2025 South Shore Summer of Learning @ Duneland: Full Schedule

9:15am CDT

Vibe Coding for Schools: Building Real Solutions Without Being a Coder

Thursday June 26, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

You don't need to be a software engineer to create tools that transform your classroom, school, or district. In this session, see how vibe coding — designing the emotional and functional experience first — led to real apps and automations built by an educator with no formal coding background. Learn how you can do it too, using tools you already have. No coding experience needed!

Speakers

Josh Craig

Secondary Technology Coach, School City of Hammond

Josh is a former HHS Art teacher, Media Specialist, and HS Administrator. He enjoys spending time in his arts studio with his lovely and talented wife and bragging about his 4 daughters.

Thursday June 26, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Chesterton High School 2125 S 11th St, Chesterton, IN 46304

STEM

10:30am CDT

Enhancing Math Instruction with PhET Simulations

Thursday June 26, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Chesterton High School

Bring math concepts to life with interactive, hands-on exploration using PhET Simulations! In this engaging professional development session, educators will discover how to integrate PhET’s free, research-based simulations into their elementary math instruction. Participants will explore simulations that support conceptual understanding of topics such as number sense, fractions, measurement, and more. Through guided exploration and collaborative discussion, teachers will gain practical strategies for incorporating these dynamic tools to enhance student engagement, deepen understanding, and foster mathematical thinking. Leave with ready-to-use resources and ideas to bring the power of PhET to your classroom!

Speakers

Lauren Poncsak

Instructional Coach, Duneland School Corporation

I'm an Instructional Coach and former 6th Grade Math teacher. I'm passionate about helping teachers find the joy in their work and maximizing student impact and engagement.

Thursday June 26, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Chesterton High School 2125 S 11th St, Chesterton, IN 46304

STEM

12:30pm CDT

Hit the Trail with Sumo Bots: A Fun Spin on Hands-On Learning!

Thursday June 26, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

Chesterton High School

Ready to hit the trail with hands-on STEM learning? In this interactive session, participants will explore how students can design, build, and program Micro:bit-powered sumo robots using simple materials like cardboard and motors. This engaging, competition-based project blends engineering, coding, and creativity while fostering problem-solving and collaboration. Attendees will leave with ideas to bring this high-energy robotics challenge into their classrooms. Let’s build, code, and battle our way to learning! 🚀🤖

Speakers

Heather Clarkson

Lake Central School Corporation

Thursday June 26, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Chesterton High School 2125 S 11th St, Chesterton, IN 46304

STEM

1:45pm CDT

Planting the Seeds of STEM: Nature-Based Experiences for K-12 and Beyond

Thursday June 26, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT

Chesterton High School

Shirley Heinze Land Trust (SHLT) works with local schools (K-12) and colleges to advance students' understanding and appreciation for their local ecosystems. SHLT advances STEM education through in-class, field trip, and internship experiences that reinforce science curriculum, provide immersive project-based and hands-on learning experiences, and expose students to career opportunities in nature and conservation. Join our session to learn more about the different student experiences SHLT can provide and participate in an activity demo to see how nature can be a powerful learning tool.

Speakers

Mari Patis

Program Coordinator, Shirley Heinze Land Trust

Thursday June 26, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
Chesterton High School 2125 S 11th St, Chesterton, IN 46304

STEM

2025 South Shore Summer of Learning @ Duneland

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