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

Inquiry Outside Your Door: STEM Remix with Project Learning Tree

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

TBA

What if meaningful STEM learning was waiting just outside your door? This interactive session invites nonformal educators to reimagine environmental education through the award-winning resources of Project Learning Tree (PLT). Participants will experience Discover Diversity, a PLT activity from the Explore Your Environment K-8 Guide, that turns any outdoor space into a living lab for systems thinking, observation, and scientific inquiry.

Using a creative framing device—participants as interplanetary scientists –the activity makes classic STEM concepts like ecosystems and biodiversity feel fresh and playful. We’ll investigate a “study plot” on-site, record findings like real field scientists, and reflect on how to adapt this experience for learners of all ages and settings.

While the full activity guide is not included, you’ll leave with practical strategies and free access to sample materials and local support for bringing PLT to your program. PLT’s Explore Your Environment Guides will be for sale for $25.

Speakers

Haven Davis-Martinez

Idaho Project Learning Tree / Idaho Forest Products Commission

Haven Davis-Martinez is the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Idaho Forest Products Commission and the state coordinator for Project Learning Tree. She holds a Master of Natural Resources in Environmental Education and Science Communication and a B.S. in Elementary Education... Read More →

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

Environmental Education, K-2, 3-5, 6-8 | Out of School/Informal Education, K-2, 3-5, 6-8

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

3:30pm MDT

Outdoor Environmental STEM Education for Everyone!

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

TBA

Beth will lead hands-on activities and discussion about how to integrate outdoor learning into STEM curriculum to enhance student engagement, wellbeing and academic acheivement.

Speakers

Beth Kochevar

University of Idaho McCall Outdoor Science School

Beth is the Program Development Coordinator at the UI McCall Outdoor Science School. For the last 9 years in this position she has worked closely with teachers, MOSS graduate students, and K-12 students to develop curriculum for and evaluate transformative outdoor learning experiences... Read More →

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

Environmental Education, 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

2:15pm MDT

Lit Up STEM: Integrating Literacy and STEM for Deeper Learning

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

TBA

Lit Up STEM! This session explores how to effectively integrate literacy into STEM education, demonstrating that language arts skills are not just supplementary, but essential for deep STEM understanding and engagement. This interactive session will showcase how literacy skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) can be seamlessly woven into STEM instruction to enhance student understanding, critical thinking, and engagement. Participants will learn practical strategies and activities for integrating ELA standards into STEM projects to enhance student learning in both STEM and ELA through hands-on activities and real-world examples.

Speakers

Jen Rude

Twin Lakes Elementary

Jen Rude is a veteran teacher whose passions are STEM and literacy. She is currently a 3rd grade teacher in the Lakeland School District after having been a reading specialist. She has worked with Project Learning Tree for several years and was named the PLT Environmental Educator... Read More →

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

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

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

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

From $82.51