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Idaho Annual STEM Conference: The Magic of STEM 2026
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Wednesday, July 29
 

9:35am MDT

Classroom Strategies that Drive True Science Understanding
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
How do we help students apply what they know to a phenomenon they’ve never seen before? One of the biggest challenges in NGSS classrooms is supporting students as they transfer learning to new contexts. In this interactive session, we’ll explore how to build those skills through four practical, low-stakes sensemaking routines.These classroom-ready strategies give students frequent opportunities to engage with novel phenomena, practice three-dimensional thinking, and build confidence without the pressure of assessment. We’ll model each activity and share tools you can use right away to help students move beyond memorization and into true science understanding.
Speakers
JG

Jasmine Glasper Nunez

Conference Exhibitor, InnerOrbit
How do we help students apply what they know to a phenomenon they’ve never seen before? One of the biggest challenges in NGSS classrooms is supporting students as they transfer learning to new contexts. In this interactive session, we’ll explore how to build those skills through... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
TBA

9:35am MDT

Exploring OpenSciEd from Carolina (K-12)
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Join us for an interactive, hands-on session to engage in modeling from all grade spans, K-12 from OpenSciEd.  Discover how the Carolina Certified Version takes these high-quality instructional materials to the next level-more accessible, more user-friendly, and enhanced for classroom safety.  Participants will leave with practical strategies and valuable resources to energize their classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Eeva Burns

Dr. Eeva Burns

Conference Exhibitor, Carolina Biological Supply
Dr. Burns retired as a high school and middle school teacher nine years ago.  She has worked for Carolina Biological for 13 years as a science consultant.  She facilitates and trains teachers how to use science kits and has presented many workshops at national and state confere... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
TBA

9:35am MDT

Level Up Your Classroom with Gamification
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
Learn to promote interest and engagement while helping students achieve specific learning objectives with games. Join us as you learn simple and valuable ways to gamify your lessons. We will be sharing a few creative game ideas for building relationships and reviewing and learning content.
Speakers
avatar for Michael Washington

Michael Washington

Conference Exhibitor, TCI
Michael Washington is a former high school teacher and leader with 22 years of experience who now serves as an Account Manager for TCI. He’s passionate about helping Washington educators bring engaging social studies curriculum to their classrooms. Michael loves traveling across... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
TBA

10:45am MDT

Watershed Science with the Confluence Project
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
The Confluence Project is a University of Idaho sponsored field-based watershed curriculum for 9th through 12th Environmental Science, Biology, and other science classrooms.  The program seeks to make science concepts tangible to students through hands-on field data collection activities. U of I covers costs for participating teachers to bring their students on stream water quality, snow science, and groundwater field trips. Students conclude the program by presenting their water research projects to water professionals at the regional Youth Water Summit. 300 to 400 students participate annually in North Idaho, and 180 students completed the successful southwest Idaho pilot year. 
This session will provide details about the Confluence Project & model two sample lessons from the program that can be used independently. The groundwater lesson explores nitrate contaminants in a gravel aquifer system, and the evapotranspiration lesson introduces students to NASA satelitte data.
Speakers
avatar for Christa Howarth

Christa Howarth

Water Educator, University of Idaho
Christa Howarth works as a Water Educator for the University of Idaho Extension and Idaho Water Resource Research Institute (IWRRI) & is stoked to get students outside! They deliver non-formal education programs, with a focus on groundwater and water resources, to youth and adults... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
TBA

10:45am MDT

Classroom Catalysts: Demonstrating atomic structure concepts using hands-on activities
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Join faculty from the University of Idaho where they will present and demonstrate the Classroom Catalyst kit: chemistry lessons to be used as hands-on activities in high school classrooms. Each kit includes lessons, handouts, and consumable materials to illustrate atomic-structure concepts and periodic trends. This project aims to:
• Deliver in-classrooms hands-on chemistry-focused activities.
• Increase STEM identity in high school students.
• Increase high-school students’ awareness of career pathways that include chemistry.
• Enable students to relate chemical concepts back to their everyday life.
• Enhance high-school teachers’ access to University of Idaho resources which support their professional development.
Let Classroom Catalyst kits help build the connections between high-school students’ daily experiences and core chemistry concepts.
Speakers
avatar for Claire Sponseller

