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

Science and Literacy Integration: The Science Classroom Meets the Science of Reading

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

TBA

Today’s teacher has a multitude to accomplish each day. How do we fit it all in? In this session, we share how using rich, inquiry-based learning will not only build science knowledge but also the skills needed to increase language comprehension.

We build on principles from the language comprehension side of Scarborough’s Reading Rope as we introduce, explore, and make sense of science concepts in today’s classroom. Learn how three-dimensional science teaching and learning provides meaningful context to develop language comprehension. A lesson from the FOSS program will be used to provide context for our learning.

Speakers

Deb Vannatter

FOSS-School Specialty

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c_l0d0WSOLzC-LpOTdMtrB5--VnPHG7c/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=101384849517522952636&rtpof=true&sd=true... Read More →

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

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

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

1:00pm MDT

Games and Picture Books in the Math Classroom!

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

TBA

We know that many of our early-grades students and teachers delight in a great picture book or an intriguing game. In this session we explore options for early-grades teachers in connecting mathematical concepts to picture books and games in the classroom. This cross-curricular lesson structure allows us to immerse students in picture books, often used in literacy or history instruction, while simultaneously fascinating them with mathematics. In this session, we will explore examples of picture books and games that are already being used to increase student engagement in Idaho K-3 classrooms and consider other resources not yet in use. We will continue this exploration with a roundtable discussion about the use of picture books, as well as games, in the math classroom and how we can help our students deeply engage in both the grade-level content standards as well as the Standards for Mathematical Practice.

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 →

Becca Hill

Lewis-Clark State College

TBD - I promise we will send this soon.

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

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

global Y

1:00pm MDT

Sensemaking and Elementary Science: That Just Makes Sense!

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

TBA

A critical component of any science lesson is the opportunity for students to make sense of their experiences and connect back to the critical knowledge and standards of learning. How do we make the TIME for this to happen? We purposefully plan and implement it as part of the lesson cycle. Join us as we learn more about this meaningful and engaging process called sensemaking. A lesson from the FOSS program will be used to provide context for our learning.

Speakers

Deb Vannatter

FOSS-School Specialty

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c_l0d0WSOLzC-LpOTdMtrB5--VnPHG7c/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=101384849517522952636&rtpof=true&sd=true... Read More →

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

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

global Y

2:15pm MDT

Using ISAT Data to Target Instruction

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

TBA

Learn how to interpret ISAT summative data to drive meaningful instructional decisions. In this session participants will analyze target reports to identify instructional strengths and areas for growth, then use that analysis to explore the Tools for Teachers platform. Participants will discover sample items, lesson plans, and other resources designed to support targeted instruction and improve student learning. Leave with practical strategies to connect assessment data to classroom instruction effectively.

Speakers

Amber Van Vooren

Idaho Department of Education - Assessment and Accountability

Amber Van Vooren has worked in various roles with education, including as an elementary teacher, a regional math specialist, a district math instructional coach, and currently as an ISAT Coordinator with the Idaho Department of Education. She has a passion for math education and strives... Read More →

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

General, 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

Using Language and Literacy Strategies to Enrich Science Teaching

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

TBA

How do we effectively teach science content when our students are still learning the vocabulary and language of science? Natalie Wexler explains in Beyond the Science of Reading (2025) that background knowledge is an essential element of the Science of Reading and that the vocabulary and language of academic content must be explicitly taught. This class will explore strategies from dual-immersion and language acquisition research to discuss how to connect literacy to science content and immerse learners in the language of science. Although the activities will be based in science content, many of the strategies will be applicable to other content as well.

Speakers

Jeffrey Blauer

American Falls School District #381, Hillcrest Elementary

Jeffrey Blauer has taught for almost two decades in many different situations. He has provided numerous classes centered around technology, resilience, parent engagement, and language acquisition. He currently teaches the Spanish Second Grade Dual-Immersion in American Falls. His... Read More →

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

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

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

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

Starting and Sustaining Peer-to-Peer discussions

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

TBA

How do you provide clarity to students in what it looks like to have quality discussions? Further, how do you hold students accountable to sustain quality discussions? In this session, you will experience effective practices to create an environment that fosters peer-to-peer discourse.

