Schedule

8:30-9:00: Student arrival and check-in in the lobby, with breakfast and snacks available

9:00-9:15: Team intros and explanation of the schedule, workshops, and competition prompt

9:25 - 10:05: Workshop Session 1

10:15 - 10:55: Workshop Session 2

11:00 - 11:40: Workshop Session 3

11:45 - 12:45: Lunch

12:45 - 2:15: Attendees are given time to work on their projects, “office hours” with SpenceHacks members are available to offer guidance for projects

2:20 - 2:45: Project Presentations to judges

2:50 - 3:10: Judging

3:15 - 3:30: Winners announced and prizes awarded

Workshop Descriptions

(subject to change)

Intro to Python Workshop

Do you want to learn basic coding skills and get started on your CS journey? Come to Intro to Python, where we’ll explore basic principles of coding and work with Turtle Graphics (a drawing software). By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to complete math problems in Python, print messages, use variables of different data types, and define their own functions. No prior experience is required!

Intermediate/Advanced Python Workshop

If you’ve already exceeded the level of Intro to Python, come to Intermediate/Advanced Python! In this workshop, we will go beyond the material covered in Intro to Python. We will review previous material and start covering recursion, classes and object-oriented programming, and inheritance. The workshop will also be tailored to its participants, covering the materials that are of interest to participants.

Cyber Forensics

Have you ever wondered how computing is used to solve crime cases and investigations? In this workshop, participants will learn the basics of cyber forensics, including real world applications and methods to find potential evidence. Attendees will use Python skills to uncover sample fingerprint “DNA” samples and match their findings to identify the perpetrator. A basic understanding of Python, or taking the Intro to Python workshop, is recommended. No prior knowledge of cyber forensics is required!

Computer Science and AI Ethics

With Artificial intelligence models such as ChatGPT, the question of ethics is continuously rising into the picture. In this workshop, attendees will learn the history of Artificial Intelligence as well as the moral discussion surrounding it. Attendees will get the chance to engage in conversations answering many questions such as “Where should we draw the line with Artificial Intelligence?” and “How do we predict Artificial Intelligence will develop in the following years?”

History of Computer Science

How did we get to the modern smartphone? The history of these seemingly magical devices and the beginning of computing more than 4000 years ago! We will explore a brief history of the evolution of programming languages as well as a history of computing’s role relationship to militarism, especially with the space race during the Cold War. There will be a Kahoot, candy, and a discussion on the future of computing and its role in geopolitics.

Finch Robot Mazes

Do you love robots? Have you ever wished that you could code your very own robot? Come to this workshop to teach a robot how to navigate an obstacle course! If you are new to coding don’t worry, there is no prior experience necessary. We will teach you the basics of Python you will need to complete this activity, or, If you are very experienced, you can go straight to navigating the obstacle course. For participants who don’t want to code in Python, there is also the option to use block coding and several other coding platforms available.