A VIRTUAL UNCONFERENCE
FOR COOL TEACHERS
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Starting at 12pm ET / 9am PT
Creative Bytes
Exploring the Art & Design of Educational Technology & Games
Join us for a full-day of virtual professional development broadcast live from the EdGames Expo in Washington D.C., a dynamic showcase of cutting-edge educational technology and captivating games.
Speakers will include renowned developers and STEM education experts who will share their incredible classroom technologies and how they use art and design in creating them. Discover how to leverage the immersive nature of games to foster a deep understanding of scientific principles and learn how to successfully incorporate new technology into the classroom to teach students the 21st -century skills they need to succeed.
Whether you're a seasoned science teacher seeking to revitalize your instructional approach or an aspiring educator eager to explore the frontiers of educational technology, this event is tailor-made for you.
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to expand your horizons, connect with fellow educators, and gain invaluable insights into the ever-evolving world of ed tech and games.
12:00 ET
FabMaker Studio, Theo Jansen and his Strandbeests
FabMakers: Inspiring Young Engineers Through a Unique Mix of Storytelling & Digital Engineering Design
Dive into the world of digital fabrication with Andrea Calvin and Paul Reynolds from FabMaker Studio, the Reynolds Center for TLC and International Dot Day. In this interactive session, these leading experts will showcase how innovative fabrication tools and techniques are revolutionizing classroom experiences. Discover how FabMaker Studio's resources empower educators to integrate hands-on, project-based learning into their curricula. Participants will gain insights into best practices, understand the importance of fostering creativity through digital tools, and receive actionable strategies to implement digital fabrication in their own educational settings. We will also be joined by special guest Theo Jansen, inventor of Strandbeests. We will get to hear about his art and design process and how it can be adapted to your classroom.
12:50 ET
EXPLR Media
Bridging STEM & Education: A Classroom Revelation by Jenny Buccos
Jenny Buccos, the visionary Founder & CEO of EXPLR Media, will be presenting a special announcement in partnership with the Department of Education that will be of great interest for all K-12 classrooms! Drawing upon her rich experience in integrating new technologies into the classroom, as well as her forward-thinking approach to the future of education, Jenny will delve into the importance of STEM learning in today's evolving educational landscape. Attendees can expect actionable takeaways in the form of a fun classroom project that will get your students involved today! Join Jenny to explore the confluence of STEM, education, and innovation in shaping the next generation of thinkers and doers.
Special co-host: Deanne Bell from Future Engineers
1:30 ET
Panel Discussion
Women Got Game
Join us for an enlightening panel discussion featuring esteemed CEOs from Future Engineers, Killer Snails, 7 Generation Games, Alchemi.ie, and Smart Girls HQ. Delve deep into the multifaceted world of educational gaming as we address pressing topics like striking the right balance with screen time, curating exceptional educational games, and seamlessly integrating them into classroom settings. Our distinguished panelists will also share valuable advice for budding young girls aspiring to make their mark in the STEM fields and provide insights into the indispensable role of art in game creation.
2:20 ET
Muzology
Music, Math, and Science: Exploring the Connections!
How many songs do you remember? How much math do you remember? This session with Dr. Lana Israel will explore the connections between music, math, and science. Participants will learn how music stimulates the brain regions critical for sustained and successful learning and how music is inherently mathematical. The session will also delve into thoughts on how mathematics can be considered as the language of science. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of these subjects and how Muzology has harnessed the power of music to make learning math fun, engaging, and effective.
3:00 ET
Smithsonian Air & Space Museum and PocketLab
Sensing the Future: Elevating Teacher Professional Development with PocketLab Sensors
Join Shannon Baldioli, the educational maestro from the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and Clifton Roozeboom, the genius behind PocketLab, in this exciting conference session. Dive into the world of innovation as they unveil how PocketLab sensors are revolutionizing teacher professional development through the Air and Space Museum Teacher Innovator Institute. Discover firsthand how these cutting-edge sensors are bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world application, empowering educators to bring alive the wonders of science and technology for their students. This dynamic duo will walk you through a hands-on demonstration of using classroom sensors to replicate collisions in space, share success stories, tell you how you can be part of this program, and reveal how educators can harness the power of PocketLab sensors to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. Don't miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of educational transformation!
3:40 ET
RoboCo & Roblox
New Frontiers: Digital Robotics and Education in the Metaverse
This forward-facing session will feature the expertise and insights of two renowned figures in the field: Dan White, representing the groundbreaking digital robotics experience RoboCo Sports League, and Adam Seldow, Senior Director of Education Partnerships at the global platform, Roblox. Attendees will learn about a pioneering new collaboration between the esteemed robotics education organization FIRST®, leading educational game developer Filament Games, and Roblox that will introduce millions of youth to robotics via the metaverse.
4:20 ET
Panel Discussion
Educator EdTech Innovation Roundtable
Join us for an electrifying and fun-filled panel discussion with the fabulous School Ambassador Fellows from the US Department of Education! This session is all about amplifying the superhero in every teacher and lighting the path to becoming the ultimate teacher leader. Dive into riveting topics like the magic of networking, nifty tips to stay on top of teaching trends, the art of waltzing with your administrators, and secret gateways to hop onto the School Ambassador Fellowship train and its cool cousins.
Plus, get ready to be inspired: our rockstar panelists will spill the beans on their own epic adventures, revealing the spells they cast to create a massive positive ripple in the world of education.
It’s more than just a chit-chat—it’s a golden ticket for the Education Department to groove with the brightest stars in the teaching galaxy and let their dazzling stories shape the future!

For Teachers, by Teachers
ScIC "Science is Cool" is brought to you by PocketLab, a science technology company founded by teachers.
We started ScIC "Science is Cool" virtual unconference in March 2020 as a way to make the best of our unique situation and create new opportunities for both teachers and innovative education companies. The spirit of our work as an "unconference" is to provide everyone with useful tools and valuable resources as well as give participants a voice for what's next.
ScIC quickly evolved into a thriving, inspiring forum for teachers around the world to access tools, offer solutions, and also have a place to find camaraderie, and feel heard and understood.
Thank you for being an integral part of ScIC "Science is Cool". We are elated by how well these events have been received and intend to hang out with you for the long run.