PLTW Summit 2022 is available online for the first time! With workshop sessions to empower you with the tools and tips to maximize your time and enhance the learning experience for your students and opportunities to connect with industry leaders this is sure to be a critical stop on your professional development roadmap for the 2022-23 school year. See below for a first look at the sessions featured in our virtual PLTW Launch track, and head over to pltw.org/summit to add sessions to your PLTW Summit agenda!
PLTW Cross-Curricular Thematic Units
Linda Meckem
Track: PLTW Launch
See examples of how to embed PLTW Launch modules throughout the school day in all content areas, utilizing prosocial behaviors, app-smashing, and the importance of cross-curricular thematic units. This workshop focuses on PreK-5 PLTW Launch modules. Takeaways include cooperative learning structures, tech tools, and prosocial behavior understanding.
Participants completing the session will:
- Understand how to embed PLTW launch modules in cross-curricular content.
- Understand how to utilize new and current tech tools to enhance the PLTW curriculum.
- Understand the importance of cooperative learning and prosocial behaviors.
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 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.
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.
Creating a PLTW Implementation Plan
Jamie Mathews and Stephanie Mason
Tracks: PLTW Launch, PLTW Gateway, PLTW Computer Science, PLTW Engineering, PLTW Biomedical Science, PreK-12 Leadership
In this session, participants will learn about how the DeSoto Parish School District revamped their STEM offerings using PLTW Launch, PLTW Gateway, and PLTW High School curriculum. Investigate the strategic planning that occurs between district and school leadership teams in order to increase student access to meaningful STEM programs. The collaborative effort requires creative scheduling and staffing solutions to meet the needs of the diverse student population in the parish.
Participants completing the session will:
- Identify the unique challenges DeSoto Parish Schools faced when implementing PLTW programs in schools across a district with diverse student populations.
- Use sample plans provided to determine how to best plan for future implementation of PLTW in K-12 schools.
- Be better prepared to seek support from district leaders including your Superintendent, Human Resource Manager, STEM Coordinators, or other personnel needed to successfully implement a strong PLTW program.
Student Ideas' Matter! Linking Formative Assessment to Instructional Sequence
Patrick Brown
Tracks: PLTW Launch, PLTW Gateway, and PreK-12 Leadership
Students' Ideas Matter is a lively workshop that will inspire you to reimagine how you teach science and STEM. The session discusses how simple shifts in the way you arrange and combine activities and how you have students communicate their developing understanding will help young students construct firsthand knowledge. Constructing knowledge and sensemaking is precisely what is called for by modern standards and necessary to increasing STEAM and science literacy. This session gives both the rationale and the real-life examples to restructure the hands-on approaches you are now using to promote long-lasting understanding.
Participants completing the session will:
- Develop an understanding of cognitive science and science education research that explains why the order in which you structure your lessons is so critical for developing conceptual understanding and transfer learning.
- Develop knowledge of the essential planning considerations for becoming an “explore-before-explain” teacher and how to leverage the assets that all students bring to STEM to promote critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Engage in examples that show how specific aspects of all three dimensions of contemporary science and STEM are beneficial for learners.
Building Computer Skills With the Use-Modify-Create Framework (grades 3-5)
Jennifer Kruse, Lori Fields, Kristen, Champion-Terrell, and 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, and 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.
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.
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.
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.
