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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

c_wonder: For Teachers

summer instructors
Our c_wonder: For Teachers programming is aimed to inspire educators by teaching them new concepts, and hopes to educate them on how to fully integrate STEM learning into their classrooms. Engineering Outreach understands the power of the educator in transforming STEM education to address issues of equity and access. Through these resources, our goal is for educators to develop a level of comfort, understanding, and excitement for STEM!
Please note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our programming for the 2020/2021 school year will be held virtually.

Program Information

The workshops will be held virtually over Google Meet afterschool from 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM. Each workshop will introduce educators to unique concepts and skills that they can easily integrate into their classrooms. While there are recommended grade levels for each session, educators new to coding can benefit from all sessions. The content relates directly to the new coding aspects of the math curriculum for grades 1 to 8 but educators outside this range are welcome to participate! Check out the description for each workshop below.  

We understand how difficult this time can be for educators. To thank you for your hard work, for every free workshop you participate in you will be entered in our draw to win a classroom supply bundle! We will be announcing the winners on our social media and contacting the winners through email after the sessions. 

If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out to Engineering Outreach Coordinator Vanessa Ironside at vanessa.ironside@ontariotechu.ca

Registration now open. Click here to register.

 

Workshop Information:

Coding a Chase Game

Tuesday, October 13 | 4:00pm - 5:30 pm
Recommended for Kindergarten to Grade 5

During this virtual session, educators will learn how to code a chase game in Scratch where a main character will be coded using arrow keys to grab an object. This activity meets the expectations for grade 1 to grade 5 and can be extended to meet the expectations for older grades which will be explored during the session. Educators new to coding teaching all grades are encouraged to participate!

Coding a Pong Game

Thursday, October 15 | 4:00pm - 5:30 pm
Recommended for Kindergarten to Grade 5

During this virtual session, educators will learn how to code a pong game in Scratch where a paddle will be coded using arrow keys to move in order to hit the ball towards objects to collect points. This activity meets the expectations of all grade levels and can be made easier or harder based on extensions.

Unplugged Block Coding

Tuesday, October 20 | 4:00pm - 5:30 pm
Recommended for Grade 1 to Grade 8

During this virtual session, educators will learn how to use printable Scratch Blocks to meet the curriculum expectations for all grade levels. We will explore ways for you to use this resource in your classroom such as coding a friend! Teachers will also be provided with online copies of these blocks to print and use in their classroom. 

 *This activity is unplugged meaning it requires no technology in the classroom.

Unplugged Grid Coding

Thursday, October 22 | 4:00pm - 5:30 pm
Recommended for Kindergarten to Grade 8

During this virtual session, we will explore how grids can be used to meet the coding expectations for all grade levels. 

 *This activity is unplugged meaning it requires no technology in the classroom. 

Probability

Tuesday, October 27 | 4:00pm - 5:30 pm
Recommended for all educators

During this virtual workshop, educators will explore the basics of Micro:Bit and will code a device that allows students to explore probability in your classroom. This activity meets the expectations of all grade levels and can be made easier or harder based on extensions.

Data Collection and Analysis

Thursday, October 29 | 4:00pm - 5:30 pm
Recommended for Grade 5 to Grade 8

During this virtual session, educators will explore Micro:Bit further and will code a device that allows students to collect and explore data. This activity meets the expectations of all grade levels but is ideal for older grades due to complexity.

Past Workshops

  • View past workshops

    Introduction to STEM Education

    Open to Kindergarten to Grade 8 Teachers

    Join us for a fun and hands-on day exploring how STEM can effectively be integrated into your classroom. This jam-packed day will involve breakout sessions by grade range to ensure that each division receives information that reflects the needs of their classroom.  

    During this program, we will be running a day of STEM-based activities for your children to ensure that all educators can attend this event without the worry of childcare. These workshops will be run by our qualified staff. This opportunity will be open to youth entering grade 1 to grade 8 in September 2020. If you are interested in bringing your child or children to the day, please indicate this on the registration form.

    Coding in the Classroom

    Open to Kindergarten to Grade 8 Teachers

    Coding is a fundamental skill that students will need for future work. In this workshop, Educators will be prepared with the skills and tools to integrate coding in their classrooms. 

    During this program, we will be running a day of STEM-based activities for your children to ensure that all educators can attend this event without the worry of childcare. These workshops will be run by our qualified staff. This opportunity will be open to youth entering grade 1 to grade 8 in September 2020. If you are interested in bringing your child or children to the day, please indicate this on the registration form.

    Technology Playground

    Open to Kindergarten to Grade 8 Teachers

    Join us for an exciting evening at Ontario Tech University to explore innovative technology and gain new ideas on how to teach STEM in your classroom! Our technology playground lets you be the student and delve into coding, robotics, electricity and so much more. Light refreshments provided.

    AI Workshop for Educators

    Open to Grade 7 - 12 Teachers

    Join us for our first ever c_wonder AI workshop that prepares educators to seamlessly introduce artificial intelligence fundamentals into their classroom. This workshop will familiarize educators with the overarching themes of artificial intelligence such as data representation, machine learning, and ethical considerations, and will provide meaningful connections to all streams of the curriculum. Lunch is provided.

     

     

     

We are pleased to offer c_wonder: For Teachers programming at no cost to educators with the generous support of Actua and the Government of Canada’s CanCode program.