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

AI Literacy for All: Student-Led Learning with AI Ready Skills

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

TBA

In today's world, it is essential for students to understand Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI Ready Skills provides a comprehensive, student-led curriculum and credentialing pathway that educates students on AI through engaging and interactive methods. This session will demonstrate how integrating captivating student activities with the immersive environment of Minecraft Education empowers educators to enhance their students' AI knowledge, regardless of their own expertise in the field. Additionally, AI Ready Skills emphasizes the importance of teaching students to use AI responsibly, ensuring they understand ethical considerations and safe practices in their AI interactions.

Speakers

Jennifer Brown

Prodigy Learning

Jennifer Brown is the Product Manager for Prodigy Learning and has 21 years’ experience as both an educator and a trainer. She has trained thousands of teachers on game-based learning through Minecraft Education. As a former computer science and CTE teacher, Jennifer is dedicated... Read More →

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

Technology, 3-5, 6-8

global Y

10:45am MDT

Creating Virtual Spaces for STEM Skills

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

TBA

STEM skills are pertinent to every industry. However, many students do not have access to physical hands-on skill development. The demand for these skills is exploding, and Idaho students need to prepare to meet future workforce demands. Learn about creating interactive STEM experiences for your students utilizing, often free, computer technology. Encourage students to become curious and develop critical thinking skills in a way they consider “fun.” Topics will include mapping to STEM objectives, creating lesson plans, and finding technology options.

Speakers

Jill (Aldrich) Aicher-Bedwell

Montana Technological University, College of Eastern Idaho

Jill has years of experience in training and education development and delivery. Beginning in 2001 as a corporate trainer to spending the last 11 years in higher education, she has worked with SMEs from every industry to create curriculum. Since Covid transitioned technical training... Read More →

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

Technology, 6-8, 9-12 | Engineering, 6-8, 9-12 | General, 6-8, 9-12 | Environmental Education, 6-8, 9-12 | Math, 6-8, 9-12

global Y

10:45am MDT

Promote Data Literacy Using Real-World Datasets with Tuva and PhET Simulations

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

TBA

Real world data sets and interactive simulations are tools that build scientific and mathematical understanding. Help students analyze data through PhET simulations and Tuva data sets while exploring the scaffolded support resources that will set your students up for success!

Speakers

Carli Marco

Accelerate Learning

Carli Marco is a former educator and math team leader in New York City, where she developed a passion for empowering students and supporting teacher growth. Now a national STEM presenter and professional development trainer, Carli brings her classroom experience and leadership skills... Read More →

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

Technology, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Math, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Engineering, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

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

1:00pm MDT

Biomimicry & Computer Science – How Nature is Informing the Future of Algorithms, AI, and More

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

TBA

Question: How can nature’s problem-solving strategies help students understand and innovate in computer science?

Description:
How can nature’s genius help students understand the future of technology? This workshop explores how biomimicry—the practice of learning from nature’s time-tested solutions—can inspire new ways of thinking about innovation, problem-solving, and the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Through compelling examples—like how swarm behavior has influenced robotics or how neural networks draw inspiration from biological systems—educators will discover how nature’s adaptive strategies provide a powerful framework for engaging students in STEM. We’ll discuss how ecosystems solve challenges through decentralized intelligence, resilience, and efficiency, and how these lessons can help students think critically about the world they will shape.

By the end, educators will walk away with practical strategies and hands-on lesson ideas that make STEM more relatable, engaging, and future-ready—showing students that nature itself is the original engineer, designer, and problem solver.

Speakers

Billy Almon

Astrobiofuturist

Billy Almon is an Astrobiofuturist who uses nature’s hidden wonders to design innovative solutions that improve the human condition—both for those on Earth and those venturing to the stars. Through his Dream and Adapt Framework, Billy inspires leaders, educators, and creators... Read More →

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

Technology

2:15pm MDT

Game On: Evaluating Digital Math Games for Elementary Mathematics

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

TBA

Do your students enjoy playing digital math games? If so, did you know that most digital math games focus more on speed and memorization, then on deep conceptual understanding? This means that we, as educators, need to critically evaluate and examine how digital math games support students’ mathematics understanding. In this presentation, we will first identify the difference between gamified and game-based learning to better understand the types of games we use in our classrooms. Then, we will learn about key design features in digital math games that have been reported to support students’ mathematics understanding. Finally, we will use our computers to evaluate online digital math games based on these features and discuss the educational value of the digital math games. You’ll leave this session with practical tips for evaluating digital math games, plus some great game suggestions to start using them in your classroom.

Speakers

Allison L. Roxburgh

Idaho State University

Dr. Allison L. Roxburgh is an Assistant Professor at Idaho State University, where she specializes in teacher preparation, mathematics education, and educational technology. Her teaching background is in elementary education, where she taught third and fourth grade. She currently... Read More →

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

Math, K-2, 3-5 | Technology, K-2, 3-5

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

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

Bring Coding to Your School or District with CodeHS

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

TBA

Learn how schools and districts implement CodeHS to build a high-quality computer science program! During this session, you’ll learn how to write code in a powerful online IDE with real-time collaboration, use a coding LMS with a suite of time-saving grading tools, and explore customizable K-12 computer science curriculum and lessons aligned to state standards.

