Idaho Annual STEM Conference: The Magic of STEM 2026: Full Schedule

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9:35am MDT

Igniting Innovation: Fusing Digital Design and Hands-on Engineering for Future-Ready Minds

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT

Innovation is sparked when students move beyond the screen and into the real world. This session explores how to bridge the gap between digital theory and physical creation through a Research, Design, and Proposal framework.
Educators will step into the role of the innovator, participating in a lesson that highlights each phase of the engineering lifecycle. You’ll walk away not just with a plan, but with a dynamic, classroom-ready activity designed to fuel student curiosity and transform your classroom into a hub of future-ready breakthroughs.

Speakers

Cassondra Kauppi

Conference Exhibitor, Amplify

Senior STEM Product Specialist, Amplify

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:35am - 10:35am MDT
TBA

Engineering, 6-8, 3-5 | Technology, 6-8, 3-5 | Science, 6-8, 3-5

10:45am MDT

Connecting to Community through Citizen Science

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

TBA

Participants will connect with the local community and larger scientific community using Seek and iNaturalist to identify plants, animals, bugs and fungi in the school yard or neighborhood. The apps are fun and user-friendly, with endless opportunities. Then, we'll discuss how we can use these apps--and other citizen science projects--to make science relevant to our student's real lives. Participants should bring a smartphone or tablet with data to fully participate in the workshop.

Speakers

Amy Post

Current IdEEA Member, Idaho Out-of-School Network

This is my last application, I promise!

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

Environmental Education, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Science, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

global Y

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

TBA

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

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 →

Amanda Paterson

None of the above, Workforce Development Council

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

Out of School/Informal Education, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Science, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Technology, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Engineering, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Math, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

global Y

10:45am MDT

Base-Jumping Eggs! Using Local Phenomena and Place-Based Science to Boost Rigor and Student Engagement

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

TBA

Many science lessons feel disconnected from students’ lives–this session shows how to change that through place-based science. We will look at one specific example– reimagining the classic egg drop to be inspired by the famous base jumpers of Twin Falls–and see how using local phenomenon made this project more engaging, challenging, and FUN for students. Then we will explore many other ideas for local phenomena (get ready to learn some cool things about Idaho). Finally, teachers will get a chance to brainstorm their own community connections and resources to bring the outside world into their lessons.

Speakers

Cassidy Huggins

Current ISTA Member, Idaho Science Coaches

I am one of the Idaho Science Coaches who lives in Twin Falls, Idaho and works with science teacher K-12 right here in Region 4. I have a B.S. in Chemistry and a M.S.S.E. in Science Education. Before becoming a science coach, I taught secondary science for 9 years at the middle school... Read More →

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

Science, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

global Y

10:45am MDT

TJ McKenna Elementary Breakout

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

TBA

Speakers

Thomas McKenna

Dr. Thomas "TJ" McKenna is Clinical Assistant Professor of Science Education and Director of the Center for STEM Professional Learning at Scale at Boston University's Wheelock College of Education and Human Development. With 20 years of experience as scientist, educator, and science... Read More →

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

Science, K-2, 3-5

10:45am MDT

Bridging the Gap Between Curriculum and Assessment

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

TBA

To better support your students in demonstrating their knowledge and abilities on the summative assessment, this session will break down the gap that exists between curriculum adopted at a local level and the state assessment students take. The design of each of these components are intentionally done, but do not always have direct alignment. The focus will be on understanding how content standards drive the creation of these two components, and how the standards are represented in each are different. Come explore these two pieces of the learning puzzle and plan for stronger connection between what you teach and how students will demonstrate their understanding.

Speakers

Austin Ambrose

Current ICTM Member, Idaho Department of Education

As the ISAT assessment coordinator at the Idaho Department of Education, my role is to support implementation and interpretation of the statewide summative assessment for all grades and content areas (ELA, Math, and Science). I come from a background of working in schools, primarily... Read More →

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

Science, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Math, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

global Y

10:45am MDT

Beyond Compliance: A Social Model for Neuro-Inclusive STEM

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

TBA

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

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

Science, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Technology, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Engineering, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Math, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

global Y

10:45am MDT

Beyond the Ban: Ethical & Effective AI Use in Secondary Classrooms

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

TBA

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 course—EDIN50772: 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

