This summer, CreXo, Inc.,is partnering with the Infosys Foundation USA’s Pathfinders Summer Institute to offer a free, hands‑on professional development course for educators in grades 2–8.

“From Ideas to Inventions: Playful Learning with Strawbees and micro:bit” is part of the ongoing Pathfinders program, a nationally established PD initiative focused on computer science, maker education, and career‑ready learning. Since 2018, Pathfinders has supported thousands of educators and reached hundreds of thousands of students across the U.S. 

In this course, educators will discover how playful engineering and invention can build real classroom outcomes using Strawbees, part of the CreXo family of STEM education brands. Participants will gain practical strategies, fresh project ideas, and greater confidence bringing hands-on STEM learning to their students, all at no cost.

In this 30‑second video, Todd Hunter, our STEM Product Manager, shares why this course was designed to feel playful, practical, and genuinely useful for educators. 

Here are five reasons this free summer PD is worth your time. 

1. It’s Part of a Trusted, National PD Program 

The Infosys USA Pathfinders Institute isn’t new — and that’s a good thing. 

Hosted by Infosys Foundation USA, Pathfinders is a well‑established professional development program for K–12 public school educators focused on computer science, maker education, and career readiness. Its courses are designed to be inclusive, practical, and immediately applicable in real classrooms. 

2. It’s Completely Free and Includes Hands‑On Kits 

This professional development opportunity is fully funded by Infosys Foundation USA, so there’s no cost to participate.

Every educator receives two free Strawbees STEAM Robotics Starter Kits with micro:bits, delivered directly to them. These are the same materials you’ll use during the course — and later with your students. 

3. It’s Designed for Beginners

No prior coding, robotics, or engineering experience is required. 

Using block‑based MakeCode programming and open‑ended building challenges, the course supports educators who are new to physical computing as well as those looking to expand their STEM instruction. The goal is simple: build confidence alongside skills. 

4. You’ll Leave with Classroom‑Ready Ideas 

This course goes beyond inspiration. 

You’ll: 

  • Build engineering prototypes with Strawbees 
  • Program micro:bit sensors and outputs 
  • Explore invention challenges that promote creativity and problem‑solving 

By the end, you’ll have practical projects and adaptable lesson ideas for grades 2–8 across multiple subject areas. 

5. It Feels More Like a Creative Studio Than Traditional PD

Pathfinders courses are intentionally interactive and this one leans fully into playful learning. 

Instead of passively watching presentations, you’ll: 

  • Build, test, and revise ideas 
  • Collaborate with educators from across the country 
  • Learn through experimentation, iteration, and reflection 

Ready to Learn, Build, and Invent? 

  • Dates: July 20–31, 2026 
  • Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 am–12:00 pm CST + asynchronous activities 
  • Format: Virtual 
  • Cost: Free (fully funded by Infosys)

Registration closes May 1 to ensure kits arrive in time. 

Bring hands-on invention, engineering, and coding into your classroom with support from a proven national PD program.

Learn more and register for From Ideas to Inventions: Playful Learning with Strawbees and micro:bit  https://crexo.com/infosys/