Cyber Pipeline

The Cyber Pipeline Initiative seeks to broaden participation in computing by assisting Kansas K-12 schools in bringing quality computer science instruction to all Kansas students. Computational thinking and programming are recognized as critical 21st century skills for every career, as the transformative impact of computer technology has come to bear on every aspect of our lives. Wether it be authoring original software, using data mining techniques to analyze the genome of a new bovine virus, creating computer models of the watersheds that recharge the Ogallala aquifer, or programming a drone to overfly a wheat field to assess hail damage, the techniques and skills of computer science have role to play in all Kansans’ lives.

The Cyber Pipeline provides a complete - but customizable - Computer Science curriculum for Kansas schools. The curriculum was created by computer science and curriculum development experts at Kansas State University, and includes high-quality video lectures, engaging interactive programming exercises, and can be taught for college credit through the Advanced Placement exams. It is delivered through an online platform that runs in the browser on a school’s current PCs, Macs, and Chromebooks. The entire curriculum is published under Creative Commons license, allowing teachers and schools to adapt the curriculum materials to suit their students’ needs.

Since our full rollout in the 2022-23 academic year, 50+ teachers received free training and graduate credits to teach computer science and are reaching over 2,000 students in 41 school districts across the state!

Cyber Pipeline Impact

Subsections of Cyber Pipeline

Our Courses

Currently the Cyber Pipeline is offering two introductory computer science courses appropriate for Kansas high schools:

  • CC110 - Introduction to Computing This course introduces students to the field of computing, including its history, development, hardware, and the basics of programming in Python. It is aligned with the Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles course, which allows schools teaching the class to offer the corresponding AP exam.
  • CC210 - Fundamental Computer Programming Concepts This course teaches the foundational concepts of structured imperative programming using the Java language. It is aligned with the Advanced Placement Computer Science A course, which allows schools to offer the corresponding AP exam.

Beyond the two introductory courses, the Cyber Pipeline can work with your school to offer these additional computer science courses:

Professional Development

The best way to help a student succeed in computer science is a prepared and knowledgeable mentor. The Cyber Pipeline seeks to address this need with a robust professional development program that consists of multiple graduate courses in Computer Science Education that culminate in a Graduate Certificate. These courses are:

  • CC 710 - Introduction to Computing for Educators
  • CC 711 - Computer Education Programming Fundamentals
  • CC 730 - Computer Programming for Educators
  • CC 750 - Data Structures and Algorithms for Educators I
  • CC 751 - Data Structures and Algorithms for Educators II
  • CC 760 - Advanced Computing for Educators
  • CC 798 - Topics in Computing for Educators
  • EDCI 765 - Contemporary Pedagogies for Teaching Computer Science
  • EDCI 768 - Teaching Computer Science in Elementary Schools
  • EDCI 769 - Teaching Computer Science in Secondary Schools

In addition, these courses can be used as the content specialization courses for a Masters or Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction.

Ongoing Support

We have found a critical factor in the success of new computer science teachers is comprehensive support throughout both professional development coursework and in the first few years of teaching. We meet this need in multiple ways:

  1. The College of Engineering at Kansas State University has funded a helpdesk staffed by knowledgeable Computer Science students (both graduate and undergraduate) who can answer many questions Cyber Pipeline teachers and students may have.
  2. The faculty involved in the Cyber Pipeline program are committed to providing fast and helpful responses to Cyber Pipeline teacher’s concerns and questions.
  3. The Department of Computer Science at Kansas State University has committed to hosting an annual Kansas CSTA Chapter Conference, where Kansas K-12 teachers and meet, share ideas, and help set the agenda for improvements to the Cyber Pipeline and other outreach efforts.

KS CSTA Conference 2024

CS4KS 2024 CS4KS 2024

The K-State Advancing Learning & Teaching in Computer Science (ALT+CS) Lab is proud to host the Summer 2023 Teacher Training Workshop, the Kansas Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) chapter annual conference, and AP Computer Science Workshop. The events will be held June 5th-8th 2024 at the Kansas State University Carl R. Ice College of Engineering in Manhattan, KS.

Dive into the heart of computer science education at our annual CSTA conference in Kansas. Immerse yourself in cutting-edge curriculum and talks led by leading experts and fellow educators. Discover innovative teaching strategies, explore the latest advancements computer science education, and network with like-minded professionals from across the state. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting your journey in computer science education, this conference offers invaluable resources and inspiration to enhance your classroom practice.

Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your students with the skills they need to thrive in a digital world. Join us at the Kansas Computer Science Teachers Association Conference and chart the course for a brighter future, one line of code at a time.

