BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 X-WR-CALNAME:idahostem2026 X-WR-CALDESC:Event Calendar METHOD:PUBLISH CALSCALE:GREGORIAN PRODID:-//Sched.com Idaho Annual STEM Conference: The Magic of STEM 2026//EN X-WR-TIMEZONE:UTC BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T140000Z DTEND:20260729T143000Z SUMMARY:Welcome DESCRIPTION:\n CATEGORIES:KEYNOTE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:6083ca59d6985e3a3f96ea53b3ab6d68 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/6083ca59d6985e3a3f96ea53b3ab6d68 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T143000Z DTEND:20260729T153000Z SUMMARY:Avoiding the Traps of Algorithms DESCRIPTION:Algorithms may be powerful general tools\, but they can trap students in limited\, less-sophisticated reasoning. In this session\, learn how students can take advantage of the power of generalizing without getting trapped and how we can develop mathematical reasoning\, get better results\, and reach more students. Math is Figure-out-able! CATEGORIES:KEYNOTE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:8fc66772941ca58c95e7ac74a3e6782c URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/8fc66772941ca58c95e7ac74a3e6782c END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T153500Z DTEND:20260729T163500Z SUMMARY:ICTM Annual Meeting DESCRIPTION:\n CATEGORIES:ANNUAL MEETING LOCATION:300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:eab721d5113de2fb77009b2de11b6f10 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/eab721d5113de2fb77009b2de11b6f10 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T153500Z DTEND:20260729T163500Z SUMMARY:Classroom Strategies that Drive True Science Understanding DESCRIPTION:How do we help students apply what they know to a phenomenon they’ve never seen before? One of the biggest challenges in NGSS classrooms is supporting students as they transfer learning to new contexts. In this interactive session\, we’ll explore how to build those skills through four practical\, low-stakes sensemaking routines.These classroom-ready strategies give students frequent opportunities to engage with novel phenomena\, practice three-dimensional thinking\, and build confidence without the pressure of assessment. We’ll model each activity and share tools you can use right away to help students move beyond memorization and into true science understanding. CATEGORIES:SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:f3a0b7906eb7caa4f467d957ffe96be9 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/f3a0b7906eb7caa4f467d957ffe96be9 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T153500Z DTEND:20260729T163500Z SUMMARY:Exploring OpenSciEd from Carolina (K-12) DESCRIPTION:Join us for an interactive\, hands-on session to engage in modeling from all grade spans\, K-12 from OpenSciEd.  \;Discover how the Carolina Certified Version takes these high-quality instructional materials to the next level-more accessible\, more user-friendly\, and enhanced for classroom safety. \; Participants will leave with practical strategies and valuable resources to energize their classrooms. CATEGORIES:SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:c22ce156737f365f2ce57054e83ce6b1 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/c22ce156737f365f2ce57054e83ce6b1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T153500Z DTEND:20260729T163500Z SUMMARY:Level Up Your Classroom with Gamification DESCRIPTION:Learn to promote interest and engagement while helping students achieve specific learning objectives with games. Join us as you learn simple and valuable ways to gamify your lessons. We will be sharing a few creative game ideas for building relationships and reviewing and learning content. CATEGORIES:SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:49bf4ba4e088d28b940c118bc76c43ac URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/49bf4ba4e088d28b940c118bc76c43ac END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T164500Z DTEND:20260729T174500Z SUMMARY:Watershed Science with the Confluence Project DESCRIPTION:The Confluence Project is a University of Idaho sponsored field-based watershed curriculum for 9th \;through 12th \;Environmental Science\, Biology\, and other science classrooms. \; \;The program seeks to make science concepts tangible to students through hands-on field data collection activities. \;U of I \;covers costs for \;participating teachers to bring \;their students on stream water quality\, snow science\, and groundwater field \;trips. \;Students conclude the program by presenting their water research projects to water professionals \;at the regional Youth Water Summit. \;300 to 400 students \;participate \;annually in North Idaho\, \;and \;180 students completed \;the \;successful \;southwest Idaho \;pilot year. \;\nThis session will provide details about the