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Idaho Annual STEM Conference: The Magic of STEM 2026 has ended
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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-Nuñez

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
107 300 N College Rd W, Twin Falls, ID 83301, USA

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
105

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

STEM Program Manager, Idaho Workforce Development Council
Hi there! As the STEM Program Manager for the Idaho Workforce Development Council, I get to help bridge the gap between classrooms and careers by connecting education, STEM, and workforce opportunities for students throughout Idaho.  

I am passionate about helping educators answe... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
115 300 N College Rd W, Twin Falls, ID 83301, USA

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
116

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 ISTA 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
107 300 N College Rd W, Twin Falls, ID 83301, USA
  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
avatar for Marisa Alan

Marisa Alan

Conference Exhibitor, Inquisitive

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
126 300 N College Rd W, Twin Falls, ID 83301, USA
  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

[email protected], 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
118
  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
Experience how sentence-level writing can transform passive observers into active sensemakers. Bring the joy of having something to say into your classroom writing experiences!  In this session, you'll experience lesson activities that use powerful strategies from The Writing Revolution 2.0 and explore practical techniques that strengthen critical thinking, academic discourse, and writing across all content areas. Whether you teach upper elementary, middle, or high school, you'll leave with ready-to-use strategies that make student thinking visible and deepen conceptual understanding.

Bonus: Thanks to the Idaho Department of Education, every participant will receive a complimentary copy of The Writing Revolution 2.0.


Speakers
avatar for Lee Slichter

Lee Slichter

ISTA Board Member Elementary Rep, Idaho Science Coach
Here's what other people say about Lee Slichter:
Lee brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for education to everything she does. (Andrea Baerwald) Lee is by far one of the most effective educators with whom I’ve worked during my educational career…She never wavers in her belief that all students can improve. She al... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
122 300 N College Rd W, Twin Falls, ID 83301, USA

2:15pm MDT

STEM Fun with TMC Labs
Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm MDT
Experience one of the engaging, hands-on STEM activities available through TMC Labs while exploring resources designed to support educators across Idaho. Learn how TMC Labs provides ready-to-use lessons, materials, and professional learning opportunities that make it easy to bring high-quality STEM experiences into classrooms and out-of-school programs. Leave with practical ideas and resources to continue inspiring curiosity and exploration long after the conference.
Speakers
avatar for Amy Post

Amy Post

Current IdEEA Member, Idaho Out-of-School Network
Amy Post is the Think Make Create (TMC) Labs Program Manager at the Idaho Out-of-School Network, where she has shared hands-on, inquiry-based STEM education with over 75,000 kids in Idaho and the educators who serve them.  She’s a naturalist and informal educator with nearly two... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm MDT
Innovation Playground 300 N College Rd W, Twin Falls, ID 83301

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
114

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
avatar for Marisa Alan

Marisa Alan

Conference Exhibitor, Inquisitive

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
107 300 N College Rd W, Twin Falls, ID 83301, USA
  Science, K-2, 3-5
  • 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
106

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
120 300 N College Rd W, Twin Falls, ID 83301, USA
 
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