  • June 5th-6th: Teacher Training Workshop for Cyber Pipeline PACK grant participants only (both current and previous participants).
  • June 7th will be the annual KS CSTA conference and
  • June 8th will be an AP Computer Science Workshop…both June 7th and 8th are open to the general public.
    • Learn more about what AP computer science has to offer. In this workshop, we will help get you setup for teaching AP computer science. The workshop will cover how to adopt AP computer science principles curriculum, AP classroom, Digital Portfolios, and an overview of the updated AP exam and performance task.

Registration is Now OPEN!

The registration for the KS CSTA Conference (June 7th) costs $30 for the general public. This is used only to cover the expenses of running the conference (meals, refreshments, etc.). The AP Computer Science Workshop (June 8th) will be an additional $25 if you choose to attend.

  • Non-grant participants register here! https://bit.ly/kscstareg2024
  • Cyber Pipeline PACK grant participants (both current and past) will have a separate registration link sent directly to them. If you have not received one, please contact us at csadmin@ksu.edu.
    • Expenses will be fully covered for these participants through grant support. This includes all days of the workshops and conference outlined below in Schedule at a Glance

Schedule at a Glance

Info

Note that days labeled with PACK are only for Cyber Pipeline PACK grant participants (both current and past)

  • Tuesday 6/4 - PACK - Optional Travel Day for those coming out of town.
    • 3:00 PM - Hotel check-in begins
    • Dinner on your own
  • Wednesday 6/5 - PACK - Workshop Day 1
    • 8:30 AM - Arrive at Engineering Complex & Check-in (Atrium)
    • 9:00 AM - Workshop Begins
    • 11:45 AM - Lunch Provided
    • 4:00 PM - Workshop Ends
    • Dinner on your own
  • Thursday 6/6 - PACK - Workshop Day 2
    • 8:30 AM - Arrive at Engineering Complex & Check-in (Atrium)
    • 9:00 AM - Workshop Begins
    • 11:45 AM - Lunch Provided
    • 4:00 PM - Workshop Ends
    • Dinner on your own
  • Friday 6/7 - Kansas CSTA Conference
    • 8:30 AM - Arrive at Engineering Complex & Check-in (Atrium)
    • 9:00 AM - Opening Keynote (DUE 1109)
    • 11:45 AM - Lunch Provided
    • 4:00 PM - Conference Ends (DUE 1109)
  • Saturday 6/8 - AP Computer Science Workshop
    • 8:30 AM - Arrive at Engineering Complex & Check-in (Atrium)
    • 9:00 AM - Workshop begins
    • 11:45 AM - Lunch Provided
    • 2:30 PM - Workshop Ends

Detailed Schedule

Workshop - Wednesday 6/5

Wednesday Zoom Link

TimeRoomTitleVideo
9:00-9:15AMDUE 1112 (SAS)Administrative
9:15-9:45AMDUE 1112 (SAS)Collaborative Problem Solving (David Allen)Video
9:45-10:00AMDUE 1112 (SAS)Break
10:00-11:15AMDUE 1112 (SAS)Collaborative Problem Solving
11:15-11:45AMDUE 1112 (SAS)Diversity (Amy Betz)Video
11:45AM-1:15PMDUE 1112 (SAS)Lunch
1:15-1:45PMDUE 1112(SAS)CS+X Curriculum Development (Nathan Bean)Video
1:45-2:15PMDUE 1112(SAS)CS+X Curriculum Development (Nathan Bean)
2:15-2:25PMDUE 1112 (SAS)Break
2:25-2:30PMCampusWalk to Hale Library
2:30-3:30PMHale LibrarySunderland Innovation Lab Tour
3:30-4:00pmDUE 1112 (SAS)Research Discussion (Nathan Bean)

Workshop - Thursday 6/6

Thursday Zoom Link

TimeRoomTitleVideo
9:00-9:15AMDUE 1112 (SAS)Administrative
9:15-9:45AMDUE 1112 (SAS)Early Childhood (Josh Weese & Safia Malallah)Early Childhood (Safia Malallah)
Artificial Intelligence Activity (Josh Weese)
9:45-10:00AMDUE 1112 (SAS)Break
10:00-10:45AMDUE 1112 (SAS)Early ChildhoodMakey Makey (Josh Weese)
10:45-11:15AMDUE 1112 (SAS)K-State CS K12 Outreach
11:15-11:45AMDUE 1112 (SAS)Beocat Tour (Dan Andresen)Tour
11:45AM-1:15PMDUE 1112 (SAS)Lunch
1:15-1:45PMDUE 1112(SAS)Unconference (Russ Feldhausen)
1:45-2:15PMDUE 1112(SAS)Unconference (Russ Feldhausen)
2:15-2:30PMDUE 1112 (SAS)Break
2:30-3:00PMDUE 1112 (SAS)Unconference & Focus Groups
3:00-3:30PMDUE 1112 (SAS)Reflections & Focus Groups
3:30-4:00pmDUE 1112 (SAS)Wrap-up

KS CSTA Conference - Friday 6/7

Note: BOF is shorthand for “Birds of a Feather” - an informal discussion group based on a shared interest without any fixed agenda.