Confluence Project & model two sample lessons from the program that can be used independently. The groundwater lesson explores nitrate contaminants in a gravel aquifer system\, and the evapotranspiration lesson introduces students to NASA satelitte data. CATEGORIES:ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION\, SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:11594edbdfeae1869de4259af163b368 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/11594edbdfeae1869de4259af163b368 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T164500Z DTEND:20260729T174500Z SUMMARY:Bringing the Real World to the Classroom: Career-Connected Math Tasks DESCRIPTION:Engage students with authentic mathematics that fits seamlessly into your daily instruction! Join our hands-on showcase of career-connected tasks bringing local industries directly to your classroom.\nBuilt by Idaho educators\, these materials follow one strict rule: \;"The math project has to be something these industry folks actually do at their job." \;Step into the shoes of a power lineman\, a Fish & Game biometrician\, and a taco truck entrepreneur to actively experience these concepts.\nLeave equipped with ready-to-use materials to finally answer your students' favorite question: "When are we ever going to use this?"\nCo-Facilitators / Task Designers: \;Co-Facilitators / Task Designers: Nicole Anderson\, Steve Palmer\, Callie Rose\, Russel Seay\, Lesley Marks\, David Repke\, Rebecca Owen\, Emily Wasemiller\, Mandy Simpson\, Austin Duerksen\, Kristen Montague\, Nathan Cardon\, Landon Belnap\, Mitchell Parsons With: Josh Watson\, Kathy Prummer\, Veronica Blackham\, Carol Hicks\, Jayce Bell\, Katie Bosch-Wilson \; CATEGORIES:MATH LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:39fc4d23f818379bf3c2ff55806f3345 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/39fc4d23f818379bf3c2ff55806f3345 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T164500Z DTEND:20260729T174500Z SUMMARY:Math Technology That Connects: Intentional Tech in a Building Thinking Classroom DESCRIPTION:This session\, led by Senior STEM Product Specialist Cassondra Kauppi\, explores how technology can be paired with Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) principles in the math classroom. Through intentional design\, technology is used as a bridge for connection\, communication\, and collective sense-making in the mathematics classroom.\nRather than positioning technology as a replacement for interaction\, this session centers technology as a way to amplify student voice\, connect multiple representations\, and make thinking visible. Students are able to see\, compare\, and build on one another’s ideas\, strengthening both their understanding and their sense of belonging in mathematics.\nEducators will leave with ready-to-use tasks that help transform technology from a potential distraction into a driver of community\, reasoning\, and deep mathematical learning. CATEGORIES:MATH LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:418c898fdf740a64e69fdbc63429ee70 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/418c898fdf740a64e69fdbc63429ee70 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T164500Z DTEND:20260729T174500Z SUMMARY:Reaching More Students in Less Time\, Elementary DESCRIPTION:Join me to teach differently than how we were taught AND differently than how we were taught to teach math. Let’s shift the focus from memorizing / mimicking to reasoning and math-ing. And get results. Math is Figureoutable! CATEGORIES:MATH LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:57444cbb935b1b7d95ff2082c2f2459d URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/57444cbb935b1b7d95ff2082c2f2459d END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T164500Z DTEND:20260729T174500Z SUMMARY:Classroom Catalysts: Demonstrating atomic structure concepts using hands-on activities DESCRIPTION:Join faculty from the University of Idaho where they will present and demonstrate the Classroom Catalyst kit: chemistry lessons to be used as hands-on activities in high school classrooms. Each kit includes lessons\, handouts\, and consumable materials to illustrate atomic-structure concepts and periodic trends. This project aims to:\n• Deliver in-classrooms hands-on chemistry-focused activities.\n• Increase STEM identity in high school students.\n• Increase high-school students’ awareness of career pathways that include chemistry.\n• Enable students to relate chemical concepts back to their everyday life.\n• Enhance high-school teachers’ access to University of Idaho resources which support their professional development.