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

Unlocking Mathematical Minds: A Structured Approach to Problem-Based Learning

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

TBA

A structured approach to problem-based learning balances explicit instruction and inquiry-based learning. To allow access for all students, we need to open up school mathematics beyond the heavy focus on computation and overreliance on direct instruction. Students can develop critical thinking skills, collaborative abilities, and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts by emphasizing authentic sense-making and discourse.

Speakers

Fawn Nguyen

Amplify

Fawn Nguyen is the Director of STEM Initiatives at Amplify. She spent three years as a math coach for a K-8 school district and taught middle school math for 30 years. She was named Ventura County Teacher of the Year in 2014 and received the Math Teacher Hero Award from Raytheon in... Read More →

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

Math, K-2, 3-5, 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

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

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

Dear Math: The Stories Our Young Students Will Tell

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

TBA

Liesl McConchie says “A student’s emotional relationship with math is foundational to their cognitive relationship with math.” As math educators, we all agree that emotional relationships matter, but how much time and attention do we put into helping our students author their math stories? This session is designed to help participants put theory into practice by elevating teacher moves that nurture positive emotional relationships with math. Join us in this session if you’re an elementary math educator who would like to be more deliberate about helping your students author their math stories.

Speakers

Tammy McMorrow

Indian Creek Elementary, Kuna School District

Tammy McMorrow has been teaching first grade for 31 years in Kuna, Idaho. In 2022 she began building a thinking classroom inspired by the work of Peter Liljedahl and was quickly won over by its magic and messiness. Determined to start a movement, she created a Facebook page for K-2... Read More →

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

Math, K-2, 3-5

global Y

2:15pm MDT

Solving the Story: Helping Students Tackle Math Word Problems with Confidence

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

TBA

Word problems can be one of the most challenging aspects of math for students—and teaching them can be just as tricky. In this interactive workshop, educators will explore effective strategies to help students make sense of word problems, identify key information, and develop problem-solving confidence. Participants will learn how to teach students to visualize, represent, and discuss problems using multiple approaches. Leave with practical tools and ready-to-use strategies to help your students approach word problems with clarity and confidence.

Speakers

Courtney Lamb

Idaho State University

Dr. Courtney Lamb is an educator with a passion for mathematics education, having over 18 years of dedicated classroom experience. Her enduring commitment to cultivating best practices when teaching mathematics has brought her to theUniversity of Idaho to join the Regional Math Center... Read More →

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

Math, K-2, 3-5, 6-8

global Y

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

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

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

10:45am MDT

Hands-On, Self-Correcting and student driven Math Centers

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

TBA

This will be a hands-on workshop where attendees will play with and KEEP the materials to see for themselves how they can benefit the students that are under their supervision. Learn about student guided/self-correcting materials that help students with the essential skills in Math and Reading. Our activities are fun, challenging, and allow students to learn essential skills in a way that is different from the classroom.

Speakers

Rich Stuart

Learning Wrap-ups, a Division of EDC Pub

A native of Ogden, UT, I started working with Learninig Wrap-ups in 1983 and have enjoyed traveling the country attending Math Conferences as an exhibitor and presenter all of that time. My favorite part of the job is watching elementary students gain self confidence when they realize... Read More →

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

Math, K-2, 3-5

global Y

10:45am MDT

Instructionally Useful Assessment in the Math Classroom

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

TBA

In this interactive session, participants will explore the essential elements of instructionally relevant assessments in math classrooms. Through guided discussions, educators will share their current assessment practices and consider how these approaches align with considerations for instructionally relevant assessment. The session will focus on strategies for ensuring assessments that not only measure student understanding but also inform instruction and support learning growth.

Speakers

Michele Carney

Boise State University

Michele Carney is a professor of mathematics education at Boise State University.

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

Math, K-2, 3-5, 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

1:00pm MDT

Engaging Elementary Students in Productive Students

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

TBA

A vital part of today’s mathematics classroom includes rich mathematical tasks that engage students in productive struggle. This session will explore how to harness the power of productive struggle and deepen students' mathematical understanding. Additionally, the role of manipulatives in supporting students will be shared.

Speakers

Kevin Dykema

Math Instructional Coach, Mattawan Consolidated Schools

Kevin Dykema is the current Past President of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). He has taught 8th grade mathematics for over 25 years and is currently a district math instructional coach for Mattawan Consolidated Schools in southwest Michigan. Kevin is a frequent... Read More →

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

Math, K-2, 3-5

2:15pm MDT

Beyond the Answer: Embracing Productive Struggle in Math Classrooms

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

TBA

What does it really mean to support productive struggle in math? Join Regional Math Specialists to explore instructional moves and cultural shifts that help all students productively access high-quality mathematics. Learn how to create space for struggle, identify traits of meaningful tasks, and respond to student thinking in ways that build confidence and conceptual understanding. We’ll connect these ideas to the Idaho Mathematics Instructional Framework and reflect on how productive struggle can transform what success in math looks like—for students and teachers. Come ready to do math, share insights, and walk away with practical ideas for planning, facilitating, and supporting learning through productive struggle.

Speakers

Carol Hicks

Idaho State University

Carol Hicks is a Regional Math Specialist in Southeast Idaho with over 30 years of experience teaching mathematics across grade levels. Her work focuses on helping teachers and students discover the joy and power of math. As Principal Investigator for the Accelerated Math Learning... Read More →

April Taylor

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

Math, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

global Y

2:15pm MDT

What is dyscalculia and how can I help my students?

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

TBA

5% to 8% of our students have dyscalculia. What do we do about this and how can we help our students. The session will cover the characteristics of dyscalculia, the impacts it has on the lives of our students, and strategies we can use to help these students succeed. There will be hands-on activities and a simulation.

Speakers

Kim Zeydel

Ed.D.

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

Math, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

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