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

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
TBA
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
avatar for Cassondra Kauppi

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
avatar for Amy Post

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
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
  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
avatar for Cassidy Huggins

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

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
avatar for Austin Ambrose

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
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
  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
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
  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
avatar for Jamie Brunmeier

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
WS

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
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 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA
  Science, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
  • global Y

1:00pm MDT

Students Leading STEM: Inside the Idaho EcosySTEM Student Ambassador Program
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA
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
  Science, 6-8, 9-12 |   Engineering, 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
avatar for Misti Newby

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

1:00pm MDT

REVIT: Preparing Students for the Clean‑Energy Workforce Through Integrated Science Learning
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA
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
  Science, 6-8, 9-12 |   Technology, 6-8, 9-12 |   Engineering, 6-8, 9-12 |   Environmental Education, 6-8, 9-12
  • 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
avatar for Shelley Nash

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

TJ McKenna Secondary Breakout
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA

Speakers
avatar for Thomas McKenna

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 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA
  Science, 6-8, 9-12

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
avatar for Amber Van Vooren

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
 
Idaho Annual STEM Conference: The Magic of STEM 2026
From $82.51

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