PLTW Summit 2022 PLTW Launch Track In-person Workshop Sessions | PLTW

PLTW Summit 2022 is coming to Orlando, FL Oct. 28-30, 2022, with workshop sessions to empower you with the tools and tips to maximize your time and enhance the learning experience for your students. See below for a first look at the sessions featured in our in-person PLTW Launch track, and head over to pltw.org/summit to add sessions to your PLTW Summit agenda!

A Process Approach to Integrating PLTW Launch into K-5 Classrooms

Kristin Contons, Chelsea Regan, Abby Weeres, and Amy Oliver

Track: PLTW Launch

Get the action steps necessary to move from using PLTW Launch modules in isolation to integrating them in other curriculum areas with an emphasis on language arts. Starting with standards and curriculum maps, participants determine areas of connection and overlap, and see how Monroe Elementary in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota has capitalized on those connections to build a dynamic program that pairs PLTW outcomes with essential literacy skills to deepen content understanding in both areas. Additional tips for increasing student and family engagement through Flipgrid and SeeSaw, and learn ways to incorporate social, emotional learning.

Participants completing the session will:

• Learn the process Monroe Elementary moved from using PLTW curriculum in isolation to integrating it with other curricular areas.
• Learn how PLTW expectations and processes were customized to allow for the learning curve and constraints (curriculum minutes, access for all students, supply quantity, etc.) of certain circumstances while keeping the integrity of the curriculum intact.
• Learn tips from the trenches about how to integrate PLTW with other curriculum areas.

3D Printing Made Simple for Education

Brian Bobbitt

Tracks: PLTW Launch, PLTW Gateway, PLTW Computer Science, PLTW Engineering, PLTW Biomedical Science

Join our session to check out different styles of 3D printers. See how 3D printing enhances STEM instruction through different implemented projects that are proven successful. You’ll get the chance to use free software that can make innovative ideas come to a reality on a 3D printer.

Participants completing the session will:

• Understand the different types of 3D printers, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
• Know how to analyze the different types of filaments available and how to use them most effectively.
• Have a plan to implement 3D printing in your own classroom.

Make Your Curriculum and Technology Work for All Students: Tools for Equitable Instruction

Sarah Van Loo and Bill Van Loo

Tracks: PLTW Launch, PLTW Gateway, PLTW Computer Science, PLTW Engineering, PLTW Biomedical Science, PreK-12 Leadership

The past three years have highlighted many of the most challenging aspects of teaching in the current era of education. Challenges in creating engaging experiences for learners and authentic connections with students abound.

How can teachers make their classroom experiences accessible and engaging for all students today? In this session, we’ll explore and share a number of strategies, including practical ways for implementing Universal Design for Learning, understanding how they can use good information design, and digging into case studies that demonstrate how to make the most of technology to engage and communicate with students and families.

Participants completing the session will:

• Discover how to design instruction that benefits all students. Working in small groups, solve classroom scenarios and walk away with specific and practical strategies for your classrooms.
• Gain an understanding of how to maximize learning management system (LMS) to engage and reach students. Specific strategies for organization, communication, and access will be discussed and shared.
• Learn information design strategies that empower them to convey content and instruction effectively and efficiently to students across multiple platforms. Examples of using these strategies across a variety of tools and platforms will be shared and explored.

Ignite Curiosity and Innovation with the Spark of PLTW

Heather Hoover, Amy Bailey, Kaleena Stackhouse

Track: PLTW Launch

Now that we have the ability to nurture our students’ curiosity and creativity while exposing them to real-world situations and dilemmas, can we use this approach and go beyond the PLTW curriculum? The answer is yes. During this session, presenters demonstrate how to enhance PLTW curricula, apply an APB approach across content areas, and develop ways to integrate PLTW throughout the school day, to enable our students to produce tangible, forward thinking results, and innovative ideas.

Participants completing the session will:

• Learn how to enhance their PLTW curriculum by adding a performance space (box set) where students can simulate real-world solutions to the problems presented within the PLTW curriculum.
• Learn how to apply the APB learning during math instruction to create relevant lessons where students can apply a mathematical approach that relates to real-world situations.
• Discover how to implement PLTW structures, such as the engineering design process, throughout the day across other content areas.

