Idaho Annual STEM Conference: The Magic of STEM 2026: Full Schedule

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1:00pm MDT

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT

Join Katie Bosch-Wilson from the Idaho Department of Education to learn about key AI updates. This session will cover the new AI legislation passed in early 2026, including requirements, how the Department is supporting new AI standards, a statewide framework, and discussion around available professional development opportunities. Walk away with hands on ideas of utilization of AI in your classroom. Time will also be included for questions and discussion on what these changes may look like in practice.

Speakers

Katie Bosch-Wilson

Current ICTM Member; Current CSTA Member, Idaho Department of Education

Computer Science and Secondary Math Coordinator

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA

Computer Science, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Technology, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

global Y

1:00pm MDT

If We Don’t Name It, Students Can’t Use It: Making STEM Skills Visible Through Competencies

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT

TBA

STEM classrooms are full of problem solving, collaboration, and critical thinking, but those skills are not always named or reinforced in a consistent way. When that happens, students complete the work without always understanding what they are building or how it applies beyond school.
This session explores how the Idaho Career Readiness Competencies can serve as a shared language for making STEM skills more visible and transferable. Participants will look at how competencies already exist within STEM instruction and how small shifts in language, reflection, and feedback can help students recognize and apply those skills across contexts.
Examples from K-12, postsecondary, and workforce settings will highlight how a common language strengthens alignment and clarity. Participants will leave with one practical way to name and reinforce a competency in their own classroom. The goal is not to add more, but to make what is already happening more intentional.

Speakers

Jacque Deahl

None of the above, Idaho Department of Education

Jacque Deahl serves as the GEAR UP Idaho Statewide Coordinator at the Idaho State Department of Education, where she works with colleagues and partners across the state to support college and career readiness efforts for students. Her work focuses on strengthening career connected... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA

global Y

2:15pm MDT

AI Literacy: Resources for Teaching Students

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

TBA

This session will explore practical strategies and resources for teaching AI literacy to students. I will share a range of open-source curriculum materials suitable for grades K–12, including those I use in my own classroom, as well as our schoolwide “Hour of AI” curriculum we designed for grades K–6.

Please note: this session does not focus on using AI tools to streamline teaching tasks. Instead, it centers on helping students understand what AI is, how it works, and how it will shape their future. Participants are encouraged to bring a computer for hands-on exploration.

Speakers