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3Doodler Basics

Do you want to learn how to draw in mid-air, or create 3D objects without a 3D printer? Join us as we create 3D doodles and designs instantly with the 3Doodler pen! During this magical course, we'll go through the basics of the 3Doodler pen and come up with activity ideas to help you integrate 3D drawing into your classroom.

Turn Your Students' Love of RGM into a Career

Join Jennifer George and Brent Bushnell to discuss how to cultivate the next generation of inventors through joy and creativity. Brent is the Chairman and CoFounder of Two Bit Circus, which deploys STEAM-based programs focused on creativity and invention to inspire students around the world. Brent’s a Sir Edmund Hillary Fellow, a supporter of Clowns Without Borders and publishes on Twitter @brentbushnell; he and members of his team were part of the extraordinary build for OK-Go's viral Rube Goldberg music video for "This Too Shall Pass." Jennifer and Brent will lead an insightful talk about how kids who love building, tinkering, and problem solving can turn those interests into a career.

How to "Rube" at Home

In this session, participants will learn how to create Rube Goldberg machines at home – or with items commonly found around the house. Joined by Jennifer George, we will preview the upcoming book: “25 Rube Goldberg Machines You Can Build at Home.” Guest speakers include Zach Umperovitch (builder), Tori Cameron (author).

The Impact of Classroom Spatial Arrangement and Lighting on Student Learning

Discover how lighting and the layout of the classroom can have an impact on learning. Join Jennifer, Glen, Nicole, Jolene, and Katelyn as they discuss the impact lighting and spatial arrangement has on social-emotional learning. They will also talk about new lighting technologies and flexible seating options that are available to help educators ease stress and enhance learning.

Guest speakers: Glen Gracia (Head of Communications & Brand at LEDVANCE, makers of SYLVANIA General Lighting), Nicole Gracia (Second Grade Teacher, Jenkins Elementary School), Katelyn  Forcucci (Director of Education at NoraNivel), and Jolene Levin (CEO of NoraNivel)

Rube Goldberg Cartoon Contest: Putting the 'A' in STEAM!

Join Jennifer George as she leads a lively conversation with illustrators Abby Merrill and Ed Steckley as they describe and quite literally illustrate how to draw Rube Goldberg Machines. Once your students have mastered invention drawing, take learning to the next level with the Rube Goldberg Crazy Contraption Cartoon Contest. We will discuss how the contest can add the Art into STEAM learning and how your students can enter.

Understanding the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

Innovations in science are happening at a rapid rate. Often driven by technology and human ingenuity, these advancements must be supported from the ground up in future working populations to sustain this growth. That's where the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) come in, as strong K-12 science standards can help to prepare students to be college and career ready in the 21st century. Join us to learn about the inner workings of the NGSS and how to read them in a way that can help you to frame engaging science activities.

Rube Goldberg Machines with iBlocks

Learn how to use the iBlocks framework to guide your students through the Engineering Design Process, first building context and understanding around Rube Goldberg, simple machines, and then how they come together in a Rube Goldberg Machine. IBlocks content leads students through the planning, design, and construction of their machine and finally, the testing and evaluation, where students learn the importance of refining, remixing, and redesigning.

Ultimaker: Optimizing Your 3D Print

The Cura software by Ultimaker is a free slicing software with over 200 settings to adjust your 3D print to fit your needs. Join us as we show you where to download the software and learn specific skills to enhance the details and optimize your 3D model.

How to Integrate Technology into Your Rube Goldberg Machine

In this session, David Fox, creator of the “Rube Works” app, will talk about bringing the Rube Goldberg experience to an app in a fun and inspirational way. Alefiya Master from MAD-learn will talk about the importance of app development in STEM education. Twelve live attendees of our Rube Goldberg OTIS series will be selected to receive Rube Goldberg early reader chapter books for their school libraries!

STEAM: Candy Corn Catapults Using littleBits

Get into the fall spirit with littleBits! In this course, you'll learn how to help your students design a candy-corn-launching catapult using the littleBits Math Pack. We'll review the design challenge and show you everything you'll need to get started. Whether students design their catapult using littleBits or household consumables, your students will love practicing their 21st century skills in this fun, fall-themed activity.

Cue Basics

Are your students ready to take the next steps in learning about robotics and coding? Meet Cue, Wonder Workshop's interactive and incredibly clever robot! Join us to learn how to control Cue's movements, interact with its multiple sensors, and code Cue using Javascript or block-based code.

Finch Basics

Finch is a micro:bit-powered, programmable robot that can grow with your students from K-12 and beyond! With built-in sensors, buzzers, lights, and so much more, students can take their programming wherever their imagination takes them. Whether your students have never even heard of coding or are highly experienced, they can develop future ready skills with the Finch Robotics kit. In this session, we'll cover the basics, as well as the free educator resources offered by BirdBrain Technologies that can help you get started.

Rube Goldberg Machines in the Digital World of Minecraft

Join the team from Rube Goldberg Inc and Minecraft global ambassadors they discuss bringing STEAM into the digital world of Minecraft through Rube Goldberg Machines. They will discuss the minecraft.edu tutorials based on simple machines and how those lessons will culminate in a digital Rube Goldberg Machine Contest with NASEF set in the world of Minecraft. 

Rube Goldberg Machines in the Classroom

In this session, Jennifer George shares how teaching Rube Goldberg in the classroom levels the playing field for all learners of all ages. She will talk about the history of the Rube Goldberg Institute for Innovation & Creativity, the origins of the Rube Goldberg Machine and the machine contests that the family has run for over 35 years.  She will also introduce a variety of new offerings that exist for all grade levels that want to get started creating Rube Goldberg Machines in the classroom. 

Kicking Off Conversations with KIBO

Building a strong class community is essential for a successful school year. Have your students get to know one another in a unique way using KIBO! Join us as we discover how to use KIBO to help students build relationships with their peers and practice critical 21st century skills. We'll review KIBO's features and share engaging activity ideas that are sure to get conversations flowing.

Hummingbird Bit Basics

Hummingbird Bit is a micro:bit based robotics kit with endless possibilities! With sensors, motors, and lights, a student's only limit is their own imagination. Whether your students are novice programmers or highly experienced, they can develop future ready skills with the Hummingbird Bit kit. In this session, we'll cover the basics, as well as the free educator resources offered by BirdBrain Technologies that can help you get started.

Building an Enrichment Program with Rube Goldberg

Join the world’s foremost expert on all things Rube Goldberg, Jennifer George, as she discusses why the overly complicated machines that bear Rube’s name remain a key component of enrichment and STEAM programs in schools across the country. Then, learn from our curriculum team on how to structure a Rube Goldberg-centered enrichment program, and how we add technology, advanced literacy, and career exploration to a K12 Rube Goldberg program.