CSPDWeek 2026 Evening Event Selection

Come and meet the CSTA leadership to chat about how you can get involved! This is a casual meet-up where you can ask questions, get to know your local leaders and plug into CSTA. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Tuesday 5:00 PM, Courtyard Marriott

After a full day of sessions, take a step back and join Jessica from Purdue CS Outreach for an open, informal discussion on bringing computer science into elementary classrooms. What’s working? What feels overwhelming? What opportunities are we missing? This is a space to connect, reflect, and swap ideas with other educators—no pressure, no prerequisites. Jessica is also hoping to better understand how to support and serve the elementary space moving forward. Pizza provided. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Tuesday 6:00-7:30PM, Hilton Garden Inn #1

This workshop introduces vibe coding with the imagiCharm as a simple way for beginners to start building real products while learning core computer science, AI  and design thinking competencies. Educators will see how students can quickly create a no-code app by clearly describing what they want it to do, practicing problem definition, prompting, and iterative design. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Tuesday 6:30-8:30PM, Hilton Garden Inn #2

Do you have SPIKE Prime Kits? Or do you want to learn more? In this one-hour session, educators will explore four ready-to-use lessons that build core robotics skills and can be implemented immediately in the classroom. Participants will also engage in a quick hands-on challenge and leave with practical strategies to confidently use and manage their kits. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Tuesday 6:00-7:00PM, Springhill Suites

Join us for an open house to explore Ozobot’s newest robot, Ari, along with other exciting new tools and resources from Ozobot. Drop in anytime during the session to get hands-on, ask questions, and see what’s new—there’s no formal presentation, just time to explore and connect. Let us know you are coming and stop in anytime between 6 and 8 PM. Treats and refreshments provided by Ozobot. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Wednesday 6:00-8:00PM, Hilton Garden Inn #1

Join us for a Finch Robot 2.0 Playground—an evening of hands-on play, curiosity, and “aha!” moments with the Finch Robot 2.0. Explore the basics of Finch, try simple activities, and build confidence with no prior experience needed. Stick around to discover other CreXo products that pair perfectly with Finch to expand learning and classroom fun. Let us know you are coming and stop in anytime between 5 and 8 PM. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Wednesday 5:00-8:00PM, Hilton Garden Inn #2

AI isn't just about getting answers - it's about building with it. In this interactive session, educators will master the art of powerful prompting and step into "vibe coding" where ideas turn into real projects through rapid AI collaboration. From lesson design to creative exploration, you'll learn how to think iterate, and create alongside AI in ways that are engaging, efficient and classroom-ready. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Wednesday 6:00-8:00PM, Springhill Suites

Step into Luddy Hall, home of IU’s informatics, computing, and engineering disciplines, for an evening designed for curious educators. Enjoy appetizers and conversation with Luddy faculty, discover how Luddy faculty are partnering with high schools around the state to advance STEM teacher education, and experience a computer science-themed escape room activity. This isn’t a lecture—it’s an opportunity to collaborate, experiment, and experience the kind of creative, human-centered problem solving that defines the Luddy School.

____________________________________________________________________________________ Thursday 6:00-8:00PM, Luddy School of Informatics - 700 N Woodlawn Ave;

Parking is free in the evenings at the Forrest Avenue Parking Garage located at 1015 E 11th St 

Together we will explore lots of activities with the micro:bit to program the LED to display scrolling text, flashing lights, record sounds, or move with a servo. To get the most out of the experience, simply come with a micro:bits and a willingness to experiment, collaborate with others, and have fun creating. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Thursday 6:00-8:00PM, Springhill Suites