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About
Guidelines
Session context
Structure
Topics
Slide template
Session plan
April 2026
Hackathon
APRIL 2026 HACKATHON
Speaker &
facilitator
onboarding
Thank you for volunteering your time. This guide covers the event context, how to structure your session, and how to prepare your session plan ahead of the hackathon.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
What we're building toward
This workshop series prepares ITHS students for a 4–7 hour hackathon. While students are expected to complete a project — a website, app concept, or interactive digital experience — the greater goal is to expand their understanding of what computer science can offer, regardless of outcome.
What's possible with today's tools and technology
What makes an idea viable
How real products are structured and brought to life
The skills, tools, and people required to build effectively
How to think, prioritize, and execute under constraints
GUIDELINES
A few things to keep in mind
Maintain a practical focus — avoid heavy theory
Slides are optional; the session should work as a standalone presentation. A template will be provided, though you may use your own materials or present without slides.
Use real examples and experiences to support your points
SESSION CONTEXT
Know your audience
AUDIENCE
~60 high school students, grades 11 and 12
SESSION LENGTH
~60 minutes (10:45 – 12:20)
FORMAT
Workshop-style, practical in nature
HACKATHON THEME
Make the School (ITHS) Better
STUDENT
CAPABILITIES
Foundational HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Responsive design, interactivity, and basic data-driven features
Familiar with Figma, Visual Studio Code, and GitHub
Some experience with APIs, jQuery, and browser storage
SUGGESTED STRUCTURE
How to shape your 60 minutes
The following structure is provided as guidance and may be adapted as needed. The colour progression reflects the arc of the session — from orientation to application.
0 – 10 min
Introduction
Who you are, what you do, how you arrived at your current role(s)
10 – 25 min
Professional context
What matters in your field; common misconceptions; how real teams and products operate
25 – 45 min
Practical demonstration
A product breakdown, a simple build, or a real workflow
45 – 55 min
Hackathon application
What you would build within the given timeframe; what students should prioritize and avoid; what makes a project stand out
55 – 60 min
Q&A
Open discussion
SUGGESTED TOPICS
Not exhaustive — just a starting point
AI
Building efficiently with AI
Introduction to prompt engineering
Backend
APIs and data flows (simplified)
Rapid backend simulation techniques
Full stack
Developing functional MVPs
From idea to working product
Pitching
Structuring a clear narrative
Crafting compelling presentations
UI / UX
Designing intuitive and engaging user experiences
From wireframes to prototypes
PRESENTATION TEMPLATE
A starting point for your slides
A slide template has been prepared for your session. You're welcome to use it as-is, adapt it to your own style, or present without slides entirely.
Google Slides preview
docs.google.com/presentation/d/16rzLen...
Make a copy in Google Slides
Download as PowerPoint
SESSION PLAN
Prepare your session notes
Fill in the fields below to build your personal session reference sheet. When you're ready, download it as a PDF to print or keep on hand for the day.
BASIC INFORMATION
Name
Professional role
Your full name
e.g. Senior Product Designer
Company
Company or organization name
SESSION DETAILS
Assigned topic
Session title
e.g. UI/UX, AI, Backend…
Your session title
What students will learn (1–2 sentences)
Describe the core takeaway for students…
One idea you hope to inspire beyond this session
A direction, question, or rabbit hole worth chasing…
PRACTICAL EXAMPLES
Real experience / case study 1
Real experience / case study 2
Brief description…
Brief description…
RELATING TO THE HACKATHON
What you would build in ~5 hours
Common mistakes students should avoid
Your honest MVP concept…
Top pitfalls from your experience…
LOGISTICAL NEEDS
Screen / projector
Internet access
Laptop
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Download as PDF
Information Technology High School · Web Design Academy · April 2026