The demand is growing rapidly for people who possess computer science skills. There are over 30,000 jobs in the computer science sector that are still unfilled in Virginia today! In 2016, Virginia became the first state to implement a coding curriculum as a part of the Virginia SOL standards to better prepare students for the future. These standards are now in full force and teachers are looking for ways to implement coding into their lessons. We are here to help!
A group of teachers in the Richmond area have collaborated with Science Matters and Harvard University to create free computer science professional development (PD) for teachers called RVA ScratchEd. This group focuses on incorporating Scratch, a block based free program that teaches children how to think creatively, work collaboratively and reason systematically. RVA ScratchEd is very different than any other computer science PD in the Richmond area. Instead of sitting behind a computer following commands from a teacher in the front of the room, participants have the flexibility to learn what they want through the Edcamp model. Each session can look very different based on the interests of the participants. You get to tell us what you want to learn.
“I love coming to ScratchEd! I get to come in and play with Makey Makeys, Lego Wedos and bring stuff back to the classroom to use in my lessons!” Joe (5th grade teacher)
ScratchEd RVA realizes that teachers just need time to play and learn from each other. Teachers walk away with ideas for new lessons, have the opportunity to try out new edtech such as the Hummingbird robotics kit, and collaborate with teachers from different schools.
“I love watching teachers grow more confident with Scratch and sharing their experience and expertise with others. It drives me to keep learning and growing!” Krystle (RVA ScratchEd Organizer)
RVA ScratchEd is about creating a community of educators who want to ignite their curiosity for creative coding while also encouraging others to share and support the work they've done in their classrooms. Scratch is an easy tool that can be incorporated into any K-12 subject or lesson. These meetups are completely free and open to all educators. No Scratch coding experience needed! This a great PD for any educator and participants will receive PD points for each Meetup.
Science Matters, an educational program of VPM, is sponsoring a monthly event for teachers who want to learn more about Scratch or share how they use it in the classroom. RVA Scratch Ed Meetups are completely free and open to all educators who are interested in creative computing. Each meetup will feature an introduction lesson to Scratch and sessions on how to use this platform in the classroom. RVA Scratch Ed Meetups are an opportunity for teachers to grow, learn and create with each other while having fun with coding! And did we say the meetups are FREE?!
If you are interested in joining us on September 25th, please register HERE.
DATES for FALL 2019: September 25th and November 20th
TIME: 4:45 - 6:45 p.m.
LOCATION: VPM, 23 Sesame Street, Richmond, VA 23235
Click here for a photo album of the Scratch 3.0 Release party!
