THE FOLLOWING WORKSHOPS ARE FREE
Thanks to funding provided by:
Click on the logos above to navigate to those lessons, or scroll down the page.
CHECK OUT OUR LINE-UP OF FREE WORKSHOPS
From CS First to Minecraft Education to Microsoft, and Coding to Art to Social Studies, we’ve got co-taught lessons covering every topic you could hope for. For a full listing of all lessons, check out our events calendar.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time via email at help@cobblestonecollective.ca. A real human is at the other end of that email account and will respond in 24 hours or less.
Descriptions for the free lessons can be found below:
Google for Education Co-Taught Lessons
ESCAPE WINTER and SPRING INTO SPRING!
March 8th - 1pm Eastern Time
Students! Get ready for an exciting and challenging adventure that will test your problem-solving skills! Google Forms and Sites is the perfect way to escape the winter blues and leap into the spring season.
Throughout this lesson, students will be tasked with solving puzzles, riddles, and challenges to make their escape, Once they’ve completed their escape, we’ll show them how to create their own digital escape rooms using the Google tools. They’ll learn how to craft puzzles and challenges that will stump even the savviest of escape artists.
CS First Culturally responsive Game Design
March 14th - 1pm Eastern Time
Join Canadian Googlers, virtually, as we dive into coding together and begin to create our very own Culturally Responsive Video Game. Inspired by a lesson developed by the National Centre for Collaboration in Indigenous Education (NCCIE) we’ll be using Scratch for CS First to learn more about computational thinking, problem-solving, and debugging all while exploring how Indigenous game features like background, characters and music can be used in our programming.
This collaborative event with Google Canada where we will be coding together, alongside Google Software Developers.
Build your Own Beats with Code
March 14th - 4:30pm Eastern Time
Let’s Make Music with Code!
Discover breakbeatcode, a curriculum to teach coding to students ages 12-18, through beat making and music creation.
Inside this 60-minute co-taught lesson, students will work with a digital audio workstation, a library of samples, and a Python interpreter, to build their own beats through writing Python code.
No prior experience in coding or music is required!
This lesson will also introduce students to the Your Voice is Power program and scholarship contest that explores the connection between music and Indigenous social justice issues through coding and music.
stop motion adventure
March 15th - 1pm Eastern Time
In this exciting lesson, students will get the chance to create their very own Stop Motion animation of a beach scene using Google Slides! From the crystal clear ocean to swaying palm trees and sunny skies, students will have the opportunity to let their creativity run wild and design their perfect beach paradise.
Through using Google Slides to bring their ideas to life, students will not only develop essential design techniques but also learn how to assemble their creations into a fluid and captivating animation. Once completed, the students’ finished animations will be automatically played when published – giving them the chance to showcase their hard work to friends and family.
With this lesson, students will have a blast while learning valuable digital design and animation skills, making it a fantastic way to bring a little bit of beachside fun into the classroom!
Shape your perfect Vacation with Google Slides
April 5th - 1pm Eastern Time
Are you ready to hit the swimming pool? In this lesson, students will explore the world of shape art using Google Slides! Students will have the opportunity to unleash their creativity and design their perfect poolside vacation scene using different shapes and colors. This lesson is great for anyone who enjoys art and wants to develop their digital design skills.
During this lesson, students will learn how to use Google Slides to create intricate and beautiful artwork. We will start by exploring the different tools and features available in Google Slides that can help us create unique shapes and designs. Next, we will dive into creating a poolside vacation scene by layering shapes and using color to bring our vision to life. By the end of this workshop, students will have a better understanding of digital art and how to use Google Slides to create stunning visuals. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to explore the world of digital art and create a beautiful poolside vacation scene!
CS First Co-Taught Lessons
Explorer la musique et le son avec CS First
April 4th - 1pm Eastern Time
Dans cette leçon, les élèves expérimenteront et essaieront différents sons d’instruments et notes de musique pour créer un rythme et une mélodie. Nous explorerons la hauteur, les rythmes, les silences et le tempo tout en utilisant du code et des concepts (boucles, déclencheurs d’événements, séquençage, etc.) pour donner vie à la musique.
Cette leçon fait partie de la série Codage à Travers le Programme 2022-2023. Si vous êtes déjà inscrit à la série, vous êtes prêt. Si non, qu’attendez-vous ?! 🙂
Exploring MUSIC AND SOUND with CS First
April 11th - 1pm Eastern Time
Inside this lesson, students will experiment and try out different instrument sounds and musical notes to create rhythm and a tune. We’ll explore pitch, beats, rests and tempo all while using code and concepts (loops, event triggers, sequencing, and more) to bring the music to life.