Incorporating PLTW in Specials Rotation Schedule

Flyura Gasca

Track: PLTW Launch

Join us to learn about the incorporation of the PLTW Launch curriculum within a special’s rotation schedule (STEM as a specials class). The schedule includes either seeing each class once a week or seeing each class for three or four days in a row and then not seeing them for 3-4 weeks. The workshop concentrates on how to adjust and modify the PLTW curriculum to meet the scheduling needs and to keep the integrity of the APB approach. Also, storing, organizing, and using the consumable and non-consumable materials will be addressed.

Participants completing the session will:

• Engage in the shared experiences of maneuvering the PLTW curriculum within various scheduling needs with an intention of keeping the integrity of the APB approach and meeting the needs of schools with various population sizes.
• Learn the best ways to store, organize, and use the consumable and non-consumable materials that are intended for the whole school's population (500-1,200 students).
• Learn how the district managed the implementation of the PLTW curriculum in 28 elementary schools at once, which built capacity for the STEM teacher leaders. Also, learn how to address science standards that are different from NGSS with the PLTW curriculum.

Integrating PLTW Launch, Reading, and Writing

Eryca Card and Amy Magill

Track: PLTW Launch

Did you know that PLTW Launch doesn't need to be stand-alone STEM curriculum? It can be easily integrated into your existing reading and writing curricula, which allows you to acquire time in your teaching day. This session will change the way you teach and gain you time while your students gain a deeper understanding and make better connections as they learn. Join us and walk away with a list of books and reading/writing strategies that you can use for integration the moment you step back into your classroom.

Participants completing the session will:

• Identify books to enrich and support the integration of the PLTW Launch curriculum into PreK-5th grade reading and writing.
• Create a list of strategies for incorporating PLTW Launch into existing reading instruction. PLTW Launch is a high-interest, literature-based program that can be used to teach the foundations of reading instruction – comprehension, accuracy, fluency, and vocabulary.
• Collect ideas for incorporating PLTW Launch into existing writing curricula. The content/concepts covered in the PLTW Launch curriculum can be incorporated into each of the three forms of writing, narrative, informational/explanatory, and opinion/argument.

PLTW in Community-Based Early Childhood Programs

Elizabeth St. John and Michael Robinson

Track: PLTW Launch

The Day Early Learning network of early learning centers began implementing PLTW Launch in a community-based setting in 2019. PLTW has strengthened the core curriculum we provide in our programs and it ensures every child is ready to succeed in Kindergarten and beyond. This session covers the ways we ensure fidelity to the PLTW model across 10 early childhood centers. We’ll share the tips and tricks we’ve learned over the last three years to ensure our PLTW teachers and learners are thriving. This engaging session asks teachers to collaborate on implementation possibilities and develop next steps.

Participants completing the session will:

• Apply PLTW Launch in their PreK classrooms in an engaging way.
• Create their own schedule of implementation of PLTW Launch.
• Network with other teachers and administration to strengthen PLTW Launch implementation.

PLTW Launch and Environmental Sustainability

Lisa Roesch and Kelly Stone

Track: PLTW Launch

Climate change and sustainability are hot topics around the globe. This workshop demonstrates how to link opportunities with community partnerships to prepare learners to face the global challenges of climate change within the PLTW Launch program. Our workshop outlines how we enhance our PLTW Launch modules with environmental themes to prepare our learners to join engineers around the world in solving these emergent crises.

Participants completing the session will:

• Understand how to enhance the PLTW program to support climate change and sustainability lessons for elementary students.
• Comprehend how to partner with community resources to enhance the activities, projects, and problems presented in PLTW modules.
• Understand the process we used to implement these objectives in our school, specifically obtaining grant money and building community partnerships through a living wall project in our school.

PLTW Launch Takeoff-tips, Tricks and Management of a Successful PLTW Launch Classroom

Christine Davenport

Track: PLTW Launch

Navigating modules, schedules, and materials can be difficult at times, but there is hope! Learn ways to chunk the modules into manageable sections for regular classrooms or as a special’s teacher. Explore hands-on ways to foster group involvement, entrance and exit strategies, supplementation ideas, fun recognition ideas, funny stories about how it went right, how it went wrong, and so much more!

