Coding and STEM @ the University of Newcastle
The University of Newcastle provides professional learning opportunities for the teaching and learning of Coding & STEM in primary and secondary schools. The focus areas of the professional learning opportunities and research run are:
- The implementation of the Digital Technologies learning area of the national Australian Curriculum
- Teaching Coding and Computational Thinking in K-12
- Integrating Coding and Computational Thinking with different K-12 subjects (such as Science, Numeracy and Literacy
All of the workshops are focused on developing competencies included in the Digital Technologies learning area of the national Australian Curriculum and the capabilities outlined in the NESA's Digital Technologies and ICT Resources Guide. The conference and workshops have been developed in partnership with Google.
STEM Education Professional Development Conference
About
In 2023, The University of Newcastle will run a two-day Coding and STEM professional learning Conference, for Primary (K-6) teachers at the Callaghan Campus.
This professional development conference has been developed in a partnership with Google and is NESA accredited.
Completing the STEM Education Conference will contribute 10 hours of NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Accredited PD in the priority area of ‘Delivery and assessment of NSW curriculum’ addressing standard descriptors 2.1.2, 2.6.2. from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW.
STEM Education Conference | 4 & 5 September | 9:30am – 3:00pm
The Treehouse Function Room | The University of Newcastle
Program Details
Join our two-day professional development workshop to explore coding, robotics, and computational thinking across subjects like Science, Numeracy, and Literacy. Through hands-on experience with MicroBits, ProBots, and MakerSpace environments, you'll develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills in your students. Discover how MicroBits can be integrated into mathematics, science, and literacy to bring ideas to life through coding and physical computing. Delve into ProBots to enhance numeracy development and foster critical thinking, collaboration, and logical reasoning skills.
Led by experienced educators and technology experts, these workshops cater to K-6 classroom teachers with little to no coding or robotics background. You'll gain practical strategies, lesson ideas, and resources to successfully implement coding, robotics, and computational thinking in your curriculum. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to explore MakerSpace environments and connect with other teachers, sharing ideas and experiences. Join us in empowering your students and enhancing their learning journey through engaging and innovative educational technologies.
The conference has been developed in a partnership with Google and is NESA accredited.
Program Details
Day 1 - Microbits for Beginners
| 8:30-9:00am | Registration and Welcome - Dr Katie Waters |
| 9:00-9:25am |
Keynote Speaker - Associate Professor Elena Prieto-Rodriguez: STEM Education |
| 9:25-9:45am | Keynote Speaker - Meridith Ebbs: Microbits for Beginners |
| 9:45-10:30am | Workshop 1: MicroBit Introduction |
| 10:30-10:45am | Morning Tea (15 minutes) |
| 10:45-11:30am | Workshop 2: Linking MicroBits to Mathematics |
| 11:30-12:15pm | Workshop 3: Investigations with Science and MicroBits |
| 12:15-1:00pm | Lunch Break (45 minutes) |
| 1:00-2:00pm | Workshop 4: Linking MicroBits to Literacy |
| 2:00-3:00pm | Workshop 5: What is next? Finding Resources |
| 3:00pm | Day Concludes |
Day 2 - Robotics for Beginners (ProBots)
| 8:30-9:00am | Registration and Welcome - Dr Katie Waters |
| 9:00-9:15am | Presenter - Marina Sindija: Experiential Learning | STEM |
| 9:15-9:45am | Keynote Speaker- Jess Bowman: Unpacking the NEW Maths Syllabus |
| 9:45-10:00am | Keynote Speaker - Dr Katie Waters: Robotics for Beginners |
| 10:00-10:30am | Workshop 1: Introduction to Robotics (ProBots) |
| 10:30-10.45am | Morning Tea (15 minutes) |
| 10:45-11:20am | Workshop 2: Creative Coding | Procedures in Programming |
| 11:20-12:00pm | Workshop 3: Exploration using sensors (lights, touch, sound) |
| 12:00-12:15pm | Workshop 4: Group Collaboration | Sharing Resources |
| 12:15-1:00pm | Lunch Break (45 minutes) |
| 1:00-2:00pm | Workshop 5: Linking Scratch Maths |
| 2:00-2:40pm |
Presenters - Linda Cox and Hanna Brosow: Makerspaces in Education (Stop Motion Animation | Tinkercad | 3D Printing) |
| 2:40-3:00pm | Group Discussion | Questions |
| 3:00pm | Day Concludes |
***Don't forget to collect your free Microbit!
People
Lecturer | Coordinator Primary STEM Education
School of Education
University of Newcastle
About
We welcome Dr. Katie Waters, an experienced classroom teacher and lecturer in Primary STEM at the University of Newcastle, as a presenter at our conference. With over 25 years of experience, Katie will share her expertise on the integration of robotics in the primary classroom, specifically focusing on their connection to mathematics. Throughout Katie’s presentation, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a series of hands-on workshops. Katie will introduce ProBots (a level up from BeeBots) and familiarise attendees with their basic features and functions.
Participants will be guided step-by-step in creating simple programs using essential commands and parameters. The workshops will explore how ProBots can be effectively used for mathematics investigations, enabling students to create drawings involving lines, perimeter, angles, area, and various 2D shapes. Moreover, participants will delve into coding, programming procedures and discover how the built-in sensors of ProBots can be leveraged to promote task-based challenges, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Join us in embracing the exciting realm of robotics in the primary classroom and uncover innovative approaches to integrate mathematics and technology, fostering engagement and empowerment among young learners.