Claire Sponseller

None of the above, University of Idaho Extension 4-H
Claire is an Associate Professor at University of Idaho within the Extension Service and has a focus on STEM Education in 4-H Youth Development. 
avatar for Sebastian Stoian

Sebastian Stoian

None of the above, University of Idaho
Dr. Stoian is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry in the College of Science at the University of Idaho.  
avatar for Alina Andrasi

Alina Andrasi

None of the above, University of Idaho
Dr. Andrasi is a Senior Instructor of Chemistry in the College of Science at the University of Idaho. 
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
TBA
  Science, 9-12
  • global Y

10:45am MDT

See It, to Be It: Making Healthcare Careers Real for Middle School Students
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Most students form ideas about their future long before high school, yet few have meaningful exposure to real careers early on. This session gives you a ready to use, classroom tested module that introduces middle school students to the healthcare careers ecosystem through a clear, engaging, and relevant lens.
You will see how to break down complex systems using a real world example from St. Luke’s Health System, while helping students recognize transferable skills they already use. We will also show how to connect early exploration to future opportunities through Idaho LAUNCH and Next Steps Idaho.


Walk away with a complete lesson, facilitation guide, and student activities you can implement immediately. If you want students more engaged, more aware, and more confident about their future, this session is for you! 
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Sherawn Reberry

Dr. Sherawn Reberry

None of the above, Workforce Development Council

This presentation introduces a classroom ready career exploration module designed for middle school students, focused on opening early awareness of healthcare careers and pathways. The module helps students understand how a healthcare system functions, using St. Luke’s as a rea... Read More →
avatar for Branzell Porchia

Branzell Porchia

None of the above, Workforce Development Council
This interactive session offers a clear and practical look into Idaho’s STEM and workforce ecosystem, designed specifically for educators, school leaders, and career advisors.Participants will gain an inside perspective on key statewide initiatives including LAUNCH, I STEM, Idaho... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
TBA

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
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
avatar for Jacque Deahl

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

1:00pm MDT

Creating a Culture of Inquiry
Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
This workshop is designed to help transform classrooms from spaces defined by finding the "right answer" to environments fueled by student curiosity. Participants will evaluate and practice questioning and discussion techniques that minimize student fear, encourage deeper participation, and empower students to generate their own questions. In addition, we will practice in converting low-level recall questions into high-level discussion questions that require students to justify claims, synthesize evidence, and engage in genuine intellectual debate. These techniques cultivate a culture of inquiry, leading to increased student ownership of the learning process and gains in critical thinking across all content areas.
Speakers
avatar for Emily Sarha

Emily Sarha

Current ISTA Member, Post Falls High School
My topic is about getting students to ask questions and engage in discussion in science class. 
Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA
  Science, 9-12, 6-8
  • global Y

1:00pm MDT

From Simple to Spectacular: Making Science Magical in Elementary Classrooms
Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Bring the magic of STEM to life with simple, engaging science experiences designed for real classrooms. In this interactive session, presenters will model quick, hands-on activities aligned to Idaho Content Standards for Science grades K–5. Inspired by the idea of “favorite demonstrations,” each activity is easy to implement, uses accessible materials, and is grounded in meaningful scientific phenomena.


Participants will actively engage in 1–2 ready-to-use activities per grade level, while building confidence in facilitating science learning. Beyond the “wow” factor, we’ll focus on how these experiences support student thinking, discussion, and sensemaking.