\nLet Classroom Catalyst kits help build the connections between high-school students’ daily experiences and core chemistry concepts. CATEGORIES:SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:4b30db6f88dc69525292e3e489611b55 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/4b30db6f88dc69525292e3e489611b55 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T164500Z DTEND:20260729T174500Z SUMMARY:See It\, to Be It: Making Healthcare Careers Real for Middle School Students DESCRIPTION:Most students form ideas about their future long before high school\, yet few have meaningful exposure to real careers early on. This session gives you a ready to use\, classroom tested module that introduces middle school students to the healthcare careers ecosystem through a clear\, engaging\, and relevant lens.\nYou will see how to break down complex systems using a real world example from St. Luke’s Health System\, while helping students recognize transferable skills they already use. We will also show how to connect early exploration to future opportunities through Idaho LAUNCH and Next Steps Idaho.\n\n\nWalk away with a complete lesson\, facilitation guide\, and student activities you can implement immediately. If you want students more engaged\, more aware\, and more confident about their future\, this session is for you! \; CATEGORIES:SCIENCE\, OUT OF SCHOOL/INFORMAL EDUCATION LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:9ad3170f71450d7b9a2436616d126b7c URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/9ad3170f71450d7b9a2436616d126b7c END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T164500Z DTEND:20260729T174500Z SUMMARY:AI in Education: Where We Have Been and Where Are We Going? DESCRIPTION:AI in Education: Where We Have Been and Where Are We Going?\nAI has evolved from behind-the-scenes technology like spell check to powerful tools like AI Agents that can write\, create\, and converse. Students are already using AI\, and teachers are experimenting with it for lesson planning\, differentiation\, and feedback. However\, we face challenges around academic integrity\, equity\, privacy\, and keeping pace with rapid change.\nThe future isn't about avoiding AI. It's about teaching with it and keeping education human-centered. AI literacy will become as essential as digital literacy. We need to shift from asking "Is this student work?" to "How did you use AI to learn?" This means updating our assessment strategies\, teaching AI ethics\, and helping students develop uniquely human skills like creativity\, critical thinking\, and empathy.\nOur role is clear: prepare students to thrive in an AI-integrated world while staying grounded in human values. The tools may change\, but students will always need caring\, expert teachers—like you. Organizations like ISTE\, MIT RAISE\, and Code.org are creating frameworks and free curricula to support us in this journey. As an ISTE AI Explorations cohort member\, I've piloted MIT RAISE curriculum and Code.org AI courses with middle school students\, explored tools like Playlab and NotebookLM in the classroom\, and introduced preservice teachers to lesson planning tools like Schoolai and Eduaide. These resources are ready for your classroom. Bring a device and let's get to work. CATEGORIES:TECHNOLOGY LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:bbc5d91a788e1dfdd06b715e12108d46 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/bbc5d91a788e1dfdd06b715e12108d46 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T190000Z DTEND:20260729T200000Z SUMMARY:AI in Idaho Education DESCRIPTION:Join Katie Bosch-Wilson from the Idaho Department of Education to learn about key AI updates. This session will cover the new AI legislation passed in early 2026\, including requirements\, how the Department is supporting new AI standards\, a statewide framework\, and discussion around available professional development opportunities. Walk away with hands on ideas of utilization of AI in your classroom. Time will also be included for questions and discussion on what these changes may look like in practice. \; CATEGORIES:COMPUTER SCIENCE\, TECHNOLOGY LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:8c4d2b495e92489fc4b235c01bbd895a URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/8c4d2b495e92489fc4b235c01bbd895a END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T190000Z DTEND:20260729T200000Z SUMMARY:Developing Thinking Through Student-Centered Discourse DESCRIPTION:In a student-centered classroom\, students have frequent opportunities to wonder and make connections\, share strategies\, notice patterns\, and justify their ideas. These opportunities support the development of student voice and choice\, which are critical to learning and positive identity development. In this session\, we will explore discussion structures and scaffolds to support discourse and agency in your classroom. While a device is recommended to access resources during the session\, it is not required for participation. CATEGORIES:MATH LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:0501d46c003d44c55aacf63428edf9db URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/0501d46c003d44c55aacf63428edf9db END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T190000Z DTEND:20260729T200000Z SUMMARY:Opening doors to a future in STEM: A fluency approach to re-invigorating middle school math DESCRIPTION:How can we change student trajectories to open doors in mathematics using very explicit instructional practices? Join us to discuss how leveraging daily mental math strategies supports problem solving capacity\, productive struggle\, reasoning\, and reflection in the middle school math classroom.  \;By using choice\, interesting rich tasks\, and supporting students\, we can increase student confidence\, perseverance\, and agency in the classroom and throughout their math career.\n\n\nThis session will explore how an experimental fluency program that included elements of fluency\, mental math\, rich tasks\, collaboration\, and discourse built student perseverance and confidence\, as well as math proficiency. \; CATEGORIES:MATH LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:733806f82911145703802299f04be875 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/733806f82911145703802299f04be875 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T190000Z DTEND:20260729T200000Z SUMMARY:Modernizing Mathematics: Integrating Future-Ready Skills into the Standards for Mathematical Practice DESCRIPTION:The Standards for Mathematical Practice (SMPs) were designed to describe how students engage with mathematics\, yet in many classrooms they remain disconnected from daily instruction. This session introduces a modernized vision of the SMPs that integrates them directly with grade-level content\, emphasizing coherence\, student agency\, and real-world application. Participants will explore practical frameworks for embedding the SMPs into lesson design\, with a focus on sense-making\, discourse\, and purposeful use of representations—including data visualizations tied to audience and context. Through concrete examples\, we will demonstrate how aligning content and practice creates richer learning experiences without adding instructional burden. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies and a visual planning tool to support immediate implementation in their classrooms or districts. CATEGORIES:MATH\, TECHNOLOGY LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:e6e19e4f67d10945beabe0c9d97d546a URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/e6e19e4f67d10945beabe0c9d97d546a END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T190000Z DTEND:20260729T200000Z SUMMARY:The Idaho LAUNCH Playbook: Funding Pathways\, Expanding Futures DESCRIPTION:Help your students take the next step after high school with confidence. This session explores the Idaho LAUNCH grant\, a powerful funding opportunity that covers up to 80 percent of tuition and fees at eligible institutions\, with a maximum award of 8\,000 dollars.\nYou will learn how to guide students through the application process step by step\, increasing their chances of success. We will also highlight practical career exploration resources that help students make informed\, future focused decisions\, along with key updates to ensure you have the most current information.\nThis session is ideal for educators\, counselors\, and mentors who want to empower their students to access financial support for their education and gain confidence in their career choices. No devices are required. CATEGORIES:OUT OF SCHOOL/INFORMAL EDUCATION LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:99891cd8d579f3addf1d84f18f9d8193 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/99891cd8d579f3addf1d84f18f9d8193 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T190000Z DTEND:20260729T200000Z SUMMARY:If We Don’t Name It\, Students Can’t Use It: Making STEM Skills Visible Through Competencies DESCRIPTION:STEM classrooms are full of problem solving\, collaboration\, and critical thinking\, but those skills are not always named or reinforced in a consistent way. When that happens\, students complete the work without always understanding what they are building or how it applies beyond school.\nThis session explores how the Idaho Career Readiness Competencies can serve as a shared language for making STEM skills more visible and transferable. Participants will look at how competencies already exist within STEM instruction and how small shifts in language\, reflection\, and feedback can help students recognize and apply those skills across contexts.\nExamples from K-12\, postsecondary\, and workforce settings will highlight how a common language strengthens alignment and clarity. Participants will leave with one practical way to name and reinforce a competency in their own classroom. The goal is not to add more\, but to make what is already happening more intentional.