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Idaho Annual STEM Conference: The Magic of STEM 2026
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Thursday, July 30
 

10:45am MDT

Workforce Development Council + STEM: A Practical Guide to Funding, Programs, and Career Connections
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
If you’ve ever thought:
  • “There are so many programs… where do I even start?”
  • “How do I connect what I teach to real careers?”
  • “What opportunities are  worth my time and my students’ time?”
This session answers that.


You will walk away with:
  • A clear map of Workforce Development Council + STEM's key programs and how they connect
  • Practical ways to bring career relevance into your classroom immediately
  • Direct access to opportunities like  LAUNCH, I STEM, (IDSF) Science fairs, externships, and grants
  • Ready to use tools and a practical guide for all WDC + STEM Programming
  • Insight into how Idaho is aligning education with workforce needs
And just as important, you’ll have space to share your ideas, challenges, and needs so this work continues to improve with educator voice at the center.
Speakers
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 →
avatar for Amanda Paterson

Amanda Paterson

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 →
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
TBA

10:45am MDT

Beyond Compliance: A Social Model for Neuro-Inclusive STEM
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
As the Idaho STEM Action Center joins the Workforce Development Council in July 2026, the focus on a "STEM-literate workforce for all" has never been higher. However, systemic cognitive barriers, especially in online classes, often sideline neurodivergent learners. STEM rigor should not be a barrier to STEM access. Drawing on the Social Model of Disability, this session reframes learning struggles in online STEM as design misalignments. We will explore how cognitive load and split-attention tasks in digital labs disproportionately affect neurodivergent learners. Rather than waiting for a 504 or IEP adjustment, attendees will learn to implement Universal Design strategies that benefit all students, focusing on the off-screen scaffolding with physical tools that bridge the gap between the screen and the student’s working memory.
Speakers
avatar for Merrie Rampy

Merrie Rampy

None of the above, Southern Utah University
Merrie Rampy is an instructional designer at Southern Utah University’s Center for Teaching Innovation and a doctoral student in Educational Psychology and Technology. With over 30 years in STEM education, including leadership roles in curriculum and statewide initiatives, she focuses... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
TBA

10:45am MDT

Beyond the Ban: Ethical & Effective AI Use in Secondary Classrooms
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
As generative AI tools become more accessible to students, many educators are asking big questions about ethics, academic integrity, and instruction. This spring, a new credit-approved courseEDIN50772: Beyond the Ban: Ethical & Effective AI Use in Secondary Classrooms—will focus on helping middle and high school teachers move beyond banning AI and instead teach students to use it responsibly and productively. Participants will explore current research, ethical considerations, classroom AI policies (including a 🟢🟡🔴 stoplight model), and redesign assignments using the SAMR framework so AI supports thinking, not copy/paste.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Melyssa Ferro

Dr. Melyssa Ferro

Current ISTA Member; Current IdEEA Member, Caldwell School District
Caldwell School District #132K-12 Digital Innovation and Integration Specialist, STEM coordinator, Middle School Science TeacherCaldwell, Idaho
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
TBA

1:00pm MDT

Students Leading STEM: Inside the Idaho EcosySTEM Student Ambassador Program
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
What happens when students take the lead in shaping STEM culture in their schools and communities? In this interactive session, Idaho EcosySTEM Student Ambassadors (grades 6–12) share their experiences as student advocates for STEM. Ambassadors will discuss the projects they’ve led, industry experiences that shaped their interests, and the leadership skills they’ve developed along the way. Participants will hear directly from students about what truly engages young people in STEM and will take part in a hands-on activity led by the Ambassadors highlighting the types of STEM projects students are bringing back to their schools and communities.
Speakers
avatar for Idaho EcosySTEM Student Ambassadors

Idaho EcosySTEM Student Ambassadors

None of the above, Idaho STEM Ecosystem
The Idaho EcosySTEM Student Ambassadors are 6th-12th grade students who aim to advocate for STEM in their schools and beyond.
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA

1:00pm MDT

REVIT: Preparing Students for the Clean‑Energy Workforce Through Integrated Science Learning
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
This session explores the development of a future‑ready clean‑energy pathway built through industry collaboration and teacher co‑design. The Renewable Energy Vehicle and Infrastructure Technician (REVIT) program shows how districts can prepare students for emerging careers in renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, and sustainable infrastructure while strengthening secondary science learning.


REVIT was created in response to regional demand for a skilled hydrogen‑energy workforce and integrates project‑based learning, NGSS, CTE standards, and industry input to create a coherent, multi‑year sequence. The pathway equips students with real‑world problem‑solving skills and deepens understanding of energy systems, engineering design, and sustainability.


Beginning with a lab‑based exploratory science course, students investigate clean‑energy and sustainable‑design challenges before progressing into more advanced technical studies. Participants will leave with curriculum examples, resources, and implementation insights to adapt this model locally and connect science learning with meaningful career pathways.
Speakers
avatar for Hanna Jaramillo

Hanna Jaramillo

Career-Connected STEM Education Designer & Consultant, Teater-Crocker
Hanna Jaramillo has deep experience as a Teaching and Learning Associate Director and secondary teacher. This is the foundation of her work designing equitable, future-ready learning experiences. Her work centers on empowering educators, aligning curricula with standards and sustainability... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA
 
Idaho Annual STEM Conference: The Magic of STEM 2026
From $82.51
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