EDUCATOR WORKSHOPS
ABOUT
Attend our interactive workshop series where educators learn to teach NGSS through making, coding, and design, gaining practical tools and confidence to spark creativity, problem-solving, and STEAM connections in their classrooms.
TIME & LOCATION
4:00pm - 5:30pm
All Educator Workshops take place at the AIMS Center for Math and Science Education:
1595 S Chestnut Ave, Fresno, CA 93702
These workshops are intended for adults only with the purpose of facilitating educator collaboration and communication. If you have children that are interested in making and tinkering, we encourage you to check out our Playshops for family-friendly events.
DESIGN, CRAFT, AND CODE:
NEW TOOLS FOR TEACHING SCIENCE THROUGH STEAM
With science education now featured on the California School Dashboard, there’s never been a better time to rethink how we teach it. Design, Craft, and Code is a hands-on workshop series that equips educators to bring the California NGSS to life through a STEAM-integrated, maker-centered approach—including creative connections to computer science.
Participants will explore a wide range of materials and tools—from cardboard and fabric to 3D printers, laser cutters, and microcontrollers—while engaging in open-ended design challenges that spark creativity and problem-solving. Grounded in constructionism, design thinking, and the maker mindset, these sessions provide practical strategies for teaching science through making, coding, and hands-on exploration.
Come ready to design, prototype, and experiment—while gaining the tools and confidence to lead meaningful, NGSS-aligned science and computer science experiences in your classroom.
DATES
December 3, 2025 • Designing with TurtleStitch
January 14, 2026 • Design and Create with Tinkercad and 3D Printers: Part 1
January 21, 2026 • Design and Create with Tinkercad and 3D Printers: Part 2
February 4, 2026 • Explore and Engineer with Cardboard: Part 1
February 18, 2026 • Explore and Engineer with Cardboard: Part 2
March 4, 2026 • Design and Embroider with Turtlestitch: Part 1
March 18, 2026 • Design and Embroider with Turtlestitch: Part 2
April 8, 2026 • Code and Craft with Micro:bits Part 1
April 22, 2026 • Code and Craft with Micro:bits Part 2
May 6, 2026 • Design your Own Games: Part 1
May 20, 2026 • Design your Own Games: Part 2
Fall sessions are free to attend! Continuing education unit is available through Fresno Pacific University.
CONTINUING EDUCATION UNIT
Participants will gain new insights on maker-centered learning by attending and engaging in AIMS Educator Workshops. Participants will learn how to integrate many of the themes into their classrooms in order to provide learning opportunities that tap into student interests and curiosity which are natural drivers for learning. Students must attend four Educator Workshops totaling 6 hours and complete Part 1 & 2 of assignment as outlined in the course description.
View the full course description
For course related questions, please contact Elin Anderson.