\n\n CATEGORIES:OUT OF SCHOOL/INFORMAL EDUCATION\, SCIENCE\, TECHNOLOGY\, ENGINEERING\, MATH\, ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION\, COMPUTER SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:7e7dfe5cbdd1f0fbffe4bd11e2ee1f22 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/7e7dfe5cbdd1f0fbffe4bd11e2ee1f22 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T190000Z DTEND:20260729T200000Z SUMMARY:Creating a Culture of Inquiry DESCRIPTION:This workshop is designed to help transform classrooms from spaces defined by finding the "right answer" to environments fueled by student curiosity. Participants will evaluate and practice questioning and discussion techniques that minimize student fear\, encourage deeper participation\, and empower students to generate their own questions. In addition\, we will practice in converting low-level recall questions into high-level discussion questions that require students to justify claims\, synthesize evidence\, and engage in genuine intellectual debate. These techniques cultivate a culture of inquiry\, leading to increased student ownership of the learning process and gains in critical thinking across all content areas. CATEGORIES:SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:1caf8d7b7a28a2dd85055fab342bea6f URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/1caf8d7b7a28a2dd85055fab342bea6f END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T190000Z DTEND:20260729T200000Z SUMMARY:From Simple to Spectacular: Making Science Magical in Elementary Classrooms DESCRIPTION:Bring the magic of STEM to life with simple\, engaging science experiences designed for real classrooms. In this interactive session\, presenters will model quick\, hands-on activities aligned to Idaho Content Standards for Science grades K–5. Inspired by the idea of “favorite demonstrations\,” each activity is easy to implement\, uses accessible materials\, and is grounded in meaningful scientific phenomena.\n\n\nParticipants will actively engage in 1–2 ready-to-use activities per grade level\, while building confidence in facilitating science learning. Beyond the “wow” factor\, we’ll focus on how these experiences support student thinking\, discussion\, and sensemaking.\n\n\nAttendees will leave with practical strategies\, classroom-ready ideas\, and approachable phenomena to immediately integrate into their instruction\, helping every educator feel confident bringing the magic of science to their students. CATEGORIES:SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:8b7267b2f920543592e3d2346502c1da URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/8b7267b2f920543592e3d2346502c1da END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T190000Z DTEND:20260729T200000Z SUMMARY:Making Space for Science: Practical Strategies for Integrating Science Without Adding More to Your Plate DESCRIPTION:Elementary educators know that science is essential—but finding the time and resources to teach it well can feel overwhelming within an already packed schedule. This panel brings together classroom teachers and school administrators to share realistic\, classroom-tested strategies for making science instruction both meaningful and manageable. Panelists will address common barriers such as time constraints\, curriculum demands\, and resource limitations\, offering actionable solutions that can be applied immediately.\n\n\nThis session is designed to be interactive\, with opportunities for audience questions and shared problem-solving. Participants will leave with concrete strategies\, adaptable ideas\, and renewed confidence in their ability to bring science to life for elementary learners.\n \; CATEGORIES:SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:4c3d5eea8291be26f245db015214c4e9 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/4c3d5eea8291be26f245db015214c4e9 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T190000Z DTEND:20260729T200000Z SUMMARY:Think Like a Scientist: Simple Moves for Elementary Classrooms DESCRIPTION:How do we help elementary students truly think like scientists without adding more to an already full plate? This session focuses on practical\, easy-to-implement strategies that build on what elementary teachers already do best.\n\n\nWe will break down the three dimensions of science standards and show how understanding them helps teachers focus on science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts. When teachers know what to listen for and what kinds of questions to ask\, they can guide students toward deeper thinking and sense-making.