Participants completing the session will:

• Plan, implement, assess, and adjust practices to facilitate learning, demonstrate a caring attitude that protects the dignity of others, and develop self-efficacy for lifelong learners.
• To develop teachers who use positive approaches to instruction and classroom management.
• Exhibit effective techniques which promote learning for all students regardless of race, culture, gender, age, creed, or ability.

How PLTW Changed the Trajectory of Student's Thinking in our District

Beth Tomlinson, Jonathan Aery, Terry LaFountain, Stephen Tomlinson, and Michael Nacheman

Tracks: PLTW Launch and PLTW Gateway

Engage in an informative session and discover the variety of ways that PLTW is implemented in our K-8 programs. Experience how glasses are taught and go behind the scenes of what students are creating, building, and presenting using multimedia. Witness how students and teachers navigate their way through classes in different classroom settings. Teachers and leaders will share how demonstrations of student success has allowed them to continue to grow PLTW and school leaders share how they’re able to maintain PLTW financially.

Participants completing the session will:

• Learn how our district approached the Robotics and Automation unit together with student engineered toys and their media presentations. Participants will also experience how the design process is used to create a student's final group presentation.
• Learn the different ways our district has embedded PLTW into the instructional day in grades K-6.
• Learn from the superintendent and director of curriculum on how our district launched PLTW from the ground up and has grown the program from year-to-year.

PLTW Goes to Summer Camp (and After School)!

Rebecca Deotte

Tracks: PLTW Launch and PLTW Gateway

In the summer of 2021, Middletown Public Schools was looking for dynamic programming to promote STEM and learning acceleration after remote and hybrid learning. The district’s federally funded after school programs and camps implemented PLTW in their STEAM Camps over the summer and in their five after-school programs during the school year. In this workshop session, the Innovation Coach from Middletown will discuss the ways to adapt and implement PLTW outside of the school day, present different models, and review factors that should be considered when planning for flexible implementation of PLTW programs.

Participants completing the session will:

• Gain an understanding of how PLTW can be used in after school and summer programming.
• Review different PLTW flexible implementation models for after-school and summer programming.
• Understand factors to consider when planning flexible implementation of PLTW models for after-school and summer programming, including funding, staffing, pacing, etc.

Create an Action Plan for Implementing and Sustaining a PreK-12 PLTW Program

Janet Cornell, Tiffany Shaw, and Paul Dunlap

Tracks: PLTW Launch, PLTW Gateway, PLTW Computer Science, PLTW Engineering, PLTW Biomedical Science

Discover how a school in Ohio created, grew, and maintained a thriving PreK-12 PLTW program. From its humble beginnings in 2008, Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools has steadily expanded its course offerings, trained staff, and continually increased the number of students impacted. Their PLTW program consistently achieves national, state, and local recognition, and serves as a model for schools looking to implement a robust PreK-12 PLTW program. Learn what is needed to garner community and industry support as you build and sustain your PLTW Program.

Participants completing the session will:

• Create an action plan to assist with implementation of your PLTW PreK-12 Program.
• Develop an understanding of the sequential process necessary to build a highly successful PreK-12 PLTW program and earn methods for maintaining student engagement for PLTW courses from preschool through graduation.
• Learn strategies for enlisting and maintaining financial support from community businesses, associations, and individuals.

Leveraging Literacy in the PLTW Classroom

Todd Williamson

Tracks: PLTW Launch, PLTW Gateway, PLTW Computer Science, PLTW Engineering, PLTW Biomedical Science

You've probably heard "Kids read in every class, so you're ALL Literacy Teachers" but what does that look like in the PLTW classroom? Join in for a session on two low-stress, high-impact literacy strategies that can be used in PLTW classes across the full range of PLTW Launch, PLTW Gateway, and PLTW High School programs. Walk away from this session with ideas you can implement next week!

Participants completing the session will:

• Brainstorm the role that literacy plays in PLTW classrooms, and conversely, the role PLTW classrooms play in literacy education.
• View, analyze, and create examples of “Top Down Concept Maps” for topics within their PLTW modules, units, or courses.
• View, analyze, and create examples of “Two Column Notes” aligned with topics in their PLTW modules, units, or courses.

