The PSCSTA offers a variety of workshops geared towards both Computer Science teachers, and teachers of other subjects that are looking to include more Computer Science in their curriculum. We welcome everyone at our workshops, you do not need to be a member to attend. Additionally, all of our workshops are free of charge, and we often offer free clock hours to attendees. Workshops are normally held on the 3rd Saturday of each month during the academic year, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm on the University of Washington’s main Seattle campus. There are some exceptions to this, to accommodate various school holidays.
Upcoming Workshop
Workshop TBA
TBA
Description:
Coming soon.
Time and Location:
- 10:00 am -1:00 pm
- University of Washington, The Paul G. Allen Center for Computer Science & Engineering
Past Workshops
2016 – 2015
CS Teachers Demo Day!
Saturday, November 14th, 2015
Description:
Come learn some great ideas from long-time CS teachers! Several teachers will be available to share ideas from their classroom, demo projects,and discuss challenges of teaching Computer Science! We will share and discuss teaching resources and you will have an opportunity to let us know what the PSCSTA can provide to help you succeed and integrate or teach computer science in you classroom.
Resources:
None.
Meet-and-Greet Social, Hosted by code.org and the PSCSTA
Saturday, September 26th, 2015
Description:
Learn more about the Puget Sound Computer Science Teachers Association, a volunteer-run organization consisting of members teaching computer science at all grade levels (K-16) throughout the region. Stay engaged with a professional network of teachers and find out more about upcoming events including our programming contests for students, a Tech Out event for girls in grades 7-12, and professional development events designed specifically to address some of the challenges and opportunities inherent to teaching computer science.
Resources:
None.
2015 – 2014
End of the Year Party
June 20th, 2015
Description:
This is an all ages event. The PSCSTA will be ordering some appetizers for everyone to enjoy. We will elect our new officers, plan for next year, and then celebrate all of our hard work and dedication in bringing Computer Science to the Puget Sound.
Resources:
None.
CS Principles in your Classroom, Moderated by Earl Bergquist
May 16th, 2015
Description:
AP CS Principles (CSP) testing starts in May 2017, but the class has been developing for many years. We will take a look at the variety of curricula that have grown to provide this new AP class from it’s origins in 2010 to now. We will hear presentations from Local representatives, a recap from this year’s SIGCSE, and explore and discuss online resources. All to help better understand how to bring CSP to our classrooms.
Data Science Workshop, Presented by: Camille Cobb UW CSE
March 21st, 2015
Description:
Camille Cobb will introduce us to the PACC part II challenge. She will give us an overview of data science and some specific tools that may be useful to participating teams and mentors. Those tools include Python libraries, Excel, and Tableau. We will also have a discussion on how to best incorporate data science into Computer Science and Mathematics classrooms.
Game Development Options, Moderated by: Greg Kilpatick
January, 17th, 2015
Description:
In this workshop Greg will lead a discussion on the use of video game programming to attract students to the Computer Science field. He will discuss development platforms, and competitions. Please plan to share your own experiences with video game programming in the classroom.
Resources:
User Centered Design Workshop, Presented by: Lauren Bricker
November 15th, 2014
Description:
We will host a speed dating version of a Hack-A-Thon. Bring your laptop, your creative coder hat, and an open mind. We’ll provide mobile devices and instruction on low-fidelity prototyping and rapid development for mobile devices using MIT’s App Inventor. Bring your own computer and android device (if you have one).
Resources:
Computer Science Education Week Events and Preparation, Moderated by: Alec McTavish
October 18th, 2014
Description:
What do you have planned for Computer Science Education Week (December 8th – 14th). Learn about activities and events to increase interest and knowledge in computer science for your students and entire school. We will have members present what has worked well in the past and their latest plans for this year, including how to get your Math and Science teachers more involved with opportunities like the Hour of Code.
Hacking and Security in CS Teaching, Presented by: Kendrick Hang
September 27, 2014
Description:
Rarely a week goes by without a security-related topic appearing in the news headlines. Whether it be viruses, worms, identity theft, phishing, or hacking, security is often on the minds of computing professionals and everyday users. In computer science classes, we can introduce the basic principles and practices of computer security and even use security issues and hacking activities to draw students into computer science. Ken Hang from Green River Community College will share two high school level security/hacking competitions designed to inspire students, Cyberpatriot and PicoCTF. The University of Washington security group will share hands-on security activities that can be done even without computers!
