GEARED UP Mentor Conference

This session explores how mentors and robotics educators can make coding more accessible by talking about code in clear human language before focusing on programming syntax. Rather than asking students to immediately navigate language-specific rules, this approach helps them first explain what the code is doing, why it works, and how the logic unfolds step by step. Similar to pseudocode but more conversational in practice, “pseudospeak” gives learners a way to speak code as a human process. For early programmers, that builds confidence, deepens understanding, and creates a more inclusive entry point into computer science. For mentors, it provides a shared language for discussing logic, sequence, variables, loops, and program behavior without letting syntax become the barrier to learning.

We've all built the marshmallow spaghetti tower, but how do we go beyond that? What are the big lessons we can learn from little challenges? 
This session focuses on designing and showcasing teamwork challenges that encourage:

1. Creative thinking
2. Teamwork
3. Effective communication skills
4. Using technology
5. Self reflection

"These are positively evil" -A review from a satisfied team member after one of Coach Ethan's "evil" teamwork challenges
See more at The Captain's Journal: www.team4924.org/captains-journal

One of the most important early steps in approaching design is helping students make sense of the challenge before rushing into solutions. This session explores how mentors and educators can support teams in breaking down the challenge, identifying key problems to solve, and moving into prototyping in ways that keep students at the center of the process. The focus is on creating structures for ideation, design, testing, and iteration that strengthen student agency and ownership rather than shifting decision-making to adults. Participants will consider strategies for guiding analysis, supporting productive team discussion, and building a design process where students lead the work of turning ideas into action.