Computer Science/STEAM Playdates are designed for teachers, STEM/STEAM Coordinators, and Math/Science Coordinators. Launching or maintaining a systemic STEM program can be daunting, especially regarding the selection of the software, tools and equipment that are most appropriate to support learning objectives. This event will help schools properly select STEM products, considering grade band, teacher skills, school environment, and desired outcomes.

We will spotlight/showcase K-8 products from selected vendors to help participants enhance their own library of materials. If you are interested in rolling up your sleeves and getting "hands on" in a safe and fun learning environment, this session is the perfect opportunity to mingle with fellow learners. As we explore together, we will examine ways in which these products and tools can help support teaching and assessing our New York State Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standards.


Highlights for 2026: participant "show and tell" game; screen-free kits and options that maximize physical building and kinesthetic movement; climate action and financial literacy solutions to help districts meet upcoming NYSED requirements.

Defined Learning/Defined STEM: PBL, Financial Literacy

Active Floor

Active Wall/LU

Gif-O-Graf

Fork Farms

Piper

Forward Education's Climate Action kits:clean water and sanitation, engineering for hazardous weather, flood control, river management, UN sustainability: Managing Micro Plastics.

Spend a day of learning with LHRIC staff and colleagues in our intensive six-hour CS/STEAM Masterclass. Interact with different instructional technology coaches and colleagues from across the region to unpack innovative approaches to teaching, learning, and leadership, and leave empowered to confidently shape the next generation of computational thinkers. Scheduled topics include:

How to bring and keep a spirit of joy and play in STEAM lessons and activities;

How to effectively transition students from block-based coding to syntax-based coding, and will this be a durable skill in the age of AI agents?

How to make the most of unplugged and non-screen-based learning.

Join LHRIC Model Schools and LEGO® Education as we explore the power of hands-on learning through purposeful play using LEGO® Education Science and LEGO® Education Computer Science&AI. Discover engaging strategies to spark creativity, develop computational thinking, and introduce students to coding, robotics, and AI concepts through meaningful real-world applications. Learn how LEGO® Education solutions help students build future-ready skills while fostering collaboration, problem-solving, and innovation. Walk away with practical ideas to make Computer Science and AI learning engaging, accessible, and memorable for every student. This workshop is appropriate for districts or schools those interested in exploring future implementation opportunities or currently implementing LEGO® Education solutions.

Highlights:

Overview of LEGO® Education's Computer Science & AI and LEGO® Education Science

Support of retired SPIKE™ Essential and SPIKE™ Prime

Understanding lesson progressions aligned to the New York State Standards

Exploring how computational thinking, coding, robotics, and introductory AI concepts are integrated into classroom learning

Hands-on activities using LEGO® Education Solutions

Discussion of implementation strategies and curriculum alignment across core academic subjects

Best practices for developing students' collaboration, problem-solving, and future-ready technology skills.