Name: Blast Off with Gizmos: Coding Adventure on Mars for Grades 4-6
Start: 2026-02-19T09:00:00-0700
End: 2026-02-19T10:00:00-0700

-Pre-recorded: 2026 President Schilling’s Convention Address: https://youtu.be/uZmsvjr-pCo

-The main event will occur at RDP (Red Deer Polytechnic)

-The Social will happen on Feb 19 after the last session in the Main Stage Foyer, do sign up by including it in your schedule

-Edcamp sessions all occur on Feb 20 Session 5, watch the following to understand what an Edcamp event is all about
https://youtu.be/uIHonn97TJk

-A few sessions you will need to pre-register and pay a supply fee to attend on the day

-POST RECORDING VIDEOS are availble from Feb 20th at 3:30 PM - May31st at 11:59 PM
-Be Scent Free for the event

-DO YOU HAVE ANY ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS AT THE EVENT? e.g.) quiet space, allergies, wheel chair assistance, etc.
Please reach out to [email protected]

-If you need hotel accommodations do use the following link to get a special deal for CATCA members until February 4th: https://reservations.travelclick.com/108483?groupID=5047732

Blast Off with Gizmos: Coding Adventure on Mars for Grades 4-6

Thursday February 19, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MST

RDP ROOM 2304 @ 100 College Blvd, Red Deer, AB T4N 5H5

Embark on a cosmic coding adventure with ExploreLearning Gizmos. Join us to explore the Programmable Rover Gizmo and engage in a basic block coding lesson. Navigate the rover across Mars’ red terrain by moving, turning, jumping and collecting rock samples. This interactive session will introduce educators to Gizmos resources and provide guidance on planning engaging and effective lessons for their students. Access to Gizmos for K-6 teachers has been provided by Alberta Education.

Speakers

Karen Blumhagen

Alberta Implementation Coordinator, ExploreLearning

Karen Blumhagen is a Customer Success Manager with ExploreLearning, bringing over thirty years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, learning facilitator, and administrator. Having applied Gizmos in her own teaching practice, Karen has observed firsthand the positive... Read More →

Alberta Canada Postcard pdf

Blast Off with the Programmable Rover Enhance Computational Thinking with Gizmos Resources 2026 pdf

Blast Off on a Mars Coding Adventure 2026 pdf

Thursday February 19, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2304

Science (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6)