Speakers

Justin Pickens

Boise School District

This is my 20th year in education. I have taught most grades from preschool through sixth grade, and have spent time supporting districts and teachers in math instruction. My passion is mathematics and how to make learning visible through student discussion.

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

General, K-2, 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

EduProtocols Save the Day: Finally Finding Ways to Strengthen Vocabulary and Justification in Math Class

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

TBA

Do your students struggle to write anything in math? Do they struggle to justify their reasoning? Can they use mathematical vocabulary, or are they still asking you, "What's a coefficient again?" We know that vocabulary and time to write matter, but finding effective ways to do that can be a challenge. Come learn to use lesson frames called EduProtocols to strengthen vocabulary, improve writing and justification, and make class more fun for students and easier for you! I promise you'll have fun! Please bring a phone or tablet or laptop to this session.

Speakers

Shelley Nash

Independence Alternative High School

Shelley Nash teaches Mathematics at Independence Alternative High School in Blackfoot School District. She excels in her understanding of providing positive supports and intervention for students who have experienced a pattern of failure in mathematics. She received a B.A. in Family... Read More →

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

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

global Y

10:45am MDT

Unlocking the Power of Generalization: Building Mathematical Reasoning from Pre-K to Grade 5

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

TBA

Mathematical generalization, the ability to identify patterns and extend them to broader contexts, is a cornerstone of mathematical reasoning. This interactive session will equip educators with practical strategies to cultivate this powerful skill in their students from the earliest years through fifth grade. Participants will explore strategies to foster deep conceptual understanding and promote the development of mathematical generalizations ensuring that mathematical reasoning underpins every lesson.

Speakers

Rhonda Birnie

Boise State University Math Education Colelctive

Rhonda Birnie is a math specialist who is passionate about helping people find joy in math. She taught grades K-5 for 24 years and has been a math specialist in Idaho since 2013. She currently works with the Boise State University Math Education Collective consulting with school... Read More →

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

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

global Y

10:45am MDT

Digital Literacy: Learn how Code.org & the Idaho STEM Action Center are teaming up to prepare Idaho students for a digital future

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

TBA

In April 2025, the Idaho Legislature approved a new digital literacy requirement intended to ensure that students are equipped with the necessary skills to successfully navigate the digital world upon graduation. With guidance from the Idaho Department of Education, Code.org is teaming up with the Idaho STEM Action Center to develop a digital literacy course for students in grades 9-12 and professional learning opportunities for teachers in order to help schools and districts fulfill this new requirement. Come and learn more about the new digital literacy requirement and how Code.org and the Idaho STEM Action Center are partnering to support schools and districts across Idaho as we head into the new school year!

Speakers

Carrie Morrison

Code.org

Carrie Morrison builds partnerships in schools, districts, and communities across the western U.S. to increase access to and participation in K-12 computer science education. As a District & School Growth Manager for Code.org, Carrie is passionate about facilitating equitable learning... Read More →

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

Technology, 9-12 | General, 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

Learning That Lasts: How to Elevate Your Impact with the Science of Learning

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

TBA

Let’s invite the benefits of cognitive research into our students’ classroom experiences! Increase the time and attention kids spend on thinking and learning with strategies grounded in the Science of Learning. Impact Science Literacy, Data Literacy, Academic Vocabulary, and more. These research-based practices are game-changers that can be implemented immediately with resources already available to you. Give yourself and your students the gift of learning a whole lot more about how learning works.

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.

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

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

global Y

4:30pm MDT

Mathy Hour

Thursday July 31, 2025 4:30pm - 7:30pm MDT

Loose Screw Beer Co.

Join us after the conference for mathy hour! We'll bring the games, you bring the conversation.

Thursday July 31, 2025 4:30pm - 7:30pm MDT
Loose Screw Beer Co. 1511 W McMillan Rd Suite 100, Meridian, ID 83646

General

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

From $82.51