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.

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

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

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

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

10:45am MDT

Electrify Your Class: Magic of Microelectronics

Thursday July 31, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT

TBA

Ever wonder how chips are made? No not chocolate chips or potato chips – MICROCHIPS! Join us in Electrify Your Classroom: The Magic of Microelectronics, where we’ll explore the world of semiconductors (the magic behind every microchip!), discover their impact in Idaho and beyond, and learn how to bring basic circuits and microelectronics into your classroom. This session will challenge you to see microelectronics as a powerful, accessible tool for every grade level. Find creative and innovative ways to introduce the foundational technology that powers the world around us—ready to spark curiosity and ignite learning in your students!

Speakers

Camille Platts-McPharlin

Boise State University - Microelectronics Education and Research Center

Camille Platts-McPharlin serves as Semiconductor for All Project Manager in the Microelectronics Education and Research Center, ensuring streamlined workforce development opportunities at Boise State for the semiconductor industry in Idaho. Her background includes more than 10 years... Read More →

Hailey Lynch

Boise State University - Microelectronics Education and Research Center

Hailey Lynch serves as the Educational Specialist for the Microelectronics Education and Rsearch Center at Boise State University. She holds a BA in Environmental Studies and a minor in Biology from Boise State University. With a robust professional background in STEM education and... Read More →

Thursday July 31, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
TBA

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

global Y

1:00pm MDT

Tech Tools for the STEM Classroom

Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT

TBA

This session will cover many technology tools and websites to help enhance learning in the STEM classroom. There will be a lot of information covered in a short amount of time so be prepared. Teachers will leave with a toolbox of resources for a variety of uses in and out of the classroom. A Chromebook will be needed for this session.

Speakers

Jamie Clark

William Thomas Middle School

Jamie teaches 8th grade Earth Science at William Thomas Middle School. She also serves as the Region 5 representative of the Idaho Science Teaching Association. Jamie is passionate about science education and making science learning accessible to all learners.

Thursday July 31, 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 | Environmental Education, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | General, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

global Y

1:00pm MDT

Student-Powered STEM: Hear from the Idaho EcosySTEM Student Ambassadors

Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT

TBA

Student-Powered STEM: Hear from the Idaho EcosySTEM Student Ambassadors
Discover how students are leading the charge in STEM education through the Idaho STEM Ecosystem Student Ambassadors (IESA) Program. In this interactive session, you'll hear directly from student leaders who are designing and leading real-world STEM projects in their schools and communities. The Student Ambassadors will share examples of the hands-on activities they’ve developed and reflect on how the program has helped them grow as leaders, collaborators, and advocates for change. Educators will leave inspired with ideas for how to bring student voice, leadership, and authentic STEM experiences into their own classrooms and schools.

Speakers

ReBekha Lulu

Idaho STEM Ecosystem

ReBekha Lulu is the Southwest Idaho STEM Hub (SWISH) Coordinator for the Idaho STEM Ecosystem, where she works to build connections between educators, industry partners, and communities to expand access to STEM opportunities. She has experience as a classroom teacher, STEM specialist... Read More →

Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA

global Y

2:15pm MDT

A review of AI Tools: Definitions, Functions, and Applications for K-12 Education

Thursday July 31, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

TBA

Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolutionizes education by supporting personalized
learning, critical thinking, and problem solving through tools like intelligent
tutoring systems and adaptive platforms. Visionary educators recognize AI’s
potential in the classroom. According to IBM, AI will not completely replace
humans, but those who use AI will replace those who do not. This session will
provide an overview of AI tools and platforms for K-12 education, with
the hope of serving as a practical reference for teachers to use these tools.
We will identify and reviewscurrently available and popular AI tools and their applications in K-12
education. This session will provide quick references for teachers on how they can harness various AI
tools for different teaching and learning purposes, along with addressing ethical concerns such as data privacy and algorithmic biases.

Speakers

Gina Kwid

Galileo STEM Academy

Gina is an educator at Galileo STEM Academy in the West Ada School District. She integrates educational technology across all subject areas including 3-D printing, coding, robotics, drones, and maker space. She loves watching her students use project-based learning (PBL) to support... Read More →

Thursday July 31, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA

global Y

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

From $82.51