STEM Remix: Classic Concepts & Fresh Ideas Annual Idaho STEM Conference: Full Schedule

Welcome to the Annual Idaho STEM Conference, presented by ICTM, ISTA, IDEEA, and CSTA! Join us on July 30th and 31st at Mountain View High School in Meridian, Idaho. An optional field trip day will be held on August 1st at various locations.

Need to register, click here. You will be prompted to create or log into a Sched account before purchasing your ticket. If you have used Sched for a previous event, you can log in with the same account. Be sure to save your account information, as you’ll need it later to create and access your schedule.

arrow_back View All Dates

10:45am MDT

The Confidence Catalyst: Empowering Yourself to Inspire Young Scientists

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT

TBA

If you have ever been afraid that you don’t know enough about Science to teach it–this is the breakout session for you. With some simple strategies and resources–you can awaken the inner scientist in yourself and in your students. Join an Idaho Science Coach for a session of a-ha moments and exciting opportunities.

Speakers

Lee Slichter

Idaho Science Coach

Lee Slichter is an Idaho Science Coach committed to inspiring impact and cultivating capacity. Plan to come away from your experience encouraged and excited. She is passionate, well-read, and always willing to support teachers in or out of the classroom.

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
TBA

Science, K-2, 3-5, 6-8

global Y

10:45am MDT

Science and Literacy Integration: The Science Classroom Meets the Science of Reading

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT

TBA

Today’s teacher has a multitude to accomplish each day. How do we fit it all in? In this session, we share how using rich, inquiry-based learning will not only build science knowledge but also the skills needed to increase language comprehension.

We build on principles from the language comprehension side of Scarborough’s Reading Rope as we introduce, explore, and make sense of science concepts in today’s classroom. Learn how three-dimensional science teaching and learning provides meaningful context to develop language comprehension. A lesson from the FOSS program will be used to provide context for our learning.

Speakers

Deb Vannatter

FOSS-School Specialty

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c_l0d0WSOLzC-LpOTdMtrB5--VnPHG7c/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=101384849517522952636&rtpof=true&sd=true... Read More →

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
TBA

Science, K-2, 3-5 | General, K-2, 3-5

global Y

1:00pm MDT

Sensemaking and Elementary Science: That Just Makes Sense!

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT

TBA

A critical component of any science lesson is the opportunity for students to make sense of their experiences and connect back to the critical knowledge and standards of learning. How do we make the TIME for this to happen? We purposefully plan and implement it as part of the lesson cycle. Join us as we learn more about this meaningful and engaging process called sensemaking. A lesson from the FOSS program will be used to provide context for our learning.

Speakers

Deb Vannatter

FOSS-School Specialty

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c_l0d0WSOLzC-LpOTdMtrB5--VnPHG7c/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=101384849517522952636&rtpof=true&sd=true... Read More →

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA

Science, K-2, 3-5 | General, K-2, 3-5

global Y

1:00pm MDT

Lessons Learned and Successes Earned in a STEM Workforce Development Afterschool Program

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT

TBA

The TMC Works program enlists early-career STEM-curious individuals to plan, prepare and lead hands-on, inquiry-based STEM activities with young children. In doing so, participants develop STEM and workplace skills necessary to succeed in the jobs and careers they ultimately pursure. Program participants work with mentors who train and coach them through their development, who develop superior supervisory skills in the process. TMC Works program sites benefit by increasing their STEM programing offerings and improving the quality of their programs. Throughout the process, participants gain exposure to STEM careers in Idaho, which will ultimately lead to more skilled candidates entering the workforce.

In this presentation, learn about the successes and challenges faced in this innovative workforce development program. Hear about their experience from program participants themselves, and behind-the-scenes details from the program coordinators on training, evaluation and site support.

Speakers

Amy Post

Idaho Out-of-School Network

Amy Post is an experienced, non-traditional educator who taught science and environmental education at nature centers, schools, parks and recreation programs, afterschool programs, an organic farm, a botanical garden, and a zoo. She’s also a fully-certified alpine ski instructor... Read More →

Wednesday July 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA

Science, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Technology, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Engineering, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Math, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Out of School/Informal Education, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

global Y

2:15pm MDT

Breaking Down Barriers: a discussion on partnerships between formal and informal STEM Educators

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

TBA

In this session we will explore how to strengthen relationships between formal K-12 educators and informal community educators. We will discuss the benefits of these kinds of collaboration and partnerships. We will also discuss barriers to these partnerships and begin exploring how to address and overcome those barriers. This session will hopefully be the first step in a larger discussion that will carry on beyond this conference.

Speakers

Janice Alexander

Environmental Education Program Coordinator, Idaho Environmental Education Association

I am a scientist, educator, and facilitator. I want to work with other engaged and committed people toward the improved stewardship of our environment and the nurturing of our communities.

Ashley Schaffner

Idaho STEM Ecosystem

Ashley Schaffner started her journey in STEM as a first grade teacher in Blackfoot, Idaho. In 2019, Ashley decided it was time to move back to her hometown of Pocatello and began teaching 3rd and 4th grade at a charter school there. At this time she was able to serve as a part of... Read More →

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA

global Y

2:15pm MDT

A Tale of Two Basins--What made Idaho smile?

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

TBA

There's a smile stretching across southern Idaho—and it’s got a geological backstory worth exploring.
Join us as we dig into the tale of two neighboring basins, each formed by dramatically different Earth processes. From tectonic shifts to volcanic activity, this session will spark your curiosity and equip you with ideas for bringing Earth systems standards to life in your classroom. You'll uncover how to use this local phenomenon to help students model Earth's interior, analyze geologic evidence, and explore systems in motion—all while connecting science to the landscape they live on.