\n\n\nParticipants will leave with simple questioning strategies and classroom moves that help students explain their thinking\, make connections\, and engage in meaningful scientific discourse—all while leveraging the natural strengths of elementary educators. CATEGORIES:SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:5b46d5c89fb0d806d4cf679db11d6a81 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/5b46d5c89fb0d806d4cf679db11d6a81 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T190000Z DTEND:20260729T200000Z SUMMARY:Sentences & Sensemaking: Critical Thinking Made Visible DESCRIPTION:Learn how sentence-level writing can unlock deeper understanding of complex concepts for learners. This interactive session blends practice and reflection as participants move between experiencing and facilitating high-impact writing tasks connected to content learning.  \;Lee has requested that IDE might provide the book The Writing Revolution 2.0 for the first 20 participants who attend--we await a reply. CATEGORIES:SCIENCE\, ENGINEERING\, ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION\, MATH LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:e07a46fbafc467aed284b77aa929b5fb URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/e07a46fbafc467aed284b77aa929b5fb END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T201500Z DTEND:20260729T211500Z SUMMARY:My Math\, My Story: Fostering Confidence\, Identity\, and Belonging in the Elementary Math Classroom DESCRIPTION:How students see themselves in math shapes not only what they learn\, but how they engage\, persevere\, and grow. As Liesl McConchie notes\, \;“A student’s emotional relationship with math is foundational to their cognitive relationship with math.” \;In this session\, participants will explore practical strategies to help students author their own math stories—stories of confidence\, competence\, and belonging. Through hands-on examples and reflective activities\, teachers will leave equipped to create classroom experiences that nurture positive mathematical identities\, strengthen student agency\, and make every learner feel seen\, valued\, and capable. CATEGORIES:MATH LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:059c3bc067802c3c6a83054caa871e55 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/059c3bc067802c3c6a83054caa871e55 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T201500Z DTEND:20260729T211500Z SUMMARY:Pivotal Progressions: Designing a Coherent K-5 MTSS Math System DESCRIPTION:This session introduces Pivotal Progressions as a powerful approach to strengthening mathematics systems to keep children in the learning. Rather than focusing only on standards coverage or isolated interventions\, Pivotal Progressions establish a shared language for the most critical concepts that drive future learning and make visible how those ideas develop across grades.\nParticipants will explore how this shared language supports coherence across classrooms\, sharpens instructional decision-making\, and creates meaningful opportunities for vertical articulation. Using concrete K–5 examples\, we will examine how educators can align around key mathematical ideas\, anticipate what comes next in the progression\, and connect daily instruction to long-term understanding.\nAttendees will leave with practical strategies to identify opportunity points\, strengthen Tier 1 instruction\, and build more connected systems across grades. \; CATEGORIES:MATH LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:88d32fdd40497e0331e50f1486c3df23 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/88d32fdd40497e0331e50f1486c3df23 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T201500Z DTEND:20260729T211500Z SUMMARY:Reaching More Students in Less Time\, Secondary DESCRIPTION:Join me to teach differently than how we were taught AND differently than how we were taught to teach math. Let’s shift the focus from memorizing / mimicking to reasoning and math-ing. And get results. Math is Figureoutable!\n CATEGORIES:MATH LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:86060a2e1a04769d671a2646e146fee1 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/86060a2e1a04769d671a2646e146fee1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T201500Z DTEND:20260729T211500Z SUMMARY:Beyond Job Titles: Helping Students Discover What STEM Careers Actually Look Like DESCRIPTION:When Belén Hoobing tried to figure out what STEM careers actually look like day to day\, she couldn't find the answer in a brochure or a career fair. So she started calling professionals and asking them. Now a rising senior at Boise High School\, she's built See It Then Be It\, a free video library of interviews with women and other STEM professionals. In this session\, she shares what she's learned about the gap between how we present STEM careers and what the work actually involves\, drawing on conversations with professionals like a river-restoring environmental engineer and a Fortune 500 engineering director. She'll also walk teachers through a practical framework