Pro-D Days

Geering Up Pro-D workshops are offered in alignment with BC’s professional development days. Join us to explore new and fun ways to bring STEAM topics into your classroom. These hands-on workshops will allow you to explore different activities and challenges all related to BC’s Science and ADST curriculum.

Upcoming Conferences & Pro-D Events:

Event About Date Location
AI for Educators: Novel approaches to designing lesson plans and assessment in K-12 classrooms In this workshop we will learn to design in collaboration with AI using large language models like ChatGPT to quickly brainstorm and create high-quality, individuated lesson plans and assessments for K-12 classrooms. Learn how to write effective prompts, integrate BC curriculum, inform your teaching with advanced pedagogy, and customize lessons for your students. This workshop welcomes all skill levels, with no prior coding or AI experience required. Join us and enhance your teaching with AI. Feb 16, 20249:30am-2:30pm UBC Campus

We also deliver in-person and virtual workshops for schools and school boards. Let us know if you are interested!

instructor teaching student to code

Fees, Restrictions, and Requirements

There is no fee for the workshops. All materials required for the workshops will be easily accessible items you likely already have in your classrooms/homes.
Each workshop is offered for up to 50 participants and we require you to have a minimum of 10 attendees for the workshop to run. Attendees will need their own devices, with internet connection, to participate in the workshop.

Topics

Coding is becoming an increasingly essential skill to have and understand. Coding teaches computational thinking, problem solving, operationalization, logic, creativity, digital literacy, and confidence. However, teaching coding can be challenging when you may have limited access to computers and technology. In this workshop, we’ll explore and test out several “unplugged” activities that teach computational thinking and coding.

Explore core coding principles with visual programming in Scratch. This workshop will introduce you to how the basics of Scratch - a drag-and-drop programming language. Students can use Scratch to program interactive stores, games and animations. In this workshop, we'll introduce you to the blocks in Scratch and you'll make your very first program! Please note this is an introductory workshop for those with no or minimal experience using Scratch.

AI is a significant emerging technology for youth & society. Learning about AI supports thinking critically about our interaction with AI, supports learning how to contribute to AI in society, and supports learning how to leverage AI to face global challenges. In this workshop, we will cover the basic principles of artificial intelligence and try out some hands-on AI activities - you will even get to create your very own AI program using Scratch.

In this workshop, you'll learn about the design and science of sound. By the end, you'll come away with your very own musical instrument!

Engineering is a broad field that presents many opportunities for creative problem solving and hands-on learning. The engineering design cycle is a framework for thinking that can be broadly applied across all subjects and connects well to the Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies curriculum. In this workshop, you’ll act as engineers and participate in a hands-on STEAM lesson, while utilizing the engineering design cycle.  You will come up with possible solutions to help eliminate barriers for a student in a wheelchair.

Elevate your teaching with our workshop on integrating arts into STEAM education. Discover the synergy of creative and critical thinking as we delve into hands-on activities that make learning come alive. Our sessions provide innovative approaches to seamlessly infuse arts into STEAM, fostering cross-disciplinary connections and preparing students for real-world challenges. Join us in transforming your classroom into a hub of creativity and exploration.

Video games are the world's largest entertainment industry and are still growing in popularity. They also make excellent educational tools, providing students with an interactive environment in which to experiment, play, compete, and learn. In this workshop you will be taken through the process of creating your own simple video game.

This workshop provides an immersive learning experience for teachers seeking to explore the ever-evolving realm of artificial intelligence. The workshop centers around ChatGPT, an AI system that generates unique text. Through hands-on activities, participants will gain insight into the intricacies of AI and explore ChatGPTs potential applications and limitations, while also honing their critical thinking skills to effectively implement this cutting-edge technology.

This workshop offers an opportunity for students to delve into the fascinating intersection of mathematics, technology, and art. Participants will have the chance to expand their artistic repertoire by learning how to generate and combine shapes and colors using JavaScript code to create stunning visuals on a 2D screen. The workshop caters to both beginners and advanced coders, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals seeking to explore this exciting field.

FAQs

Of course! Anyone can sign up for our professional development workshops. Our workshops will reference and integrate BC's curriculum throughout, however, you could modify the activities to fit your local curriculum.

Have more questions?
You can reach us at pro-d.geeringup@ubc.ca.