Attendees will leave with practical strategies, classroom-ready ideas, and approachable phenomena to immediately integrate into their instruction, helping every educator feel confident bringing the magic of science to their students.
Speakers
avatar for Randy Lance

Randy Lance

Current ICTM Member, Boise School District
Randy Lance, Science & Health Supervisor, Boise School District
avatar for Ken Wareham

Ken Wareham

Current ISTA Member, Lewis-Clark State College
Ken Wareham, Professor of Education, Teacher Education and Mathematics Division, Lewis-Clark State College
avatar for Ashley Schaffner

Ashley Schaffner

Current ISTA Member; Current CSTA Member, Idaho STEM Ecosystem
Ashley Schaffner, Regional Hub Coordinator, Idaho STEM Ecosystem
Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA
  Science, K-2, 3-5
  • global Y

1:00pm MDT

Making Space for Science: Practical Strategies for Integrating Science Without Adding More to Your Plate
Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Elementary educators know that science is essential—but finding the time and resources to teach it well can feel overwhelming within an already packed schedule. This panel brings together classroom teachers and school administrators to share realistic, classroom-tested strategies for making science instruction both meaningful and manageable. Panelists will address common barriers such as time constraints, curriculum demands, and resource limitations, offering actionable solutions that can be applied immediately.


This session is designed to be interactive, with opportunities for audience questions and shared problem-solving. Participants will leave with concrete strategies, adaptable ideas, and renewed confidence in their ability to bring science to life for elementary learners.
 
Speakers
MA

Marisa Alan

Conference Exhibitor, Inquisitive
Marisa Alan serves as the Idaho Curriculum and Success Lead at Inquisitive, where she partners with elementary schools to bring high-quality, phenomena-based science instruction into classrooms. With more than 25 years of experience in education, including roles as a classroom teacher... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA
  Science, K-2, 3-5
  • global Y

1:00pm MDT

Think Like a Scientist: Simple Moves for Elementary Classrooms
Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
How do we help elementary students truly think like scientists without adding more to an already full plate? This session focuses on practical, easy-to-implement strategies that build on what elementary teachers already do best.


We will break down the three dimensions of science standards and show how understanding them helps teachers focus on science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts. When teachers know what to listen for and what kinds of questions to ask, they can guide students toward deeper thinking and sense-making.


Participants will leave with simple questioning strategies and classroom moves that help students explain their thinking, make connections, and engage in meaningful scientific discourse—all while leveraging the natural strengths of elementary educators.
Speakers
avatar for Chris Stoker

Chris Stoker

Current ISTA Member, West Ada School District
Chris is the current president of ISTA.  He taught physics and math for 16 years and has been the science coordinator in the West Ada School District for the last 10 years.  When he's not geeking out trying to understand a new phenomenon, he loves to backpack, fish, and travel with... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA
  Science, 3-5, K-2
  • global Y

1:00pm MDT

Sentences & Sensemaking: Critical Thinking Made Visible
Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Learn how sentence-level writing can unlock deeper understanding of complex concepts for learners. This interactive session blends practice and reflection as participants move between experiencing and facilitating high-impact writing tasks connected to content learning.  Lee has requested that IDE might provide the book The Writing Revolution 2.0 for the first 20 participants who attend--we await a reply.
Speakers
avatar for Lee Slichter

Lee Slichter

Current ISTA Member, Idaho Science Coach
Andrea Baerwald commented, "Lee brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for education to everything she does."
Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA

2:15pm MDT

Initial Priorities for becoming a more STEM-Focused School
Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
In this session we will explore the essential conditions and organizational structures required to move beyond isolated STEM activities and toward a cohesive, school-wide culture of integrated STEM.
We will examine the critical "readiness factors" that determine long-term success and sustainability, including leadership alignment, flexible scheduling, physical and digital infrastructure and strategic partnerships.  By focusing on these structural pillars first, administrators and educators can ensure their STEM initiatives are sustainable, equitable, and capable of fostering the critical thinking skills students need for the future. Participants will leave with a roadmap for building an environment where STEM doesn't just happen, it thrives.
Speakers
avatar for Wendy Ruchti

Wendy Ruchti

Current ISTA Member, Idaho State University
I am currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Idaho State University College of Education.  My primary focus is to bring high-quality STEM learning to all students.  I have a background as a middle school math and science teacher and then earned my Ph.D. in Science and... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA

2:15pm MDT

Phenomena Based Science is a Piece of Cake
Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
Ready to bring science to life in your classroom, without adding to your workload or scrambling for materials? In this interactive session, you’ll experience how Inquisitive supports phenomena-based, inquiry-driven instruction that’s both deeply engaging for students and truly manageable for teachers.
We’ll model a complete lesson from the Inquisitive platform, “Has Earth Changed?”, which uses vivid visuals (including a rainbow layer cake!) and hands-on activities to explore Earth’s layers, fossils, and geologic change over time. You’ll participate in a student-level simulation, then step into the teacher role to unpack the pedagogy, standards alignment, and built-in supports like the 5E model.
All participants will receive a free 90-day subscription to Inquisitive, along with digital resources, planning tools, and ready-to-use science lessons designed to simplify your prep and spark student curiosity. And of course, there will be cake!
Speakers
MA

Marisa Alan

Conference Exhibitor, Inquisitive
Marisa Alan serves as the Idaho Curriculum and Success Lead at Inquisitive, where she partners with elementary schools to bring high-quality, phenomena-based science instruction into classrooms. With more than 25 years of experience in education, including roles as a classroom teacher... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA
  Science, K-2, 3-5
  • global Y

2:15pm MDT

Sourdough for Science! Citizen Science Meets Phenomenon-Driven Instruction
Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
Dive into the fascinating world of sourdough starters—a living, bubbling microbial ecosystem.
Discover how this everyday phenomenon can help you explore energy flow, cellular respiration, biodiversity, and ecosystem dynamics with your students.  You’ll get hands-on with citizen science, walk away with ready-to-use classroom ideas, and maybe even develop a new hobby. Get ready to feed your curiosity—and maybe a sourdough starters while you are at it!
Speakers
avatar for McKenzie Sonderegger

McKenzie Sonderegger

Current ISTA Member, Professional Learning Solutions
Idaho Science Coach Region IV (Magic Valley) since 2022ISTA Board MemberInstruction Designer and Curriculum Developer for American Heritage Online SchoolSecondary Educator at Kimberly Middle SchoolRobotics Coach
avatar for Gena Dean

Gena Dean

Current ISTA Member, West Minico Middle School
Life Science 7th Grade Educator for Minidoka School District for 3 years.
Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA
  Science, 6-8, 9-12
  • global Y

2:15pm MDT

Students to Scientists - Empowering Curiosity
Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
This session invites educators to reimagine science instruction through storytelling, hands-on exploration, and inquiry-driven learning. In this interactive session, participants will experience how their narratives can spark curiosity and provide meaningful context for science content in their classrooms. We will engage with simple, adaptable models that make abstract ideas tangible and accessible for all learners. Grounded in the 5E model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate), the session will demonstrate practical strategies for guiding K-8 students from initial wonder to deeper understanding and application. Educators will leave with classroom ready approaches that foster student questioning, critical thinking, and ownership of learning. Whether teaching elementary or middle school students, participants will gain tools to create science spaces where curiosity drives discovery and students begin to see themselves not just as learners of science, but as scientists.
Speakers
avatar for Matt Wigglesworth

Matt Wigglesworth

Current ISTA Member, Boise State University
Faculty at Boise State University in the College of Education. 
Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA

2:15pm MDT

Attraction and Repulsion-It’s Magnetic
Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
Become part of an amusement park design team as we explore the laws of 
repulsion and attraction through magnetic experimentation! Participants 
will experience a simulated elementary lesson using magnetic poles to 
exert pushes and pulls onto an object without touching it.


Speakers
avatar for Cameron Barger

Cameron Barger

None of the above; Conference Exhibitor, Imagine Learning: Twig Science
I’m Cameron Barger, and I’ve spent the last 20 years teaching STEM in K–12 classrooms in Kansas. Most of my work has focused on helping teachers create classrooms where students are actively thinking, problem‑solving, and making sense of learning together. I now work as a... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA
 
Idaho Annual STEM Conference: The Magic of STEM 2026
From $82.51
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