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

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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

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

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