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

Science, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Technology, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Engineering, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Math, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

global Y

1:00pm MDT

Birds, Binoculars, and Big Data: Bringing Citizen Science into Your Classroom

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT

TBA

What if your students could contribute to real scientific research—starting tomorrow?
In this engaging professional development session, veteran science educator Jamie Brunmeier shares how teachers can bring authentic ornithology and field science into the classroom through the creation of IARC, a collaborative citizen-science approach that allows students to collect meaningful ecological data. Participants will learn simple, classroom-ready strategies for guiding students in bird observation, habitat monitoring, and data collection that contribute to larger scientific studies.
The best part? These projects work with any age group—from kindergarten through adults—making it possible for entire school communities to participate in real research. Teachers will leave with practical tools, field activities, and project ideas that build student curiosity, observation skills, and environmental stewardship while connecting learning to authentic science.
If you want students doing science instead of just reading about it, this session will show you how citizen science can transform your classroom into a research lab—right outside your door.

Speakers

Jamie Brunmeier

Current ISTA Member, Homedale High School Science, Idaho Digital Learning Alliance Instructor, and ISTA Board Member

I am a veteran science educator with over 25 years of experience teaching middle and high school science, including dual-credit biology and environmental science. I specialize in field-based science instruction that connects students to authentic research and environmental stewardship... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA

Science, 9-12, K-2, 3-5, 6-8

global Y

1:00pm MDT

The Levels of Inquiry with Rosie

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT

TBA

In this engaging one-hour session, participants will experience a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to science instruction intentionally integrated with literacy. Teachers will actively engage in tasks representing the different levels of inquiry, exploring what shifts in teacher and student roles are required at each level. Through structured reflection and discussion, participants will identify the characteristics and expectations of confirmation, structured, guided, and open inquiry.
This experience will highlight the level of rigor embedded within the Idaho Science Standards and emphasize the importance of designing learning opportunities where students construct their own understanding through investigation, evidence, and discourse. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how inquiry and literacy can work together to support deeper sensemaking, as well as practical ideas for implementing inquiry-based instruction in their own classrooms.

Speakers

Wendy Snyder

Current ISTA Member, State Department of Education

Wendy Snyder is an experienced educator and instructional leader with over twenty years in education. She began her career teaching 3rd grade in a Title I school, where she spent seven years building a strong foundation in student-centered instruction. During her time at Barbara Morgan... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA

Science, K-2, 3-5, 6-8

global Y

1:00pm MDT

Tiny Tablets, Big Claims: CER Writing with Alka-Seltzer Rockets

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT

TBA

How do we help students move from exciting experiments to strong scientific explanations? In this interactive session, educators will learn how to intentionally integrate Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) writing using the high-engagement phenomenon of Alka-Seltzer rockets. Participants will experience the investigation as learners, analyze student-friendly data, and practice crafting claims supported by measurable evidence and scientific reasoning. The session models scaffolds, sentence frames, and discussion strategies that support students at varying writing levels while maintaining scientific rigor. Attendees will explore how to use CER as both a formative assessment tool and a sensemaking strategy, helping students explain why results occurred—not just what happened. Leave with adaptable lesson structures and practical tools to make CER writing meaningful, accessible, and fun.

Speakers

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 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA

Science, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

global Y

1:00pm MDT

From “Screwing Around” to Science: Reflection & Note-Taking in STEM

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT

TBA

“Remember kids, the only difference between science and screwing around is writing it down.”—that famous MythBusters quote reminds us that the magic of science isn’t just in the doing, but in the documenting. In this session, we’ll explore how reflection practices and simple recording strategies can turn everyday STEM activities into authentic scientific thinking. You’ll walk away with classroom-ready tools to help students capture ideas, track discoveries, and connect learning over time—so their “screwing around” becomes real science.

Speakers

Misti Newby

None of the above, Black Canyon Elementary School

See bio below

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA

Science, K-2, 3-5, 6-8 | Technology, K-2, 3-5, 6-8 | Engineering, K-2, 3-5, 6-8

global Y

2:15pm MDT

Fast & Curious: Bringing Math Vocabulary to Life in Every Grade

Thursday July 30, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

TBA

In this interactive session, you’ll experience the Fast & Curious EduProtocol and see how it can be used to build math vocabulary across all grade levels. Through engaging strategies like the Great American Race, Thin Slides, and more, you’ll explore simple, repeatable activities that get students actively using and understanding math language. We’ll also look at the research behind why vocabulary is critical for math success and how strengthening it can improve student outcomes. You’ll leave with practical, ready-to-use ideas to bring math vocabulary to life in your classroom right away. (These strategies can be used in any subject area, but our focus will be math.)