This lesson is part of the 2022-2023 Coding Across the Curriculum Series. If you’ve already registered as part of that series, you’re all set. If not, what are you waiting for?! 🙂
Exploring CODING AND MATH with CS First
April 18th - 1pm Eastern Time
Predict Probability with Code! In this lessonm, students will use terms such as unlikely, likely, certain, impossible and 50/50 to create an interactive story. When combined with computer science concepts, such as loops and conditional statements, students will have the opportunity to code a story that showcases their understanding of the probability of an outcome occurring.
This lesson is part of the 2022-2023 Coding Across the Curriculum Series. If you’ve already registered as part of that series, you’re all set. If not, what are you waiting for?! 🙂
Friday Code Day - WELCOME TO THE NEW CS First
March 10th - 1pm Eastern Time
Welcome to the NEW CS First! If you’re interested in learning how to code, you’re in for a treat. This updated version of CS First makes it even easier, featuring step-by-step instructions that are seamlessly embedded inside the same tab as Scratch for CS First, making it easy for you to focus on the task at hand without having to switch between multiple tabs.
This introductory lesson will guide you through the new CS First format and teach you how to tell a creative story for your new ‘virtual’ pet hedgehog. Everyone wants a new pet, now you can have one…. VIRTUALLY 🙂
FRIDAY CODE DAY - code your own google logo
March 17th - 1pm Eastern Time
Welcome back to a lesson using the NEW CS First learning platform. (For those who are new, don’t worry – no prior experience is required).
In this lesson, we’ll introduce you to the world of Google Doodles, those special interactive logos that Google creates to commemorate holidays and important people, places, and events. Using the new Scratch for CS First platform, with the step-by-step instructions embedded right inside your code editor, it’ll be easy to follow along and create your very own Google Doodle logo, with the freedom to design it however you like.
Whether you want to celebrate a real or imagined holiday, an important person, or highlight a favorite hobby or interest, this lesson is for you.
Friday Code Day - CODE YOUR NAME
March 31st - 1pm Eastern Time
We’re excited to announce our latest lesson where you’ll be the star of the show. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to create a program that animates your own name and add extra special features to help celebrate YOU!
Using the new Scratch for CS First platform, you’ll have access to embedded instructions that will guide you every step of the way. You’ll have the creative freedom to design your name animation in any way you choose, and the best part is that it’s all about you!
So come join us and let’s get started on bringing your name to life! By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a personalized animation that you can share with your friends and family. Let’s celebrate you and your creativity with CS First.
FRIDAY CODE DAY - code your HERO
April 7th - 1pm Eastern Time
We’d be thrilled if you join us for this final lesson in our CS First series (even if you didn’t attend the others, that’s OK!)
In this lesson, we’re going to celebrate the everyday heroes in our lives. Using the Scratch for CS First platform, you’ll learn how to code a story or game about someone in your life that you consider to be a hero. This lesson encourages you to think about the people in your life who make a difference every day. You’ll have the opportunity to showcase their heroism and create a personalized project that honors them.
This is your chance to express your gratitude and appreciation in a fun and creative way. So come join us for our final lesson using the new embedded instructions inside CS First and let’s celebrate the heroes in our lives together!
Minecraft Education Co-Taught Lessons
Minecraft Education ARTEMIS: ROCKET BUILD
March 24th - 2pm Eastern Time
Blast off to the moon with your students in Minecraft Education and get ready to explore the new Artemis Mission worlds! Created in partnership with NASA, this world is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.
In this lesson, students will learn about the key considerations that go into rocket design, propulsion, and the demands of flying into space. This will help them to understand the complex science behind rocketry and to develop a deeper appreciation for the amazing work being done by NASA and other space agencies. By putting their problem-solving skills and creativity to the test, they’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the science behind space exploration and develop important skills, like teamwork and communication.
Registration is through Minecraft Education, click here to register.
MINECRAFT EDUCATION ARTEMIS: RETURN TO THE MOON
March 29th - 2pm Eastern Time
This is lesson, students will take on the role of an astronaut aboard the Orion space capsule, as they embark on an epic journey to the moon! Students will use computer science and coding to carry out their lunar mission. With coding missions to complete while in orbit around the moon, students will learn the basics of coding in a fun and engaging way. NASA has a long history of utilizing computer technology to carry out their missions, and the Artemis missions are no exception.
In this second world, players will have the opportunity to code in either Python or MakeCode, and no prior coding experience is required to participate. In addition, the world features collaborative coding for the first time, allowing students to work together in teams of up to four. This not only helps to develop coding skills, but also teaches teamwork and communication, which are critical skills for success in both computer science and life in general.
Registration is through Minecraft Education, click here to register.
MINECRAFT EDUCATION - EARTH WEEK Part 1
April 19th - 2pm Eastern Time
Celebrate Earth Week with a lesson like no other, featuring Minecraft Education and the new Frozen Planet II series developed in partnership with BBC Earth. This lesson allows students to step into the shoes of some of nature’s hardiest creatures and experience the icy worlds from their perspective.