TimeDUE 1109DUE 1116DUE 0093
All DayZoom LinkZoom LinkZoom Link
8:30-9:00AMCheck-In
9:00-10:30AMOpening Keynote - Todd Lash
10:30-10:45AMBreak DUE 1112 (SAS)
10:45-11:45AMKSDE Update - Stephen KingExperiences in CS: A Student Perspective (Panel)Embedding CS in Early Elementary (Nathan Bean)
11:45AM-1:15PMWorking Lunch
The State of CS in Kansas DUE 1112 (SAS)
1:15-1:45PMInterest Areas - Science (Brad Olson)Interest Areas - Agriculture (Ivan Grijalva // Nathan Bean)Interest Areas - Data Science (Lior Shamir & Safia Malallah)
1:45-2:15PMBOF: High School (Russ Feldhausen)BOF: Elementary (Nathan Bean & Safia Malallah)BOF: Middle School (Josh Weese)
2:15-2:30PMBreak DUE 1112 (SAS)
2:30-3:00PMAI in Education (Josh Weese)BOF: Game Programming (Nathan Bean)BOF: Makerspace (Jeff Sheldon)
3:00-3:30PMBOF: Potpourri (Josh Weese)BOF: Web Development (Nathan Bean)BOF: CTE Pathways (Stephen King)
3:30-3:45PMBreak DUE 1112 (SAS)
3:45-4:15PMRecap and Closing

Workshop - Saturday 6/8

Saturday Zoom Link

TimeRoomTitleVideo
9:00-9:45AMDUE 1112 (SAS)AP Workshop - Perla WeaverPart 1
Part 2
9:45-10:00AMDUE 1112 (SAS)Break
10:00-11:45AMDUE 1112 (SAS)AP WorkshopPart 3
Part 4
11:45AM-1:15PMDUE 1112 (SAS)Lunch
1:15-2:30PMDUE 1112(SAS)AP WorkshopPart 5

Travel & Logistics

Note that days labeled with PACK are only for Cyber Pipeline PACK grant participants (both current and past)

  • Conference Hotel: Parkwood Inn & Suites
    • Event/Occasion: CSTA Conference
    • Booking Period: Open now until 5/28/2024!
    • Contact Number: (785) 320-5440
  • Parking
    • Hotel guests have free parking at the conference hotel. The hotel is a 20-25 minute walk to/from the Engineering Complex.
    • Parking passes for Cyber Pipeline PACK grant participants (both current and past) are available for registrants who requested one.
    • Non-grant attendees can park in any lot around the Engineering Building using the ParkMobile app.
  • Meals
    • Breakfast is provided through the hotel for hotel guests.
    • We have coffee and snacks available in the morning break, but there probably won’t be coffee available during check-in (feel free to bring your own!).
    • Lunch is provided each day.
    • Dinner is on your own (we will help coordinate groups that want to continue discussions). For PACK grant participants, dinner will be reimbursed per diem.
  • Reimbursement - PACK
    • W-9 Form - please fill out and upload before conference (or bring it with you).
      • K-State requires a W-9 form from anyone requesting reimbursement. We only need the first page. It must be signed!
    • Expense Report - please fill out and upload ASAP after end of conference. Attach the following items:
      • Itemized receipt (folio) from the hotel after checkout.
      • Round-trip map from your home to the hotel for mileage.
        • Hint: add your home as the starting point, hotel as the first stop, and then home as a second stop to get round-trip mileage in one map.
        • We can only reimburse mileage for a personal vehicle. If you choose to drive a school district vehicle (or similar), mileage will NOT be reimbursed.
      • Itemized receipts for meals are NOT required for reimbursement. Meals will be reimbursed based on per diem for meals that were not provided.
    • Upload Files Here

See below for helpful maps of the K-State Campus and the Engineering complex.

