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.

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10:45am MDT

Make it Make Sense: Promoting Sensemaking in the Science Classroom

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

TBA

Sensemaking is the process we all go through to understand our world. When students have the opportunity to go through this process of figuring out a phenomenon in the classroom, science learning becomes engaging and important to all students. In this session, teachers will experience sensemaking through the eyes of a student, explore ways to redesign lessons so that they focus on student discovery, and discuss ways to extend the principles of sensemaking throughout a unit.

Speakers

Emily Sarha

Post Falls High School

Emily Sarha is a chemistry teacher at Post Falls High School who is dedicated to making chemistry more accessible and engaging for students. She spends most of the time in her classroom telling chemistry jokes that get no reaction.

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

Science, 6-8, 9-12

global Y

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

The OpenSciEd Instructional Model: Routines for Advancing Students Through a Storyline

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

TBA

In the OpenSciEd Instructional Model students are presented with puzzling phenomena that elicit a variety of questions that motivate the learning in the unit. These anchoring phenomena draw students into the storyline by presenting the natural challenge of explaining something or solving a problem. To help teachers and students advance through a unit storyline, the instructional model takes advantage of five routines. The routines typically follow a pattern as students kick off a unit of study, surface and investigate different questions they have, put the pieces together from those investigations, and then problematize the next set of questions to investigate. In this session participants will engage as “students” with an OSE lesson to experience these routines from both the teacher and student lens. Additional supports and resources will be shared so that teachers can go back to the classroom ready to teach a 3-dimensional lesson.

Speakers

Tori Coyle

Sales Manager, Activate Learning

Activate Learning helps educators implement K-12 investigation-centered science curriculum, every step of the way! Activate Learning offersNGSS aligned curricula, a powerful digital platform and unbeatable implementation support.

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

Science, 6-8

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

Data in the Wild

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

TBA

Participants will explore connections between probability and statistics by making sense of the “data in chance” and the “chance in data.” This session will extend probability and statistics problems to engage in constructing a simulation to make sense of and solve problems. This session is grounded in the idea that simulations can provide a way to actively engage students in making and testing conjectures about data, developing their reasoning about probability and statistical inference.

Speakers

Jenni White

CPM Educational Program

Jenni White is a Regional Professional Learning Coordinator from Bear River, WY. She has taught at the high school level, teaching Core Connections, Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2, Core Connections, Integrated II and III, and CPM Statistics. In addition, Jenni has also served... Read More →

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

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

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

3:30pm MDT

AI-Proof Assessments: How Socratic Seminars Can Save the Day

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

TBA

Tired of your students relying on AI to think for them? Use AI as a springboard to better student engagement. Harness the power of Socratic Seminars— where technology meets authentic conversation. Imagine your classroom alive with rich student-led discussion that challenges perspectives and builds comprehension. Put an end to cookie-cutter responses and build more critical thinking.

Speakers

Julianna Jimenez

Stile Education

Julianna is a former high-school science teacher and passionate about facilitating and growing relationships with Stile teachers currently in the field. She currently serves as the Director of School and District Partnerships for Stile.

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

Science, 6-8

global Y

3:30pm MDT

Reading like a Scientist: Using Literature Circles and Primary Sources to Build Literacy in Secondary Science

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

TBA

Want to get your students into actual scientific literature while also building foundational literacy skills? Learn about how I have brought science literacy into my dual credit chemistry classes by having students analyze primary sources and participate in literature circles. Literature circles are a fantastic strategy that can be used to introduce phenomenon, connect class content to the real world, engage students, hold students accountable for completing class reading, foster academic discussion, and target specific literacy skills. These strategies can easily be adapted to any grade level or content area, and bring FUN to science literacy!

Speakers

Cassidy Huggins

Idaho Science Coaches

I have taught physical sciences at the secondary level for 8 years, from middle school to community college, and am excited to have recently joined the team of Idaho Science Coaches. While I specialize in high school chemistry and physics, I love all sciences. I have a passion for... Read More →

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

Science, 6-8, 9-12

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