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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.
Type: Environmental Education clear filter
Wednesday, July 30
 

10:45am MDT

Creating Virtual Spaces for STEM Skills
Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
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
avatar for Jill (Aldrich) Aicher-Bedwell

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

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
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
avatar for Janice Alexander

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.
avatar for Ashley Schaffner

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

3:30pm MDT

Outdoor Environmental STEM Education for Everyone!
Wednesday July 30, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm MDT
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
avatar for Beth Kochevar

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
 
Thursday, July 31
 

1:00pm MDT

People and the Environment: Hands-on Activities for Biology and Earth Science
Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Preparing to meet the challenges ahead for people and the planet requires a solid foundation in understanding the trends that shape our world, how we interact with ecosystems and change the physical landscape. Knowing how to determine good sources of data, how to analyze and think critically about data, make reasonable correlations and use data for designing solutions are all skills emphasized in the Idaho Science Standards.


In this hands-on session, engage in simulations and 3D modeling activities to supplement textbook instruction on human-environmental interactions. Topics include population changes, 
climate change, land and water use, and biodiversity trends. Receive lesson plans and background materials in an electronic format, all aligned to state and NGSS standards.


Speakers
BM

Bryce Mercer

Sage International School
Bryce Mercer teaches high school science at Sage International School in Boise, Idaho. He has been teaching various math and science courses in secondary schools in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, and was a Fulbright Exchange Teacher in Turkey. Bryce earned an M.A.T. and his B.S. in... Read More →
Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA

1:00pm MDT

Tech Tools for the STEM Classroom
Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
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
avatar for Jamie Clark

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

1:00pm MDT

Student-Powered STEM: Hear from the Idaho EcosySTEM Student Ambassadors
Thursday July 31, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
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
avatar for ReBekha Lulu

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

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
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
avatar for Gina Kwid

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