STEMAZing Institute - Tangible Coding and Computational Thinking for Young Learners

Children build their STEM identities starting in preschool and early elementary. They are growing up in a digital world and coding is just as important as basic literacy. Join us for three days of coding experiences designed to engage and inspire our youngest learners. Start with basic hands-on, minds-on offline coding games using #STEMontheCheap materials like checker boards and ping pong ball cyclops robots. Then, let children become human robots as they program their paths to different objects. Finally, work your way into programming Code & Go Robot Mice. Every activity shared is completely offline – no computer required for this tangible programming. Cultivate the coding and computational thinking minds of children (and yourself) using tactile and kinesthetic lessons. Teachers will receive everything they need to engage children with coding games and computational skill development including a set of Code & Go Robot Mice with activity sets – a STEMAZing Kit worth more than $350.

Audience: PreK-2nd Grade Teachers from Southern Arizona

(In order to maximize the impact of this workshop, only educators who work directly with students will be allowed to register and receive a kit. Please contact Amanda McPherson: amanda.mcpherson@pima.gov if you would like to attend but are in an administrative role.)

Facilitator: Amanda McPherson, Director of the STEMAZing Project

Location: Pima County Superintendent's Office, 200 N. Stone Ave

Cost: $75 for three days of world-class professional development AND a STEMAZing Kit valued at more than $350.

Scholarships are available for southern Arizona teachers who have requested support from their school/district/organization to no avail. Simply email Amanda McPherson: amanda.mcpherson@pima.gov for more information.

Course Dates: Monday, June 19 - Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Daily Schedule 

8:00 am - Check-in and Breakfast (provided)

8:30 am – Morning Session

11:30 am - Lunch (provided)

12:00 pm – Afternoon STEMAZing Session 

3:15 pm – End of Day

Special thanks to the 2023 STEMAZing Institute title sponsor, Tucson Electric Power! The generous STEMAZing Kits of equipment and supplies teachers receive would not be possible without their continued support.

This workshop is part of the STEMAZing Institute. The STEMAZing Project’s philosophy on teacher professional development is simple: It must be hands-on and engaging – putting the educators in the seat of the students to experience STEM lessons firsthand. It must provide the educators with the equipment and supplies they need to implement the lessons and activities in their classrooms the next day if they choose. It must be facilitated by master educators who have themselves been in the classroom.

Media Policy:

The Pima County School Superintendent's Office and its partners often take photographs and videos during events and workshops as they occur. By registering for this event and/or workshop you are granting permission to use these images to promote our programs in print, on the web, and on social media.

Payment Policy
Payments must be received five (5) business days prior to the start of the class.  Payments can be in the form of a check, credit card, P-Card, or a school purchase order. Registrations within the five (5) day window must be paid immediately upon registering for the course. 

Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancellations must be submitted in writing five (5) business days prior to the start of the class to receive a refund.  Cancellations must be emailed to BOTH: danel.hogan@pima.gov AND  AR-schools@pima.gov No refunds will be given for “no shows.”  If courses are cancelled due to low enrollment, refunds will be issued to the individual or the school.

Attendance Policy

You are required to attend all sessions of the STEMAZing Institute strand. If you miss a session without prior consent from the organizer, you will be asked to return your STEMAZing Kit or you will be charged for its full value.