In Part 1, we will be focusing on the Frozen Ocean world, where students will have the opportunity to explore the Arctic Ocean and its wildlife, identify how animals have adapted to their habitat, and understand how climate change is affecting this important ecosystem
Minecraft Education Earth Week - Part 2
April 21st - 2pm Eastern Time
Celebrate Earth Week with a lesson like no other, featuring Minecraft Education and the new Frozen Planet II series developed in partnership with BBC Earth. This lesson allows students to step into the shoes of some of nature’s hardiest creatures and experience the icy worlds from their perspective.
In Part 2, students will be introduced to the Frozen Lands world, where they will learn about the Lapland bumblebee and the Amur leopard, and discover how these animals have adapted to survive extreme conditions. Studnets will gain a deeper understanding of how climate change is affecting the frozen land habitats across the Northern hemisphere, and making survival for animals living in frozen lands increasingly more difficult.
Microsoft for Education Co-Taught Lessons
Microsoft office: templates galore!
March 9th - 1pm Eastern Time
ENGLISH AND FRENCH LESSONS RUNNING CONCURRENTLY
Looking to hone your digital creativity skills and build your design portfolio? Look no further than this co-taught lesson using Microsoft Office templates!
In this lesson, you’ll learn how to access and use the vast array of templates available in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and even Excel. With these tools at your fingertips, you’ll be able to create stunning brochures, certificates, calendars, newsletters, and more – all with just a few clicks. Whether you’re a budding graphic designer or just looking to spruce up your school projects, this lesson is the perfect way to take your skills to the next level!
present in style with powerpoint!
March 21st - 1pm Eastern Time
ENGLISH AND FRENCH LESSONS RUNNING CONCURRENTLY
Want to take your PowerPoint presentations to the next level and make them truly memorable? Join this lesson and learn how to add the “wow” factor to your slides! In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use the built-in tools in PowerPoint to create stunning and visually appealing presentations. You’ll discover how to add subject-specific templates to your slides using the designer tool, which will make your presentations look polished and professional. Additionally, you’ll master how to add animations to your text and images, bringing your content to life and keeping your audience engaged. Finally, you’ll learn how to use the powerful Presenter Coach feature to refine your presentation skills and deliver a knockout performance.
POWERPOINt: More than just a presentation tool!
March 22nd - 1pm Eastern Time
ENGLISH AND FRENCH LESSONS RUNNING CONCURRENTLY
Have you only ever used PowerPoint for presentations? Did you know it can also be used for all of your publishing needs? Look no further!
This lesson on publishing in PowerPoint will show students how to change the page setup to create eye-catching newsletters, banners, brochures, postcards, and more. They”ll be amazed at how versatile PowerPoint can be beyond just presentations. With our step-by-step guidance and many pre-built templates, students will learn how to create visually appealing designs and layouts that will impress even the harshest of critics.
Take presenting to the next level with microsoft Sway
March 28th - 1pm Eastern Time
ENGLISH AND FRENCH LESSONS RUNNING CONCURRENTLY
Students! Are you looking for an innovative way to present your ideas and projects? Look no further. This lesson, featuring Microsoft Sway, will help students discover the power of this versatile tool. With Sway’s intuitive design features, students can easily add text, images, videos, and other multimedia elements to their presentations, and have them instantly available on the Web to share with teachers, parents, grandparents and beyond! Join us today and discover the endless possibilities of Microsoft Sway!
Microsoft Edge - your new homework companion!
April 3rd - 1pm Eastern Time
ENGLISH AND FRENCH LESSONS RUNNING CONCURRENTLY
Students! Are you tired of struggling with your research papers and math homework? Microsoft Edge may now be your new best friend!
This lesson will introduce students to the powerful research and reading comprehension tools built right into the Edge browser, including Immersive Reader and Grammar Tools which will help students improve their reading and writing skills, making studying easier and more efficient. We won’t stop there! We’ll then dive into Math Solver where students will disciver that even with just a photo of a math problem, they will be given a step-by-step solution instantly, along with additional tutorials and practice questions to help the truly begin to understand. No more frustration or confusion! . Join us today and discover how Microsoft Edge can enhance your learning experience!
Digital escape rooms in oneNote: THE FINAL ESCAPE!
April 12th - 1pm Eastern Time
ENGLISH AND FRENCH LESSONS RUNNING CONCURRENTLY
As we near the end of our Spring Learning Series, and almost to the month of May, students can join us for this Final Escape where they will start with an April-themed escape room challenge, solving clues related to facts from around the world about the month of April. Students will then learn how to create their own escape rooms using OneNote’s collaboration and multimedia features. They’ll be able to add images, videos, audio recordings, and other interactive elements to make their escape rooms even more engaging and challenging, and most of all, fun!