2014 – 2013
State of CS Education, Presented by: Stuart Reges
March 15th, 2014
Description:
In this session, we will discuss important trends in CS education including MOOCs, cloud computing and the proposed AP CS Principles course. We will learn about the topics discussed at recent conferences including SIGCSE.
Resources:
AppInventor Workshop, Presented by: Earl Bergquist
March 15, 2014
Description:
AppInventor is a visual programming language for developing applications for devices that run the Android operating system. In this workshop, Earl will lead us through several hands-on activities that show the power of AppInventor and provide us with ideas on how to incorporate this tool into our courses.
Resources:
APCS Labs Workshop, Presented by: Héè Martin
January 11, 2014
Description:
Starting in the 2014-2015 school year, AP CS A will no longer include a case study such as GridWorld. Instead, teachers will be responsible for including a significant lab component to their courses but students will not be tested on their knowledge of specific pieces of code. The College Board is in the process of developing several sample labs. In this workshop, we will discuss the lab requirement, look at the provided samples and try some of the exercises for ourselves.
Resources:
Nifty Lessons Workshop, Facilitated by: Greg Kilpatrick
November 16, 2013
Description:
We all have demos that we love to show, pieces of code with interesting twists that capture our students’ imagination and particularly thoughtful ways to express difficult concepts. In this session, teachers will share 20-minute samples of these nifty lessons
Physical Computing Workshop, Presented by: Andy Davidson
October 19, 2013
Description:
Physical computing is about creating hardware and software systems that interact with the physical world. Examples might include art pieces that react to the amount of noise around them or sensor systems that monitor soil moisture and send out a text message when a plant needs to be watered. It’s a great way to motivate students to consider STEM!
Scratch 2.0 Workshop, Presented by: Héè Martin
September 19, 2013
Description:
Scratch 2.0 offers several valuable improvements over prior versions. Join us to learn about making programs more interactive with video and sound and to see how building new blocks can help students learn about abstraction. Prior experience with Scratch is not required. If you are an experienced Scratch teacher, please bring some assignment ideas to share with the group!
Resources:
2013 – 2012
Building a CS Program of Study: Beyond Intro and APCS, Facilitated by: Brett Wortzman
May 18, 2013
Description:
The Intro/AP model for introducing high school students to CS is well-developed. But how can we reach students who might shy away from these courses, or engage students beyond AP? How can we introduce students to the full breadth of opportunities and experiences in computer science? This roundtable discussion will focus on ideas for courses to interest students before, beyond, and beside Intro and AP
Resources:
SIGSCE Report, Presented by: Stuart Reges
March 23, 2013
Description:
A report on what was going on at the annual SIGCSE convention held in early March along with the latest news about the two courses being proposed for high school computer science (Exploring CS and CS Principles).
Resources:
Physical Computing Workshop, Presented by: Andy Davidson, Paul Osborne, and Kory Srock
January 12, 2013
Description:
Physical computing is about creating hardware and software systems that interact with the physical world. Examples might include art pieces that react to the amount of noise around them or sensor systems that monitor soil moisture and send out a text message when a plant needs to be watered. It’s a great way to motivate students to consider STEM!
Resources:
Mobile Device Programming Workshop, Presented by: Earl Bergquist
November 17, 2012
Description:
Cell phone and tablet App’s have taken the world by storm and provide an excellent way to interest students in programming. MIT App Inventor uses blocks that snap together like puzzle pieces to define Android applications’ behavior (similar to Scratch) and can access online databases and resources to produce powerful tools & games easily in intro classes. In addition the Android SDK uses Java to produce more sophisticated apps, making it a good choice for post AP CS projects. This workshop explores how these programs may fit into your school’s CS program.
Resources:
Processing Workshop, Presented by: Héè Martin and Susan Ev
October 20, 2012
Description:
Processing is a Java-based programming language and framework designed for creating images, animations and interactions. Its many libraries allow it to interface easily with input devices such as microphones and cameras. Its new Android mode lets students explore mobile development without needing to learn a whole new framework. Colleges including Bryn Mawr, NYU and UCLA are using it to teach courses ranging from introductory programming to interaction design to introductory graphics. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn about the environment and explore project ideas.