Maps

K-State Campus

Click Here for the Interactive Map

Helpful Addresses:

  • Conference Hotel: 1641 Anderson Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502
  • Engineering Complex: 1701D Platt St, Manhattan, KS 66506

Directions to Engineering Complex:

  • From the Conference Hotel: Walk North along Martin Luther King Blvd. (17th St.). Look for the white smokestack - the Engineering complex is just to the west.
  • Driving: Look for lot A29 at the corner of Denison Ave and Platt St. (northwest corner of the Engineering Complex). If that lot is full, lot D1 can be found a bit further south on Denison Ave. (just south of Hunting Ave.).

Parking:

  • Hotel guests have free parking at the conference hotel.
  • Details on parking on campus will follow soon. Parking on campus will be done utilizing the ParkMobile app.

Engineering Hall

Main Floor

Engg. Main Floor Engg. Main Floor

Most events Thursday and Friday are in DUE 1116, which is on the west side of the building across from the Beocat supercomputer.

Ground Floor

Engg. Ground Floor Engg. Ground Floor

Most events on Saturday are in the DUE 1109 Lecture Hall or the rooms on the ground floor on the west side of the building.

Subsections of KS CSTA Conference 2024

Workshop & Conference

The K-State Advancing Learning & Teaching in Computer Science (ALT+CS) Lab is proud to host the Summer 2023 Teacher Training Workshop in conjunction with the Kansas Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) chapter annual conference.

Travel & Logistics

  • Conference Hotel: Holiday Inn Manhattan At the Campus
    • Hotel reservations have been handled through the RSVP process. Make sure you get an itemized receipt after checkout!
  • Parking
    • Hotel guests have free parking at the conference hotel. The conference is a short 10 minute walk to the Engineering Complex.
    • Parking passes are available for registrants who requested one. Parking can be found in lot A28 to the north of the Engineering Complex and also lot D1 to the west of Memorial Stadium.
    • Unfortunately, we CAN NOT reimburse anyone for parking in the K-State parking garage.
  • Meals
    • Breakfast is provided through the hotel for hotel guests.
    • We have coffee and snacks available in the morning break, but there probably won’t be coffee available during check-in (feel free to bring your own!).
    • Lunch is provided each day.
    • Dinner is on your own (we will help coordinate groups that want to continue discussions)
    • Meals on your own will be reimbursed based on per diem.
  • Reimbursement
    • W-9 Form - please fill out and upload before conference (or bring it with you).
      • K-State requires a W-9 form from anyone requesting reimbursement. We only need the first page. It must be signed!
    • Expense Report - please fill out and upload ASAP after end of conference. Attach the following items:
      • Itemized receipt (folio) from the hotel after checkout.
      • Round-trip map from your home to the hotel for mileage.
        • Hint: add your home as the starting point, hotel as the first stop, and then home as a second stop to get round-trip mileage in one map.
        • We can only reimburse mileage for a personal vehicle. If you choose to drive a school district vehicle (or similar), mileage will NOT be reimbursed.
      • Itemized receipts for meals are NOT required for reimbursement. Meals will be reimbursed based on per diem.
    • Upload Files Here

See below for helpful maps of the K-State Campus and the Engineering complex.

Schedule at a Glance

  • Wednesday 6/21 - Hotel Arrival for Out of Town Guests
    • 3:00 PM - Hotel check-in
    • Dinner on your own
  • Thursday 6/22 - Workshop Day 1
    • 8:30 AM - Arrive at Engineering Complex & Check-in (Atrium)
    • 9:00 AM - Workshop Begins (DUE 1116)
    • 11:45 AM - Lunch (DUE 1116)
    • 4:00 PM - Workshop Ends (DUE 1116)
    • Dinner on your own
  • Friday 6/23 - Workshop Day 2
    • 8:30 AM - Arrive at Engineering Complex & Check-in (Atrium)
    • 9:00 AM - Workshop Begins (DUE 1116)
    • 11:45 AM - Lunch (DUE 1116)
    • 4:00 PM - Workshop Ends (DUE 1116)
    • Dinner on your own
  • Saturday 6/24 - Kansas CSTA Conference
    • 8:30 AM - Arrive at Engineering Complex & Check-in (Atrium)
    • 9:00 AM - Opening Keynote (DUE 1109)
    • 11:45 AM - Lunch (Atrium)
    • 4:00 PM - Conference Ends (DUE 1109)