for making student-led career interviews part of their classrooms. Attendees leave with outreach templates\, question banks by field\, and a step-by-step interview guide. CATEGORIES:OUT OF SCHOOL/INFORMAL EDUCATION LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:339c4464a20d4718116572b875eeddac URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/339c4464a20d4718116572b875eeddac END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T201500Z DTEND:20260729T211500Z SUMMARY:Initial Priorities for becoming a more STEM-Focused School DESCRIPTION:In this session we will explore the essential conditions and organizational structures required to move beyond isolated STEM activities and toward a cohesive\, school-wide culture of integrated STEM.\nWe will examine the critical "readiness factors" that determine long-term success and sustainability\, including leadership alignment\, flexible scheduling\, physical and digital infrastructure and strategic partnerships.  \;By focusing on these structural pillars first\, administrators and educators can ensure their STEM initiatives are sustainable\, equitable\, and capable of fostering the critical thinking skills students need for the future. Participants will leave with a roadmap for building an environment where STEM doesn't just happen\, it thrives. CATEGORIES:SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:89fbb749eb55784070f60787eb31471e URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/89fbb749eb55784070f60787eb31471e END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T201500Z DTEND:20260729T211500Z SUMMARY:Phenomena Based Science is a Piece of Cake DESCRIPTION:Ready to bring science to life in your classroom\, without adding to your workload or scrambling for materials? In this interactive session\, you’ll experience how Inquisitive supports phenomena-based\, inquiry-driven instruction that’s both deeply engaging for students and truly manageable for teachers.\nWe’ll model a complete lesson from the Inquisitive platform\, “Has Earth Changed?”\, which uses vivid visuals (including a rainbow layer cake!) and hands-on activities to explore Earth’s layers\, fossils\, and geologic change over time. You’ll participate in a student-level simulation\, then step into the teacher role to unpack the pedagogy\, standards alignment\, and built-in supports like the 5E model.\nAll participants will receive a free 90-day subscription to Inquisitive\, along with digital resources\, planning tools\, and ready-to-use science lessons designed to simplify your prep and spark student curiosity. And of course\, there will be cake! CATEGORIES:SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:1b8e5c6361196276e58d249494bb61b6 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/1b8e5c6361196276e58d249494bb61b6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T201500Z DTEND:20260729T211500Z SUMMARY:Sourdough for Science! Citizen Science Meets Phenomenon-Driven Instruction DESCRIPTION:Dive into the fascinating world of sourdough starters—a living\, bubbling microbial ecosystem.\nDiscover how this everyday phenomenon can help you explore energy flow\, cellular respiration\, biodiversity\, and ecosystem dynamics with your students.  \;You’ll get hands-on with citizen science\, walk away with ready-to-use classroom ideas\, and maybe even develop a new hobby. Get ready to feed your curiosity—and maybe a sourdough starters while you are at it! CATEGORIES:SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:432ac6552a1f7824e1c8e8c25ac963e3 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/432ac6552a1f7824e1c8e8c25ac963e3 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T201500Z DTEND:20260729T211500Z SUMMARY:Students to Scientists - Empowering Curiosity DESCRIPTION:This session invites educators to reimagine science instruction through storytelling\, hands-on exploration\, and inquiry-driven learning. In this interactive session\, participants will experience how their narratives can spark curiosity and provide meaningful context for science content in their classrooms. We will engage with simple\, adaptable models that make abstract ideas tangible and accessible for all learners. Grounded in the 5E model (Engage\, Explore\, Explain\, Elaborate\, Evaluate)\, the session will demonstrate practical strategies for guiding K-8 students from initial wonder to deeper understanding and application. Educators will leave with classroom ready approaches that foster student questioning\, critical thinking\, and ownership of learning. Whether teaching elementary or middle school students\, participants will gain tools to create science spaces where curiosity drives discovery and students begin to see themselves not just as learners of science\, but as scientists. CATEGORIES:SCIENCE\, ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:5faa857a1b4a3748bf169369eeb825d6 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/5faa857a1b4a3748bf169369eeb825d6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T201500Z DTEND:20260729T211500Z SUMMARY:Attraction and Repulsion-It’s Magnetic DESCRIPTION:Become part of an amusement park design team as we explore the laws of \;\nrepulsion and attraction through magnetic experimentation! Participants \;\nwill experience a simulated elementary lesson using magnetic poles to \;\nexert pushes and pulls onto an object without touching it.