NICE MiniCon 2016: Full Schedule

Welcome to NICE MiniCon. We’re glad you made it! Check out all the amazing sessions below or view them in the NICE Newsletter at http://www.niceminicon.org/nice-news-minicon-edition.

9:00am CST

How to Build a Makerspace Out of Practically Nothing

Want a makerspace but don't know where to start? Whether in your classroom or in a common area, makerspaces can encourage innovation and creativity. Explore ways to make your own makerspace out of practically nothing. Anybody can host a makerspace ... come learn the ways to make it work for you!

Speakers

Katie Budrow

6th Grade Science Teacher, Caruso Middle School, DPS109

Katie Budrow is a sixth grade science teacher at Caruso Middle School in Deerfield, Illinois. Before teaching, Katie spent five years doing chemistry work in the labeling industry. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Zoology from UW-Madison and a Master’s of Art in Teaching from... Read More →

Saturday January 30, 2016 9:00am - 9:50am CST
Room 3075

Maker-STEAM, Applies to All Grade Levels

Audience Applies to All
Skill Level All Skill Levels
Tags Maker_Space, STEAM

9:00am CST

Making makers, giving students the tools and opportunities to create.

We'll go over a handful of quick tools that students can use to kick start their creativity from programming and video games to 2D and 3D design. I will also share how students can find those ideas and keep themselves and their ideas organized. Most shares will be free resources.

Speakers

David Stopps

Technology teacher 6-8, Fremont Middle School 79

I am a tech teacher who is constantly in search of how to use that cool thing in a meaningful way. I incorporate robotics, 3D printing and more into my class. I am pushing my students to explore try, and learn from their failures to create bigger, better, faster, things.

Saturday January 30, 2016 9:00am - 9:50am CST
Room 3015

Maker-STEAM, Applies to All Grade Levels

Audience Classroom Teachers, Media Specialists, Technology Facilitators-Coordinators
Skill Level Intermediate
Tags 2d_3d, Programming, STEAM, Video_games

10:05am CST

Family Coding Celebration

We host a popular Family Coding Celebration during Hour of Code week. It’s open to all our students (PreK-12) and their families. I will discuss how we plan and promote the event, and give participants a chance to complete the activities. If you’d like to do a coding event at your school, or just want to try some basic coding activities, come to this session! Slides: http://bit.ly/NICECoding

Speakers

Elizabeth Shutters

Director of Technology, Roycemore School

Beth Shutters is the Director of Technology, PD, and the Middle School Experience at Roycemore School, a small independent K-12 school in Evanston. Beth is a Google for Education Certified Trainer. She takes care of everything that has to do with technology at Roycemore, and helps... Read More →

Saturday January 30, 2016 10:05am - 10:55am CST
Room 2020

Maker-STEAM, Applies to All Grade Levels

Audience Applies to All
Skill Level Introductory
Tags Coding, Hour_of_Code, STEAM

10:05am CST

Lost in Makerspace

Ever wonder what this whole Makerspace thing is? Wonder how can you buy or ask for all these expensive items? Wonder how does this fit in my classroom? Well these are all good questions that participants will be able to walk away from this session with. We will look at what Makerspaces are about, some funding sources, but mostly looking at items that you can use in your classroom. We will be focusing on low cost Maker items that should be easy to get and allows for more students to have access. Also we will look at items that can be used at almost all grade levels.

Saturday January 30, 2016 10:05am - 10:55am CST
Room 3015

Maker-STEAM, Applies to All Grade Levels

Audience Applies to All
Skill Level All Skill Levels
Tags Maker_Space, STEAM

11:10am CST

Make It!: Creating a Makerspace in a Middle or High School

The Maker Movement is here! Are you ready to transform learning in your classroom or library through creative and enjoyable hands-on experiences? This session will give an overview of the Maker Movement and makerspaces as well as provide ideas and resources to help you get started.

Speakers

Andrea Trudeau

Library Information Specialist, Deerfield District 109

Andrea Trudeau, M.S.Ed., NBCT, is a self-proclaimed no-”shh" librarian who won the 2020 AASL France Henne Award. She currently is a Ph.D. student at Northern Illinois University in Instructional Technology with a focus in virtual reality and how it has the potential to both embody... Read More →

Saturday January 30, 2016 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Room 3015

Maker-STEAM, Applies to All Grade Levels

Audience Classroom Teachers, Media Specialists
Skill Level Introductory
Tags Maker_Space, STEAM

11:10am CST

Rookies to Veterans- Lego League

Thinking about starting up a Lego League in your school or district? We will share our journey from team creation to final competition phase. Learn how to program an EV3 robot, about the components of competition, and feel ready to use Lego robotics in your school (and possibly... start your own team).

Speakers

Nina Espinos

EL Teacher, School District 23

I am an EL teacher, currently working with students in grades 4 and 5. For the past 9 years, I have worked with students in grades K-5. I am a sponsor of our after-school Robotics and Computer Club. I am also a coach of the First Lego League team, Udderly Unstoppable! @MrsEspinos... Read More →

Kelly Funk

4th Grade Teacher, District 23

4th grade teacher in District 23, Prospect Heights. Teaching for 10 years and love it! Masters in Technology with endorsements in LBS1, EL & Bilingual. Enjoys attending conferences to learn from other outstanding educators and to implement ideas into the classroom that will benefit... Read More →

Saturday January 30, 2016 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Room 3025

Maker-STEAM, Applies to All Grade Levels

Audience Applies to All
Skill Level All Skill Levels
Tags Robotics, STEAM

11:10am CST

Ten Steps to a Science Lab Xylophone

You will leave this "music meets STEM" lesson with the tools to recreate a music/science lab lesson that meets Standards in music, math, science and technology. Differentiated for a variety of learners, this cooperative lesson can be tailored to the equipment at your school.

Speakers

Gail Simon

Middle School Music Teacher, Aptakisic Trip District 102

I am a Middle School Music Teacher and Choral Director in Aptakisic Tripp District 102 in Buffalo Grove. I have over 30 years experience in music education, having worked in both public and private school, in formal and informal educational settings, with children, teens and adults... Read More →

Science Lab Xylophones pages

Science Lab Xylophone pages

Saturday January 30, 2016 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Room 3055

Maker-STEAM, Applies to All Grade Levels

Audience Classroom Teachers, Media Specialists, Technology Facilitators-Coordinators
Skill Level Introductory
Tags Music, STEAM, Stem