Speakers

Dillon Monday

CodeHS

Krista is an experienced K-12 CS teacher, and as a former Elementary Computer Science teacher, Krista has developed a passion for helping students and educators develop a love of coding.

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

Technology, K-2, 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

Postcards That Bring Data to Life

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

TBA

How do we help students “see” data in their everyday world? In a topics course for future middle and secondary school math teachers, we explore data through a classroom project inspired by Giorgia Lupi and Stefanie Posavec’s Dear Data project, which is also a project in the YouCubed Data Science curriculum. Along with two students who were in the course, we will provide the entire project, sample student work, and ideas for continuing this fun data exploration with students. We will finish by providing an opportunity for participants to begin creating their own data postcard that they will, hopefully, be willing to mail to another ICTM member. Let’s start our own ICTM data postcard celebration! Join us to explore how you can bring data to life for your students too.

Speakers

Kacey Diemert

Lewis-Clark State College

Dr. Kacey Diemert is a Professor of Mathematics - Education entering her 12th year at Lewis-Clark State College in the Teacher Education and Mathematics Division where she also serves as the Mathematics Program Coordinator. She has been fortunate to continue her love of working with... Read More →

Suzanne Rousseau

Lewis-Clark State College

Suzanne Rousseau is an Instructor of Mathematics - Education entering her 14th year at Lewis-Clark State College in the Teacher Education and Mathematics Division. She primarily teaches the math content courses for preservice Elementary School teachers and finds a great deal of joy... Read More →

Kylah Fillmore

Lewis-Clark State College

Kylah Fillmore is a student at Lewis-Clark State College pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Middle School Mathematics. Born and raised in Idaho, she plans to return to the Treasure Valley this coming school year to complete her student teaching... Read More →

Amanda Uhlenkott

Lewis-Clark State College

Amanda Uhlenkott is a student at Lewis-Clark State College pursuing a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Middle School Math. She was born and raised in Idaho and feels beyond lucky to call Midvale, ID her home. Throughout her life, she has been blessed with... Read More →

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

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

Katie Bösch-Wilson

Idaho STEM AC

Katie is the STEM Education Coordination Officer at the Idaho STEM Action Center.

Wednesday July 30, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm 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 | General, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

global Y

3:30pm MDT

Light, Color, Lasers, & Illusions Part II

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

TBA

Speakers

Steven Shropshire

Idaho State University

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

Crafting Computational Thinkers: The Minecraft Remix

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

TBA

Unlock the power of Minecraft Education to engage students in digital literacy and computational thinking at any grade level! This session explores how to remix classic STEM concepts using Minecraft’s immersive, game-based environment. Discover strategies for integrating coding, problem-solving, and collaboration into your curriculum while making learning fun and meaningful. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced educator, you’ll walk away with ready-to-use lessons, implementation tips, and fresh ideas to transform student engagement. No prior Minecraft experience required! Bring a device if you’d like to explore hands-on, but it’s not necessary to participate. If possible, download the Minecraft Education app ahead of time.

Speakers

Amanda Harris

Middleton Middle SChool

Amanda Harris is a 2025 Idaho PAEMST Finalist in Computer Science (7-12) with 12 years of experience in STEM education. Specializing in hands-on, project-based learning, they have led award-winning teams in robotics, engineering, and design thinking competitions. As an NCWIT Aspirations... Read More →

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

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

global Y

3:30pm MDT

Transforming STEM Classrooms: A Digital Platform for Equity, Access, and a Brighter Future

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

TBA

Explore how LoiLoNote, an all-in-one digital platform, helps STEM educators design dynamic, student-centered lessons that spark curiosity and drive deeper understanding. In this interactive session, you’ll discover how LoiLoNote supports hands-on learning through visual lesson planning, real-time student feedback, and built-in formative assessments—all while saving valuable prep time.
You’ll see how Idaho teachers are using LoiLoNote to strengthen instruction by fostering collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving—key skills for tomorrow’s innovators. Learn how the platform enhances your existing science and math curriculum (as well as other subjects), making it more accessible, adaptable, and engaging for all learners.
Whether you're a STEM teacher, instructional coach, or district technology lead, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies and access to a free trial and professional development offer to bring LoiLoNote to your school or district.
Please bring a device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) to participate—encouraged but not required.

Speakers

Alexandra Augustine

LoiLo USA Inc

Alexandra Augustine is the U.S. Sales and Marketing Manager at LoiLo USA and the main point of contact for the LoiLoNote platform. LoiLoNote is an all-in-one classroom solution designed to support student-centered learning across all grade levels and subjects. With over 2.8 million... Read More →

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

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

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

From $82.51