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

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

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

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

1:00pm MDT

Cybersecurity Building Blocks for the K-8 Classroom

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

TBA

In today's digital landscape, both digital citizenship and cybersecurity are crucial for protecting our students. Join us for a dynamic and engaging professional development designed for K-8 educators. This session from CYBER.ORG will explore how cybersecurity concepts can be meaningfully integrated across subjects. Participants will engage with classroom-ready lessons that empower students to become safe, informed, and critical users of technology, while also developing awareness of how emerging fields like AI impact security.

Speakers

Georgette Price

Conference Exhibitor, CYBER.ORG, Academic Division of the Cyber Innovation Center

Georgette Price is the Deputy Director for CYBER.ORG, the academic division of the Cyber Innovation Center. As Deputy Director, she oversees all managerial and operational logistics as assigned by the Director. She is an accomplished project manager and enjoys supporting the CYBER.ORG... Read More →

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

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

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

Branzell Porchia

Amanda Paterson

10:45am MDT

Merrie Rampy

10:45am MDT

Dr. Melyssa Ferro

1:00pm MDT

Misti Newby

1:00pm MDT

Georgette Price

2:15pm MDT

Dr. Gina Kwid

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