Teaching Python22 Dec 2024

Episode 142: Middle School Magic: Integrating AI, Data Science, and Computational Thinking with Kelly Powers

In Episode 142 of Teaching Python, hosts Sean Tibor and Kelly Schuster-Paredes are joined by Kelly Powers, a fellow middle school educator and curriculum designer, to explore the dynamic world of middle school instruction. As a passionate advocate for computational thinking, Powers shares valuable insights on introducing students to the concepts of AI, data science, and cybersecurity in a way that is both rigorous and joyful.

Topics Covered

Engaging Middle School Students: Strategies for capturing and maintaining student interest.
Creativity and Collaboration: How to foster a collaborative environment that inspires creativity.
Core Computational Concepts: Real-world applications that make these concepts accessible and interesting.
Data Science Projects: Practical advice on integrating data science into your curriculum.
Generative AI Ethics: Discussing the ethical use of AI in education.
Python as a Teaching Tool: Exploring the versatility of Python for various projects.

Key Takeaways

Integrating Computational Thinking Skills: Tips on how to weave these skills into everyday classroom routines.
Teamwork and Communication: The importance of teamwork and effective communication in coding projects.
Engaging Lessons with Python: How Python can be used to create engaging and meaningful projects for students.

About Kelly Powers

Kelly Powers transitioned from the business world to education, bringing a fresh perspective on teaching computational thinking. She offers invaluable insights into making rigorous and joyful learning experiences for middle school students.

Whether you are an experienced teacher or new to the field, this episode is packed with actionable ideas and inspirational moments that will help you create a more engaging and effective learning environment.

Tune in for a lively conversation that celebrates the magic of middle school teaching and the endless possibilities of computer science education.

Listen to the episode: Teaching Python Podcast

Follow us on Social Media:

Special Guest: Kelly Powers.

Det här avsnittet är hämtat från ett öppet RSS-flöde och publiceras inte av Podme. Det kan innehålla reklam.

Avsnitt(158)

Episode 157: Episode # 157 Philip Guo: The Code Runs. But Do You Understand It?

Kelly talks with Philip Guo, creator of Python Tutor, about how the tool helps students trace code and understand programming basics. They also discuss the challenges AI-generated code creates in the ...

30 Maj 53min

Episode 156: When Code Leaves the Screen

In this episode of Teaching Python, Kelly Schuster-Paredes and Julian Sequeira are joined by engineer and maker Todd Kurt to discuss what happens when code leaves the screen and starts interacting wit...

23 Maj 56min

Episode 155: Hello World is Dead

In this episode, Sean, Kelly, and Julian tackle a provocative question: is the traditional "Hello, World" first program dead? What was once a thrilling moment of agency — telling a computer to do some...

6 Apr 47min

Episode 154: Are You Techie Enough?

What does it really mean to be "techie"? Sean, Kelly, and guest Amelia Hough-Ross dig into the labels we put on ourselves and others — and why curiosity and persistence matter more than credentials. F...

3 Mars 49min

Episode 153: 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

Julian Sequeira from PyBites joins Sean and Kelly to share their top holiday gift picks for coders, makers, and educators. This episode features 15+ gift ideas ranging from budget-friendly maker tools...

14 Dec 202540min

Episode 152: High School CS with Quincy Tennyson

In this episode, we sit down with Quincy Tennyson, who teaches an impressive four-year computer science pathway at Fern Creek High School. Quincy's background in the Marine Corps and as a network engi...

26 Nov 202554min

Episode 151: AI in Practice: Learning from Law & Beyond with Pritesh Patel

In this episode, Sean and Kelly welcome Pritesh Patel, a computer scientist specializing in AI who brings over 20 years of experience from companies like Turner Broadcasting, Walmart, and GE to his cu...

29 Sep 202554min

Episode 150: LLMs with Simon WIllison

In this milestone 150th episode, hosts Kelly Schuster-Paredes and Sean Tibor sit down with Simon Willison, co-creator of Django and creator of Datasette and LLM tools, for an in-depth conversation abo...

28 Aug 20251h 36min