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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

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

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 Kim Roush

Kim Roush

Senior Hydrogeologist, IDEQ-Idaho Falls
As I former high school science teacher (Biology, Physical Science, AP Environmental Science, Earth Science) turned Hydrogeologist for the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality in the Idaho Falls Regional Office, I'm thrilled to get teachers and students outside in coordination... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
105

10:45am MDT

Workplace Injury Prevention FIT Tests performed by BBSI Maria Castro, CPR Physical Therapy PTA Isaac McCreey, and Glanbia
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Step into the world of workplace safety with a live, interactive fit test demonstration from BBSI. This session highlights an often-overlooked aspect of many STEM careers while exploring the safety standards, workforce expectations, and industry requirements that help keep employees safe on the job. Gain a deeper understanding of how experiences like these can strengthen career-connected learning and help students make meaningful connections between the classroom and the workplace.
Speakers
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Innovation Playground 300 N College Rd W, Twin Falls, ID 83301

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.  
AA

A 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
126 300 N College Rd W, Twin Falls, ID 83301, USA
  Science, 9-12
  • global Y

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

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
 
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