From spreadsheets to high-performance simulations, computational thinking (CT) tools permeate the way that scientists, engineers, and mathematicians conduct research and make sense of the world. For example, CT has allowed for breakthroughs in sequencing the human genome, predicting hurricane paths, modeling black holes, and optimizing food pantry routes.

Support your students in acquiring these essential 21st century skills by attending Northwestern’s “Computational Thinking in STEM” summer workshop and/or our continuing education Saturday workshops. The summer workshop is for 3 days in August and runs from 9am - 4pm. The Saturday workshops run from 9am-noon. Participants earn 14 CPDUs. The workshop is free, with lunches included.

Upon completion of the summer workshop, 9th–12th grade STEM teachers will be able to:

1. •Enhance student STEM learning with existing CT tools
   

2. •Guide student analysis of computational problems with and without a computer
   

3. •Support students in developing algorithms and models to analyze real-world data and problems
   

4. •Expose their students to a broad range of CT-STEM careers & Northwestern’s CT-STEM research
   

5. •Advance their own understanding of CT in STEM
   

Discipline-specific (math, physics, biology, & chemistry) breakout sessions will provide:

1. •Training in teaching 3-4 existing CT lesson plans (designed for use within conventional curricula and addressing the Next Generation Science Standards) & access to many more
   

2. •Structured brainstorming and coaching in developing new CT lesson plans for your classroom
   

If you are interested in attending, please provide your contact information here.

If you have any questions, please email j-bohan@northwestern.edu.

The workshop is run by faculty from Northwestern’s School of Education, the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA), the Office of STEM Education Partnerships, researchers who utilize CT, and experts in curriculum development.