisting educators in implementing them. In addition to decades of classroom experience, she holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, a B.S. in Business Management, an Education Certification, and an endorsement in Gifted Education. She has received numerous grants and awards for her success in the classroom and continues to share her passion for integrating STEAM and Project-based learning at local, state, regional, national, and international levels.

Resources:

 

Wednesday, June 26

Venturing Into New Possibilities – Robotics Lessons Designed by Students for Students with Marianne Green

Wednesday, June 26, 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.; Deep-Dive Creation Lab

Colorado Convention Center, Mile High Ballroom 4EF


Need ideas to create curricular connections and ignite wonder? Take this hands-on, interactive playground, designed by students transforming their learning through creative robotics. Hear from students about their robotics activities, then try them yourself! Leave this session with free resources, empowering your students to design their own programs.

An award-winning K-16 educator, with creative approaches weaving technology throughout cross-curricular and multi-grade level projects that enhance learning and empower students, Marianne T. Green has worked both nationally and internationally holding certifications from the state of Maryland, Apple Education, BrainPOP, Edpuzzle, Microsoft Flip, Ozobot, and Seesaw Education. She will be joining the team at Fukuoka International School in Fukuoka, Japan as their Educational Technology Coach this August.

Resources:

 

RoboPlay: A Hands-On Exploration of STEM, Computer Science, and Robotics

Wednesday June 26 12:00-02:00; Playground

Colorado Convention Center, Playground B

RoboPlay: A Hands-On Exploration of STEM, Computer Science, and Robotics is an interactive playground focusing on STEM, computer science, and robotics. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities and explore the latest trends in these fields.

How can creative robotics fit in to your school day? Explore creative robotics and physical computing in math, reading, world language, and beyond with award-winning tools from BirdBrain Technologies! Explore animal behaviors and joust with the Finch Robot in Spanish, then experience a living book report and an interactive arcade game made with the Hummingbird Robotics Kit. BirdBrain tools facilitate deep and joyful hands-on learning in every subject, so bring your curiosity and creativity, and get ready to play!

Resources:

 

Come see us in the Expo Hall in booth #564!