By Jeffrey Anderson* Robert F. Kubichek* Suresh S. Muknahallipatna* Theodora Freedman *

1. Introducing Physical Computing Through STEM Professional Development Workshop for K-12 Teachers in Wyoming By Jeffrey Anderson* Robert F. Kubichek* Suresh S. Muknahallipatna* Theodora Freedman* Andrea C. Burrows~ Sylvia D. Parker~ College of Engineering and Applied Sciences* College of Education~ University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY-82071

2. Introducing Physical Computing Through STEM Professional Development Workshop for K-12 Teachers in Wyoming • PD Title: Engineering Summer Program for Teachers (ESP4T) • Goals of the Professional Development Workshop • Introduce K-12 teachers to: • the use of physical computing as an innovative and effective way to integrate STEM in the classroom • computer programming with physical outcomes (known as physical computing)

3. ESP4T Rationale • Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) mandated the implementation of the following STEM Standards: • 2016 Wyoming Science and 2018 Wyoming Mathematics standards (assessment in 2020 – 2021 and 2021 – 2022) • “Boot Up Wyoming 2022” Computer Science (CS) Standards (assessment in 2022 – 2023) • K-12 teachers need to integrate STEM with coding and programming • Majority of STEM education is in the context of natural sciences and mathematics, and much less in the contexts of engineering and technology • 21st Century and future employment prospects require skill sets closely linked to engineering, technology and coding • ESP4T is a PD opportunity for K-12 teachers to integrate coding and STEM using Physical Computing as the approach

4. What is Physical Computing? Arduino Raspberry Pi • Physical Computing combines digital elements with real-world applications. • Physical Computing, coined in 2004, makes use of sensors and motors to connect the virtual and physical world e.g., pressure and humidity, color and ultrasonic sensors to interact continuously with the environment. • Physical computing can be seen as connecting computers like Arduino and Raspberry Pi to the physical world • Tangible experience for teachers and students to create and use devices to interact with world around them Humidity Sensor Ultrasonic Sensor Motor Color Sensor

5. ESP4T Workshop Evolution

6. Feedback and Improvements

7. Feedback and Improvements

8. Sample List of Turn-Key Classroom Modules

9. Lessons learned –Teacher Participants • Teachers have little experience or background in physical computing but a strong desire to learn • Time is the biggest CHALLENGE • Administrative leadership can vary from one district to the next • Returning participants would like to see colleagues use physical computing in the classroom to allow students to build upon learning from one year to the next • Offering education credit and/or PD credit is attractive • Stipend makes PD more accessible • Follow up and a breakdown of receiving the stipend encourages implementation in the classroom

10. Conclusion • Each edition of ESP4T has provided opportunities to both participants and instructors to improve the program • Training K-12 teachers on the use of turn-key modules and availability of the modules are crucial for implementing the physical computing paradigm in the classrooms • Tech support during school year encourages implementation • In 2019, the number of K-12 teachers implementing is expected to increase due to the involvement of the expert teacher mentors.