Imagine... a first-of-its-kind Kids' Coding Symposium; run by and for elementary students, with sessions taught by specially trained 5th and 8th grade girls demonstrating that diversity within the tech fields make us all stronger!  With your help, we can begin to knock down the gender barrier at this symposium, which will take place on a Saturday in the Spring 2018.

With these funds I will purchase 18 Sphero SPRK+ robots and 18 Makey Makey sets.  These tools will be added to the 36 Ozobots that I have already recieved through various grant programs. 

As part of our new Girls Teach Tech program, eighteen girls (representing each of our six elementary and two middle schools within our district) will become experts with these robots and kits, and then lead three sessions teaching other elementary students how to code with them while improving their computer science skills. 

The Kids' Coding Symposium will host 108 students (in 3rd-5th grade) in nine break out sessions as they learn more about each of the tools (Spheros, Makey Makeys, and Ozobots).  

After the Symposium, the girls will then return to their elementary schools to continue  to teach coding with these tools to other students and teachers as part of our growing computer science curriculum.  They will be leaders as they create SWAT Teams (Students Who Advance Technology) and be true examples of girls and women making a difference within the technology fields.

But we need the tools to get started! Spheros and Makey Makey kits will engage my students and help them learn abstract concepts through concrete, hands-on robotics. Everyone who donates to our project will be featured on a “Gratitude Wall” during the Symposium and thanked on our district website (if you prefer to remain anonymous, that’s fine too).

Who we are:  

Our students are awesome!! They are dreamers, creators, writers, scientists, innovators, leaders, bridge-builders, and team players from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, experiences. There are united by many things, but one of the biggest is their love of computer science and technology!

As our computer science program grows, I have noticed that gender bias in technology is present even at the elementary school level.  While many programs and clubs are geared towards middle and high school girls, I believe that we need to encourage elementary age girls to pursue their computer science passions and empower all students to work together.

Since many of our students only have access to technology while at school, they are eager to participate in our growing computer science curriculum in meaningful ways.  Many arrive at school early, stay late, or hang out in the labs during recess.  I am confident that the Kids' Coding Symposium will fill up quickly and they will be beyond excited to learn about Spheros, Makey Makeys and Ozobots.

Back Up Plan