Loading…
Idaho Annual STEM Conference: The Magic of STEM 2026 has ended
Type: Science clear filter
arrow_back View All Dates
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

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
106

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

College of Southern Idaho, Genna Poytner along with STEM ambassadors lead CTE programs to include: Welding Simulation, Binary Code Bracelet, Auto Body Repair, Build a Cow, Rad Tech and Wood Burning.
Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Experience a variety of hands-on activities that showcase the exciting world of Career & Technical Education (CTE) at the College of Southern Idaho. From Binary Beads and Build a Cow to welding simulation, autobody repair, radiology technology, and wood burning, you'll explore engaging experiences that connect classroom learning to high-demand careers. Discover how CTE programs prepare students with the technical skills, industry knowledge, and real-world experiences needed for success in college, careers, and beyond.
Speakers
Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Innovation Playground 300 N College Rd W, Twin Falls, ID 83301

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

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
106
  Science, 9-12, 6-8
  • 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

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 - Idaho Science Coach

McKenzie Sonderegger - Idaho Science Coach

Current ISTA Member, Professional Learning Solutions, LLC
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
105
  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
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
 
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.
Filtered by Date -