Resources:
Attracting and Retaining Students, Presented by: Ashley Myers
September 22, 2012
Description:
This round-table discussion will explore issues around bringing a diverse group of students into a K-12 computing program and continuing to keep them engaged in computing throughout their schooling. We will discuss how to make a lab space inviting, cool projects that will increase computing’s visibility throughout a school, clubs, and more. In particular, we will share and create plans for Computer Science Education Week. Presentations from local IGNITE and DigiGirlz programs too!
Resources:
2012 – 2011
SIGCSE Review, Presented by: Stuart Reges
May 19, 2012
Description:
None
Resources:
- None
Advanced CS Projects, Presented by: Lauren Bricker
March 17, 2012
Description:
None
Robotics, Presented by: Greg Kilpatrick
January 21, 2012
Description:
None
Resources:
- None
Introduction to CS Courses, Presented by: Andy Davidson
November 19, 2011
Description:
The topic is introductory courses in CS. We had a roundtable discussion of goals, topics, syllabi, and languages and systems that people have used for teaching introductory courses in CS.
CS Pedagogy, Presented by: Héè Martin
October 15, 2011
Description:
The topic is “CS Pedagogy,” featuring a discussion of techniques and activities for the CS classroom. Héè Martin will share some ideas for warmup activities, ball-parking, challenges, etc.
CS Assessments, Presented by: Stuart Reges
September 17, 2011
Description:
Issues for constructing quiz and test questions for CS courses.
Resources:
2011 – 2010
Beyond AP Computer Science, Presented by: Stuart Reges
June 18, 2011
Description:
The main topic for this workshop is “Beyond AP CS,” with thoughts and discussion about the kinds of topics and projects we can do after the AP exam and course. Topics for advanced students: OOP, MVC, design patterns, etc.
Resources:
Programming Applications, Facilitated by: Andy Davidson
May 21, 2011
Description:
CS projects in robotics, game, mobile, and device domains. Greg presented game programming alternatives, Héè presented GridWorld projects, and Mike presented Karel the robot.
Resources:
- None
Processing/Arduino Workshop, Presented by: Andrew Davidson
April 16, 2011
Description:
Open source systems for graphics and electronics projects. If you’re not familiar with Arduino, it is an open-source hardware/software platform (a small, inexpensive micro-controller) for prototyping electronics projects. Processing is a related open-source software environment for teaching computing and making interactive graphics, art, and much more.
Resources:
- None
Functional Programming, Presented by: Mark Engleberg
March 19, 2011
Description:
Experiences teaching functional programming using Scheme. This workshop covers the award-winning “Program by Design” curriculum. Including the specifics of how Mark implements the curriculum using the DrRacket IDE and the graphics and animation teachpacks. Mark describes functional programming, and makes a case for teaching functional programming first with beginning students. He explains the philosophical principles that underlie the curriculum. His goal is to change the way you think about teaching computer science, and leave you with concrete ideas that you can incorporate into your existing curriculum to achieve better results with your students.
Resources:
Scratch Programming Workshop, Presented by: Lauren Bricker
Febuary 12, 2011
Description:
Fundamentals of the Scratch visual programming environment.
Resources:
- None
Computer Science Pedagogy, Presented by: Stuart Reges
January 15, 2011
Description:
Review of recent papers and theories in CS pedagogy.
Resources:
Python Programming Workshop, Presented by: Héè Martin
December 11, 2010
Description:
Fundamentals of the Python programming language and IDE.
Resources:
- None
CS Principles Project, Presented by: Héè Martin
November 20, 2010
Description:
Review of plans for new SIGCSE first-year CS curriculum.
Contest Development, Presented by: Crystal Hess
October 16, 2010
Description:
Strategies for developing programming contest challenges.
Resources:
Test Development, Presented by: Stuart Reges
September 18, 2010
Description:
Issues for constructing quiz and test questions for CS courses.
Resources:
Syllabi Review, Presented by: Greg Kilpatrick
August 21, 2010
Description:
Share and discuss course syllabi before school starts.
Resources: