Explore and create: Exploratory Creation lab 
Preregistration Required
The purpose of this presentation is to highlight the importance and benefits of integrating computer science concepts into various content areas through unplugged activities. In today's digital age, computer science knowledge is increasingly becoming a fundamental skill for students, regardless of their future career paths. Our objectives are twofold: firstly, to emphasize how unplugged activities, which do not require computers, can make computer science more accessible and engaging for students of all ages. Secondly, we aim to demonstrate how this integration can enhance learning outcomes in subjects such as mathematics, science, and even english language arts by fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. By the end of this presentation, our audience will not only understand the rationale behind this approach but also gain practical insights and resources to implement it effectively in their educational settings.
5 mins- Welcome and Introductions: Presenters will introduce themselves and give the opportunity for participants to share information about the roles they fill and their experience with computer science.
10 mins- CS Overview: Presenters will share differences between digital literacy and computer science then take a closer look at the CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards. Presenters will review the computer science practices, concepts and subconcepts. Participants will be taught how to navigate and read the standards. Presenters will be sure to showcase the descriptive statements that accompany the standards to give clarity and context to apply the standards at each grade level span.
5 mins- Why CS?: Presenters will share information with participants about the relevance computer science plays in current and future career opportunities. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss skills learners attain from experience with computer science that are not specific to just computer science. For example, computational thinking, logic, reasoning, problem solving and innovation.
10 mins- Activity 1: Participants will engage in an unplugged activity focused on CSTA standard 1A-AP-08; model daily processes by creating and following algorithms to complete tasks. Participants will learn what an algorithm is and then work to write an algorithm to navigate through a provided classroom map. Participants will write down their algorithms and swap with someone else for testing. Conversations will be had about correcting errors and what that looks like from the perspective of a programmer identifying a bug and then engaging in debugging to resolve it. This activity brings together computer science and map skills that are part of history and social science standards.
10 mins- Activity 2: Participants will engage in an unplugged activity focused on CSTA standard 1B-NI-05; discuss real-world cybersecurity problems and how personal information can be protected. Participants will explore data encryption and decryption. They will create a cypher to encrypt a message. Presenters will share about the relevance of encrypted and decrypted data when it comes to cybersecurity. This activity brings together computer science with mathematics standards focused on generating and analyzing patterns and relationships.
10 mins- Activity 3: Participants will engage in an unplugged activity focused on CSTA standard 2-CS-01; recommend improvements to the design of computing devices, based on an analysis of how users interact with the devices. Participants will think about design improvements that could be made to a smartwatch to make it more accessible to a user with osteoarthritis. Participants will work with a group to conduct research, brainstorm modifications and then sketch and label a prototype of their design. This activity brings computer science together with engineering standards found within NGSS and social-emotional learning.
10 mins- Q&A/ Resource Exploration: Presenters will open the floor for questions about content and resources shared. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore resources provided throughout the session.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T1HPkBv57cF21Mr3nUAHjhrvupwEw9fg/view?usp=sharing
https://k12cs.org/equity-in-computer-science-education/
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