Detailed Schedule

Workshop - Thursday 6/22

Thursday Zoom Link

TimeRoomTitleVideo
8:30-9:00AMEngg. AtriumCheck-in
9:00-9:15AMDUE 1116Administrivia
9:15-9:45AMDUE 1116CS + X (Nathan Bean)Video
9:45-10:00AMDUE 1116Break
10:00-10:45AMDUE 1116CS + X (Nathan Bean)
10:45-11:15AMDUE 1116Diversity (Amy Betz)
Paper on Smartness
Video Available on Canvas
11:15-11:45AMDUE 1116Recruiting (Josh Weese)Video
11:45AM-12:45PMDUE 1116Lunch
12:45-1:15PMBeocatBeocat Tour (Dan Andresen)
Older Video
Video
1:15-1:45PMDUE 1116Collaborative Problem Solving (David Allen)Video
Mark Rober - Backyard Squirrel Maze 1.0
1:45-2:15PMDUE 1116Collaborative Problem Solving Breakouts (David Allen)Video (Breakouts start at 20:01)
2:15-2:25PMDUE 1116Break
2:25-2:30PMCampusWalk to Hale Library
2:30-3:00PMHale LibrarySunderland Innovation Lab Tour
3:00-4:00PMDUE 1116Reflection & Focus Groups (Michelle Friend)
EveningManhattanDinner On Your Own

Workshop - Friday 6/23

Friday Zoom Link

TimeRoomTitleVideo
8:30-9:00AMEngg. AtriumCheck-in
9:00-9:45AMDUE 1116State of CS in KS (Stephen King)Video
9:45-10:00AMDUE 1116Break
10:00-11:15AMDUE 1109STEAM Speaker (Cindy Wallis-Lage)
11:15-11:45AMEngg. AtriumSTEM Showcase
11:45AM-1:15PMDUE 1116Lunch
1:15-1:45PMDUE 1116K-State CS K-12 OutreachVideo
1:45-2:15PMDUE 1116Unconference (Russ Feldhausen)Video
2:15-2:30PMDUE 1116Break
2:30-3:00PMDUE 1116Unconference (Russ Feldhausen)
3:00-4:00PMDUE 1116Reflection & Focus Groups (Michelle Friend)
EveningManhattanDinner On Your Own

KS CSTA Conference - Saturday 6/24

Note: BOF is shorthand for “Birds of a Feather” - an informal discussion group based on a shared interest without any fixed agenda.

TimeDUE 1109DUE 0093DUE 0096DUE 0097Engg. Atrium
All DayZoom LinkZoom LinkZoom LinkZoom Link
8:30-9:00AMCheck-in
9:00-10:30AMOpening Keynote (Michelle Friend )
Video
10:30-10:45AMBreak
10:45-11:45AMAP Exam Preparation (Perla Weaver)Experiences in CS: A Student Perspective (Panel)Embedding CS in Early Elementary (Nathan Bean)
11:45AM-1:15PMWorking Lunch
1:15-1:45PMScience & CS (J.T. Laverty)
Video Available on Canvas
Agriculture & CS (Ivan Grijalva)
Video
BOF: Early Elementary (Nathan Bean)BOF: High School (Russ Feldhausen)
1:45-2:15PMMath & CS (David Allen)Social Science & CS (Michael Flynn)
Video
BOF: Middle Elementary (Nathan Bean)BOF: High School (Russ Feldhausen)
2:15-2:30PMBreak
2:30-3:00PMBOF: Student Recruitment (Josh Weese)BOF: First Robotics (Nathan Bean)
Video
BOF: CTE Pathways (Russ Feldhausen)
3:00-3:30PMBOF: Potpourri (Josh Weese)BOF: Game Programming (Nathan Bean)
Video
BOF: Web Development (Russ Feldhausen)
3:30-4:00PMWrap-up

Maps

K-State Campus

Click Here for the Interactive Map

Area Map Area Map

Helpful Addresses:

  • Conference Hotel: 1641 Anderson Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502
  • Engineering Complex: 1701D Platt St, Manhattan, KS 66506

Directions to Engineering Complex:

  • From the Conference Hotel: Walk North along Martin Luther King Blvd. (17th St.). Look for the white smokestack - the Engineering complex is just to the west.
  • Driving: Look for lot A29 at the corner of Denison Ave and Platt St. (northwest corner of the Engineering Complex). If that lot is full, lot D1 can be found a bit further south on Denison Ave. (just south of Hunting Ave.).

Parking:

  • Hotel guests have free parking at the conference hotel.
  • Parking Passes are valid in lot A28 (north of Engineering Complex) and lot D1 (west of Memorial Stadium) as well as many other surface lots on campus.
  • Parking Passes are NOT valid for the parking garage. The parking garage is available at an hourly rate.

Engineering Hall

Main Floor

Engg. Main Floor Engg. Main Floor

Most events Thursday and Friday are in DUE 1116, which is on the west side of the building across from the Beocat supercomputer.

Ground Floor

Engg. Ground Floor Engg. Ground Floor

Most events on Saturday are in the DUE 1109 Lecture Hall or the rooms on the ground floor on the west side of the building.