Presented by Lori Fields, Associate Director of Engagement for Project Lead The Way (PLTW); with Rebecca Reed, PLTW Regional K-5 PLTW Launch Trainer
Sponsored by Project Lead The Way

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In today’s world where computing has revolutionized every field imaginable, the most effective solutions almost always involve technology. However, the current demand and supply are mismatched, as computer science career openings outpace students’ skills and interest. Like many other fields, computer science interest starts long before a student decides on a major or even applies to college. To best prepare students for technology careers, we must engage students at the earliest ages. So how do we prepare K-5 students for the amazing opportunities that require computational thinking? And how do we provide age-appropriate computing experiences to students as early as kindergarten?

In this webinar, Lori Fields, Associate Director of Engagement for Project Lead The Way (PLTW), and Rebecca Reed, PLTW Regional K-5 PLTW Launch Trainer, shared successful strategies and real-world classroom examples for introducing computer science at the elementary level. Join Lori and Rebecca to learn more about:

• The role of an Activity-, Project-, Problem-Based instructional approach in developing students’ computational thinking skills and knowledge
• How to motivate students to explore the fundamentals of computer science while engaging deeply with topics in science, language arts, and mathematics
• The value of student collaboration in solving real-world problems while experiencing computing

Learn the fundamentals of how to connect computing with content standards in K-5 and create opportunities for young students to be prepared for their innovative, technology-rich, evolving world. This webinar will be useful for elementary school administrators, classroom teachers, and technology teachers as well as STEM program coordinators (at the school or district level), Chief Academic Officers, and District level elementary curriculum instruction administrators.

BONUS! Access one of the PLTW Launch unplugged computer science activities to start engaging your students right away. Download Rosie’s Runtime and bring a fun activity to your classroom—for free! Your download will include a printable game board, code cards, instructions for play, and more.

 Lori Fields is the Associate Director of Engagement with Project Lead The Way. She has been with the organization since June 2014, and her main duties include facilitating PLTW Launch Lead Teacher trainings across the country and supporting schools as they implement PLTW Launch.  Earlier in her career, Lori taught Kindergarten, first grade, and served as a district science coach.  She enjoys supporting teachers as they share their enthusiasm for STEM education with their students and community.  Follow Lori on Twitter @PLTW_Lori.

Rebecca Reed is a Master Teacher for Project Lead The Way and is a K-5 STEM Educator in Orange County, Florida. Rebecca is training elementary teachers around the country who will lead PLTW Launch programs in their school districts and buildings. Most recently, Rebecca taught Cornerstone Charter Academy’s STEM program for all grade-levels K-5. She graduated from Florida Christina College. Follow Rebecca on Twitter @PLTW_Rebecca.

WATCH THE WEBINAR RECORDING

 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for K-12 students and teachers across the U.S. PLTW empowers students to develop in- demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW’s teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning. More than 8,000 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer PLTW programs.