Outreach

NOTE: This page is under construction. Please check back often for updates!

At the Gianforte School of Computing, we believe computer science can be a tool to help all people do what they love to do better, for everything from trying to find an elusive pattern in data to helping conserve water in agriculture. Our faculty are using computing to help solve real-world problems, and we'd love for you join us! If you're looking for inspiration, check out Hunter Lloyd's How to Train your Robot presentation, above, and please reach out to Keri Hallau, our Outreach Coordinator, if you'd like Mr. Lloyd and his robot friends to visit your school and inspire the next generation of problem solvers!

For Students

Groups & Clubs

• Calling all Middle School girls in Montana! Code Girls United is a year-long program where you'll learn how to build apps with drag-and-drop coding and apply your new-found knowledge to help solve a real-world problem in your community! Find a Code Girls United chapter near you and learn more!
• Are you a LEGO or robotics enthusiast? You might enjoy FIRST: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). Consider joining an existing FIRST program near you. Don't see a FIRST program in your area? Learn how to start a local FIRST chapter!

Exploring & Learning

• Check out these adorable little robots that respond to (screen-free!) color codes using common markers or can be programmed with block-based coding: Ozobots.
• Explore free online coding activities for all levels, including Hour of Code modules at code.org.

For Teachers

Professional Development Opportunities

• CSCI 581 Computer Science in the Classroom: Computational Thinking for Teachers: This course is FREE for MT Teachers and will be offered virtually this summer (2 credits). July 17-21, 2023 from 8am -5pm daily. Taught by Hunter Lloyd, MSU-Bozeman CS Faculty member. (PDF flier coming soon!)
• Research Experience for Teachers in Engineering (RET): A six-week paid summer program for elementary teachers to enhance teaching in science, technology, engineering and math. June 26 - Aug 4, 2023 at MSU-Bozeman.
• FREE!Virtual and in-person regional K-12 teacher trainings for K-12 teachers with AVID--code.org's regional training partner for Montana, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Wyoming. 
• Montana STEM Summer Institute: The MSU Science Math Resource Center  and School Services of Montana  will host the annual Montana STEM Summer Institute, supporting educators with the advancement of teaching and learning in STEM! July 31-Aug 2, 2023 at MSU-Bozeman.
• Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) Summer Institute: June 19-23, 2023 at MSU-Bozeman.

Resources

• Join CSTA MT! The Montana chapter of the Computer Science Teachers Association endeavors to build a network of teachers from across the state to share ideas and resources, connect educators with professional development opportunities, and increase access to CS concepts in classrooms throughout MT.
• Do you want to teach CS in MT, but you're not sure what is required? Learn about the licensure requirements for the secondary level from the Office of Public Instruction.