Meridith Ebbs
Education Consultant
https://koji.to/iMerinet
About
We are thrilled to have Meridith Ebbs as a Keynote presenter at our conference, offering a captivating presentation on the integration of MicroBits in primary classrooms. Meridith will delve into the realm of Microbits and their integration into the primary classroom, particularly in the context of Mathematics, English, and Science. Following her presentation, Meridith will have participants breakout into small groups to begin a comprehensive introduction to MicroBits, exploring their functions and sensors. Participants will then be guided through a visual coding platform, gaining hands-on experience in downloading code to the MicroBits.
Meridith will showcase how Microbits can be harnessed for maths investigations, including the creation of a dice and a pedometer. Moreover, attendees will gain insights into leveraging the built-in sensors for Science investigations. The session will also delve into thematic programming, highlighting how technology can be seamlessly incorporated across various learning areas, with valuable links to supporting visuals and resources.
Associate Professor Elena Prieto
Deputy Head of School, Teaching and Learning
School of Education
University of Newcastle
About
We welcome Associate Professor Elena Prieto-Rodriguez as a distinguished presenter at our conference. With a remarkable research career spanning across Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (STEM) as well as Theoretical Computer Science, Elena brings a wealth of expertise that has significant implications for Australia's future innovators. As an expert in mathematics education and a co-founder of HunterWiSE, Elena is passionate about shaping the next generation of mathematics teachers to re-energise mathematics education in Australia.
Through HunterWiSE, Elena and her team are dedicated to promoting and supporting girls and women in STEM through a comprehensive school program and a series of networking events across the Hunter region. This integrated approach aims to not only increase participation but also foster retention of girls and women in STEM fields. Join us as we gain invaluable insights from Associate Professor Elena Prieto-Rodriguez's pioneering work and explore how we can collectively inspire and empower the next generation of STEM leaders in Australia.
Jess Bowman
IT Coordinator & Stage 3 Teacher
Tighes Hill Public School
Casual Academic
School of Education
University of Newcastle
jessica.bowman@newcastle.edu.au
About
We are excited to introduce Jess, a dedicated STEMinist and self-proclaimed 'proud nerd,' as one of our esteemed conference presenters. Jess's passion for STEM education drives her to create enriching experiences for students and educators, nurturing their interest and confidence in STEM subjects. Her interactions with the likes of Associate Professor Elena Prieto-Rodriguez and the creators of the Scratch Maths program, Professor Celia Hoyles and Richard Noss, have propelled her into a leadership role, conducting Professional Learning sessions for fellow educators.
Jess's commitment to advancing STEM education is evident through her engagement in the Google CS Outreach Partner Summit 2022, where she shared insights about the Scratch Maths program and collaborated with fellow enthusiasts. In her upcoming conference presentation, Jess will unpack the new Mathematics syllabus (2021) and explore inventive approaches to integrate coding and robotics to enhance students' comprehension of mathematical concepts.
MakerSpace Coordinator
University Library
Academic Division
About
Linda Cox, the Makerspace Coordinator at the University of Newcastle, will be gracing our conference as a keynote speaker. As she defines the essence of Makerspaces, Linda will be shedding light on the transformative power of Makerspace environments in education. She will emphasise the numerous benefits they bring to teachers, students, and pre-service teachers alike. Attendees can expect to gain insights into the creative and collaborative projects conducted at the University, which equip pre-service teachers with invaluable skills for the teaching profession.
Linda will showcase various resources through an engaging 'show and tell,' offering a firsthand glimpse into the endless possibilities that Makerspaces can offer. She will inspire us to create innovative learning environments that empower students and educators alike.
PhD Candidate
School of Education
University of Newcastle
Marina.Sindija@newcastle.edu.au
About
We welcome Marina Sindija as she shares her PhD research on experiential learning. Experiential learning involves hands-on, experience-based activities that foster students' independent thinking, inquiry, and curiosity. Far beyond mere games and experiences, this approach emphasises not only the 'experience' itself but also the subsequent thinking, analysis, academic knowledge gained, and reflection (Kolb & Kolb, 2017).
As Dewey (1916) eloquently stated, "an ounce of experience is better than a ton of theory simply because it is only in experience that any theory has vital and verifiable significance" (Dewey, 2009, p.187). Discover how inquiry learning and active learning, as examples of experiential learning methods, play a pivotal role and can seamlessly integrate into the K-6 Mathematics and Science and Technology curriculums.
Casual Student Peer Support Assistant
Ourimbah MakerSpace - University Library
hannah.brosow@newcastle.edu.au
About
Join us in welcoming Hannah Brosow, a Casual Student Peer Support Assistant at the MakerSpace in the University Library, known for her dedicated work since January 2022. With a background as a Coastal Marine Science graduate and a seasoned Student Peer Support Assistant, Hannah brings a unique perspective to her role.
Her engaging workshop at the upcoming conference, will unravel the art of Stop Motion Animation for Beginners, covering everything from crafting compelling stories, designing sets and storyboards, to the intricacies of filming, editing, and presenting her own creation, 'Picnic with Friends'
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.