Speakers

McKenzie Sonderegger

Idaho Science Coach

I thrive on designing engaging learning experiences that spark curiosity and creativity. With a BS in Earth Science Education and an MA in Instructional Technology and Learning Science, I bring both content and design expertise to my role as an Idaho Science Coach in the Magic Valley... Read More →

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA

Science, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

global Y

2:15pm MDT

Using Language and Literacy Strategies to Enrich Science Teaching

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

TBA

How do we effectively teach science content when our students are still learning the vocabulary and language of science? Natalie Wexler explains in Beyond the Science of Reading (2025) that background knowledge is an essential element of the Science of Reading and that the vocabulary and language of academic content must be explicitly taught. This class will explore strategies from dual-immersion and language acquisition research to discuss how to connect literacy to science content and immerse learners in the language of science. Although the activities will be based in science content, many of the strategies will be applicable to other content as well.

Speakers

Jeffrey Blauer

American Falls School District #381, Hillcrest Elementary

Jeffrey Blauer has taught for almost two decades in many different situations. He has provided numerous classes centered around technology, resilience, parent engagement, and language acquisition. He currently teaches the Spanish Second Grade Dual-Immersion in American Falls. His... Read More →

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA

Science, K-2, 3-5 | General, K-2, 3-5

global Y

2:15pm MDT

Bringing 3D Science Assessment to Life: InnerOrbit Classroom Practices from Idaho

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

TBA

Discover classroom-tested strategies to make the most of InnerOrbit in your science classroom. This session will explore practical ways to use the platform for formative and summative assessments, support student sensemaking, and align instruction with Idaho’s science standards. Learn how to maximize 3D reports, scaffold phenomena-based questions, and build routines that deepen student thinking—all through the lens of what’s working in real Idaho classrooms. Leave with tangible resources and ideas to implement tomorrow.

Speakers

Erin Cooke

InnerOrbit 3D Assessments & Reports

Erin Cooke is the Chief Customer Office for InnerOrbit. With her Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, she is passionate about serving science educators and administrators with the tools and resources on InnerOrbit.

Jasmine Glasper-Nuñez

InnerOrbit 3D Assessments & Reports

Jasmine Glasper-Nuñez is an Account Manager for InnerOrbit! She is passionate about supporting science educators supporting all students with the tools and resources on InnerOrbit.

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA

Science, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Technology, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

global Y

2:15pm MDT

Light, Color, Lasers, & Illusions Part I

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

TBA

Participants will make corner reflectors, laser light show drums, a Pepper’s Ghost illusion demo, and other simple devices for use in teaching about light, color, and lasers. Demonstrations will be provided on reflection, refraction, and the nature of light using common household materials for use in classroom activities. Discussion will focus on the use of these constructions and demonstrations to address state standards on Concepts of Physical Science, Scientific Inquiry, and on Unifying Concepts of Science for grades 3 through 12. Teachers will take home all items they construct. Participants will also be provided with a list of related online resources.

Speakers

Steven Shropshire

Idaho State University

Dr. Steve Shropshire is a Professor of Physics at Idaho State University, where he has taught introductory through graduate courses for the last thirty-four years. His courses include teaching methods for physics and physical science, and a series of graduate courses designed for... Read More →

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA

Science, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Technology, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Engineering, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Math, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | General, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

global Y

2:15pm MDT

Bot Builders: Creating Interactive Learning Environments with Tech

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

TBA

Teaching curriculum standards while incorporating technology can be overwhelming. This session demonstrates how to bridge the gap between traditional curriculum and technology using engaging tools like Ozobots, Bee-Bots, micro:bits, and Scratch. These tools offer hands-on coding experiences that align with K-5 curriculum standards, fostering creativity and critical thinking. Attendees will explore practical strategies to integrate these technologies into their classrooms, enhance student engagement and support the development of 21st-century skills. By the end of the session, teachers will be ready to seamlessly incorporate coding and technology into their lessons.

Speakers

Stacie Knight

West Ada Schools

With 25 years of teaching experience, Stacie is a dedicated educator who has made a significant impact in the lives of her students. She is a wife and mother of two teenagers, 18 and 15 years old, which gives her personal and professional experiences. Throughout her career she has... Read More →

Nicole Sarty

West Ada Schools

As a veteran teacher of 30 years, Nicole has had a front row seat to how technology has changed students' learning opportunities. Children have always been constructors of their own learning, and the current technology is here to help them navigate their journey or get them completely... Read More →

Wednesday July 30, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA

Technology, K-2, 3-5 | Science, K-2, 3-5 | Engineering, K-2, 3-5 | Math, K-2, 3-5 | General, K-2, 3-5

global Y

3:30pm MDT

Sharing Insights from the 2025 National Science Teaching Association Conference in Philadelphia

Wednesday July 30, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm MDT

TBA

Learn about different resources from NSTA website, and highlights from 2025 conference, sharing insights from favorite sessions and key takeaways and applications in the classroom.

Speakers

Lingpei Zou

Rigby Middle School

My name is Lingpei Zou. I received my master degree in secondary education from Idaho State University in 2018. After graduation, I started as the 6th grade immersion teacher at Rigby Middle School. I have been teaching Mandarin, Geography and Robotics. I love to incooperate problem... Read More →

Wednesday July 30, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm MDT
TBA

Science, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Math, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

global Y

3:30pm MDT

Growth and Change with Idaho STEM Action Center

Wednesday July 30, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm MDT

TBA

Over the next year the Idaho STEM Action Center will be merging into the Workforce Development Council. Come and learn about the changes and how they will affect the programs you currently interact with via the STEM AC. Along with that, learn about new upcoming opportunities and ways to engage in STEM Education throughout Idaho.

Exhibitors