Code Explorers: Hands-On Robotics for Early Learners

How can educators bring meaningful computer science experiences into K-2 classrooms? This interactive workshop highlights Code Explorers, a state-funded initiative supporting early elementary computer science through robotics, computational thinking and integrated learning. Get an overview of the program's design, implementation and first-year lessons learned, including how teacher feedback and evaluation findings shaped lesson refinement. Then dive into hands-on activities with VEX 123 robots, experiencing classroom-tested lessons that connect computer science with literacy, mathematics and problem solving. Through touch coding, coding cards and block-based programming, explore developmentally appropriate ways to teach sequencing, algorithms, debugging and computational thinking. Whether you are new to robotics or expanding existing computer science instruction, leave with practical strategies, lesson ideas and implementation tips you can adapt for a variety of classroom settings to create engaging, standards-aligned learning for young students. All workshops are BYOD and require All Access or Session + Registration to attend.