Build Your Capacity as a PLTW Launch Lead Teacher

Lori Fields and Ginger Teague

Track: PLTW Launch

Join us for a deeper dive into building your capacity. This session supports certified PLTW Launch Lead teachers as they plan for school implementation and consider leading professional learning with PLTW Launch Classroom teachers. Don’t miss this opportunity to network with other PLTW Launch Lead teachers across the nation and explore new resources available just for you.

Participants completing the session will:

• Build capacity as a PLTW Launch Lead teacher.
• Plan for school implementation and leading professional learning with PLTW Launch Classroom teachers.
• Network with other PLTW Launch Lead teachers across the nation and explore new resources.

Building Computer Skills With the Use-Modify-Create Framework (grades 3-5)

Jennifer Kruse, Lori Fields, Kristen, Champion-Terrell, Ginger Teague

Track: PLTW Launch

Join us to discover how understanding and employing the Use-Modify-Create Framework can build your capacity to facilitate powerful learning. This framework can help you visualize a learning progression for students that supports and engages them in learning computer science skills. This session is specifically for grades 3-5.

Participants completing the session will:

• Build an understanding of the Use-Modify-Create Framework used in the PLTW Launch computer science modules.
• Know how to apply the Use-Modify-Create Framework while using a block-based coding language.
• Discuss ideas for engaging students through the Use-Modify-Create Framework with fellow educators.

Building Computer Skills With the Use-Modify-Create Framework (grades K-2)

Jennifer Kruse, Lori Fields, Kristen Champion-Terrell, Ginger Teague

Track: PLTW Launch

Join us to discover how understanding and employing the Use-Modify-Create Framework can build your capacity to facilitate powerful learning. This framework can help you visualize a learning progression for students that supports and engages them in learning computer science skills. This session is specifically for grades K-2.

Participants completing the session will:

• Build an understanding of the Use-Modify-Create Framework used in the PLTW Launch computer science modules.
• Apply the Use-Modify-Create Framework while using a block-based coding language.
• Discuss ideas for engaging students through the Use-Modify-Create Framework with fellow educators.

Building with VEX in the PLTW Launch Classroom

Joseph Giunta, Doug Mann, Jennifer Martinez

Track: PLTW Launch

Looking for hands-on training on the VEX IQ platform? Using the "Stability and Motion: Forces & Interactions" and "Robotics & Automation” modules, participants will be introduced to teaching with VEX in the classroom. After a presentation on best practices, participants will work under the guidance of the facilitators in small groups using VEX IQ pieces to create simple machines. Participants are also introduced to writing code for VEX and driving the robot with a remote control.

Participants completing the session will:

• Construct structures using VEX materials to meet specific functions and code the VEX machines to autonomously complete programmed actions.
• Feel comfortable integrating the modules using VEX IQ into the curriculum.
• Demonstrate effective transportable skills.

Energize, Inspire, Motivate: PLTW Launch Leaders

Sherry Worsham and Paul Schiele

Track: PLTW Launch

Discover flexible implementation options and deepen your understanding of the PLTW Launch student experience. This session highlights flexible PLTW Launch implementation options with examples (including computer science), a deep dive into select modules, and putting the activity-, project-, and problem-based approach to learning into practice.

Participants completing the session will:

• Identify a variety of ways to implement PLTW Launch in your school setting.
• Consider modules and implementation strategies for PLTW Launch.
• Recognize the positive impact of planning for PLTW Launch implementation on student learning.

Get to Know PLTW Launch

Sherry Worsham and Paul Schiele

Track: PLTW Launch

Want to know more about PLTW Launch? Learn about PLTW’s elementary STEM curriculum while hearing about our activity, project- and problem-based (APB) approach to teaching and learning through a hands-on activity.

Participants completing the session will:

• Learn about PLTW Launch while gaining an understanding of the activity, project- and problem-based (APB) approach to learning and teaching.
• Discover flexible implementation options.
• Experience PLTW Launch via a hands-on activity.

Keeping the User in Mind: Solving Problems in PLTW Launch and PLTW Gateway

Jennifer Kruse, Kristen Champion-Terrell, Ginger Teague, Rachel Allard, Steve Pellathy, and Mary Ibe

Tracks: PLTW Launch and PLTW Gateway

How can striving to understand the user experience help students become empathetic, human-centered problem solvers? Join us as we explore strategies that empower students to consider the user experience throughout the design process. Walk away with UX implementation ideas for problems in PLTW Launch and PLTW Gateway.