Speakers

Shelley Nash

Current ICTM Member, ICTM

Award winning teacher from Idaho :)

Thursday July 30, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA

Math, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Science, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Environmental Education, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Out of School/Informal Education, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Computer Science, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

global Y

2:15pm MDT

Why is it Snowing in July? Using Hands-On and Literacy to Support Elementary Students' Explanations of Confusing Weather Phenomena (K-5)

Thursday July 30, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

TBA

Join our interactive workshop where literacy meets exploration! Experience through hands-on modeling, playing a card game, and reading stories about how students can build explanations of confusing weather phenomena. Learn strategies to build your students' literacy skills. Leave with classroom resources. Smithsonian Science for the Classroom earned an All-Green rating from EdReports.

Speakers

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 →

Thursday July 30, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA

Science, K-2, 3-5

global Y

2:15pm MDT

Beyond the Test: Turning ISAT Items into Instructional Tools

Thursday July 30, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

TBA

Most teachers encounter ISAT sample and interim items once a year — during test prep. But the educators who see the strongest student outcomes aren't saving these tools for the final stretch. They're using them in October, in January, for a Tuesday warm-up. And it changes how they teach.

This session makes the case for integrating single assessment items throughout the year as instructional tools — not test preparation. Participants will experience a brief model lesson built around one item, then explore practical strategies for embedding items into bell ringers, collaborative activities, and formative assessment checkpoints. The goal is building students' capacity to think through complex problems, communicate
their reasoning, and show what they know — all year long.
Examples draw from math and science, but strategies apply across content areas. No device required, though digital resources will be shared.

Speakers

Amber Van Vooren

Current ICTM Member, Idaho Department of Education

Amber Van Vooren works as the Interim and Formative Assessment Coordinator at the Idaho Department of Education, where she supports LEAs and schools across the state in developing and implementing coherent, balanced assessment systems. Her work spans interim and formative assessment... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA

Science, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Math, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

global Y

2:15pm MDT

micro:bit Essentials: Fast, Fun, and Classroom-Ready Activities

Thursday July 30, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

TBA

This fast‑paced, hands‑on session introduces educators to the power and simplicity of the micro:bit as a tool for engaging, standards‑aligned STEM learning. Participants will explore easy‑to‑implement coding and engineering activities designed for K–12 classrooms, with a focus on creativity, problem‑solving, and real‑world application. No prior coding experience is required, educators will learn by doing as they experiment with sensors, LEDs, and block‑based programming to build quick prototypes they can immediately bring back to students. Attendees will leave with ready‑to‑use lessons, classroom management tips, and strategies for integrating micro:bit projects across content areas, from science and math to literacy and the arts. This session is ideal for anyone looking to boost student engagement, expand STEM opportunities, and build confidence with microcontrollers in a supportive, fun environment.

Speakers

Dr. Gina Kwid

Current ISTA Member; Current CSTA Member, Galileo STEM Academy

I am an elementary educator continuously developing a hands-on, project-based learning environment for my students. I have experience presenting STEM, AI integration, coding, and robotics skills to educators across Idaho. I am committed to preparing future-ready learners and the educators... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA

global Y

Idaho Annual STEM Conference: The Magic of STEM 2026

From $82.51

Tickets

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Idaho Annual STEM Conference: The Magic of STEM 2026

9:35am MDT

Cassondra Kauppi

10:45am MDT

Amy Post

10:45am MDT

Branzell Porchia

Amanda Paterson

10:45am MDT

Cassidy Huggins

10:45am MDT

Thomas McKenna

10:45am MDT

Austin Ambrose

10:45am MDT

Merrie Rampy

10:45am MDT

Dr. Melyssa Ferro

1:00pm MDT

Jamie Brunmeier

1:00pm MDT

Wendy Snyder

1:00pm MDT

Dr. Melyssa Ferro

1:00pm MDT

Misti Newby

2:15pm MDT

Shelley Nash

2:15pm MDT

Dr. Eeva Burns

2:15pm MDT

Amber Van Vooren

2:15pm MDT

Dr. Gina Kwid

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