Participants completing the session will:

• Explore strategies that empower students to consider the user experience.
• Investigate how students can consider user experience throughout the design process.
• Discuss UX implementation ideas for problems in PLTW Launch and PLTW Gateway.

Building Robust PreK-12 PLTW Pathways and Scaling Across a Metropolitan STEM Ecosystem

Martha McCabe

Tracks: PLTW Launch, PLTW Gateway, PLTW Biomedical Science, PLTW Engineering, PLTW Computer Science, PreK-12 Leadership

This session will share detailed strategies and tactics used to scale and support PLTW growth across a metropolitan STEM ecosystem since 2006. Through the support of the Kauffman Foundation and the KC STEM Alliance, a majority of the Kansas City school districts have implemented PreK-12 PLTW pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science to over 90,000 students. This robust implementation model is growing next generation STEM talent critical to support a robust STEM job market in a large metropolitan city.

Participants completing the session will:

• Learn strategies and tactics successfully used to expand student access to STEM education and the importance of inclusion for all students. Gain knowledge about the power of aligned course content and skill scaffolding, and the power of connecting students to possible career opportunities.
• Understand the power of building PreK-12 STEM talent and how it can be scaled across multiple schools and districts. Learn how increased collaboration with business and industry leaders and community partners can help create robust STEM communities of practice.
• Receive the findings from a recent Missouri High School Research Study with key findings related to PLTW students and their success.

Build Thriving PLTW Programs Through Connected Communities

Glade Montgomery, Pat Barnes, Dr. George Zion, Dave Butler, and Michelle Robinson

Tracks: PLTW Launch, PLTW Gateway, PLTW Computer Science, PLTW Engineering, PLTW Biomedical Science, PreK-12 Leadership

If you’re looking to build or expand your PLTW community presence, this is the session for you! Learn about shared best practices between industry, higher education, and K-12. Hear from community experts familiar with building effective collaboration pipelines and get answers to your “how-to” questions.

Participants completing the session will:

• Know how community connections can increase the health and sustainability of your PLTW program. Connected communities are vital to the health of PLTW programs.
• Learn how to develop and nurture school – higher ed – industry collaborations that lead to deeper career learning connections and opportunities for students and teachers.
• Develop strategies and outline next steps to take back to their communities.

Delving into the Evidence: PLTW Research and Impact

Katie Minihan

Tracks: PLTW Launch, PLTW Gateway, PLTW Computer Science, PLTW Engineering, PLTW Biomedical Science, PreK-12 Leadership

Learn about PLTW's research agenda and explore the most recent results of research efforts.

Participants completing the session will:

• Gain an understanding of the impact PLTW programs can have on student and teacher outcomes.
• Enhance their understanding of the pillars of the PLTW research agenda. Build an awareness of the recent research related to the impact of PLTW programming.
• Learn how to use PLTW research for local needs.

Start here for Sustainable Partnerships

Jasen Ritter

Tracks: PLTW Launch, PLTW Gateway, PLTW Computer Science, PLTW Engineering, PLTW Biomedical Science, PreK-12 Leadership

If you’re new to PLTW or a seasoned veteran looking to optimize community partnerships, this is the workshop for you. From identifying community resources to building opportunities for students, this session will look at building a community partnership team from the ground up. Hear how teachers working with robust partnership teams got started and take away resources to maximize the impact of your PLTW program for the school, students, and community.

Participants completing the session will:

• Know how to start a partnership team for sustainable community relationships.
• Develop strategies and resources to support their own community partnership teams and build multidimensional opportunities with community stakeholders.
• Expand overall understanding of PLTW programs as a central resource for community connections and opportunities.

For a full listing of PLTW Launch in-person workshop sessions check out the agenda here.

PLTW Summit 2022 is a new and improved event designed to meet educators where they are and give them the tools and tips to facilitate an engaging and actionable learning experience for their students.

Join the experience on Oct. 28-30, 2022 either onsite at the World Center Marriott in Orlando, FL or virtually through our engaging and accessible online platform. Registration includes access to general sessions, workshop sessions, guest speakers, sponsoring partners, networking opportunities, and more.