\n\n\n CATEGORIES:SCIENCE\, TECHNOLOGY\, ENGINEERING LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:bd8be2e03873b0cf7443881894a90175 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/bd8be2e03873b0cf7443881894a90175 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T201500Z DTEND:20260729T211500Z SUMMARY:AI Literacy: Resources for Teaching Students DESCRIPTION:This session will explore practical strategies and resources for teaching AI literacy to students. I will share a range of open-source curriculum materials suitable for grades K–12\, including those I use in my own classroom\, as well as our schoolwide “Hour of AI” curriculum we designed for grades K–6.\n\n\nPlease note: this session does not focus on using AI tools to streamline teaching tasks. Instead\, it centers on helping students understand what AI is\, how it works\, and how it will shape their future. Participants are encouraged to bring a computer for hands-on exploration. CATEGORIES:TECHNOLOGY\, COMPUTER SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:92d9e25aee5be9bb83e4744e21164e98 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/92d9e25aee5be9bb83e4744e21164e98 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T213000Z DTEND:20260729T223000Z SUMMARY:Elementary Affinity DESCRIPTION:Connect with educators who share your role\, interests\, or experiences! These interactive sessions are a chance to network\, swap ideas\, tackle challenges\, and spark new inspiration with colleagues from across the STEM community. CATEGORIES:AFFINITY LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:3eba05a9c6308d0048d14517757b2c68 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/3eba05a9c6308d0048d14517757b2c68 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T213000Z DTEND:20260729T223000Z SUMMARY:Higher Education Affinity DESCRIPTION:Connect with educators who share your role\, interests\, or experiences! These interactive sessions are a chance to network\, swap ideas\, tackle challenges\, and spark new inspiration with colleagues from across the STEM community. CATEGORIES:AFFINITY LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:35ff210406181c9a9d54ba8c060246eb URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/35ff210406181c9a9d54ba8c060246eb END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T213000Z DTEND:20260729T223000Z SUMMARY:Informal Educators Affinity DESCRIPTION:Connect with educators who share your role\, interests\, or experiences! These interactive sessions are a chance to network\, swap ideas\, tackle challenges\, and spark new inspiration with colleagues from across the STEM community. CATEGORIES:AFFINITY LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:95d78c68a69efc19bcd16acf0967e75c URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/95d78c68a69efc19bcd16acf0967e75c END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T213000Z DTEND:20260729T223000Z SUMMARY:Secondary Math Affinity DESCRIPTION:Connect with educators who share your role\, interests\, or experiences! These interactive sessions are a chance to network\, swap ideas\, tackle challenges\, and spark new inspiration with colleagues from across the STEM community. CATEGORIES:AFFINITY LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:39c2d3d88edd48de61c7835530d3a6c4 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/39c2d3d88edd48de61c7835530d3a6c4 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T213000Z DTEND:20260729T223000Z SUMMARY:Secondary Science Affinity DESCRIPTION:Connect with educators who share your role\, interests\, or experiences! These interactive sessions are a chance to network\, swap ideas\, tackle challenges\, and spark new inspiration with colleagues from across the STEM community. CATEGORIES:AFFINITY LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:f77e46a24630168ffbec46dc14c9dce8 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/f77e46a24630168ffbec46dc14c9dce8 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T213000Z DTEND:20260729T223000Z SUMMARY:Secondary Technology/Computer Science Affinity DESCRIPTION:Connect with educators who share your role\, interests\, or experiences! These interactive sessions are a chance to network\, swap ideas\, tackle challenges\, and spark new inspiration with colleagues from across the STEM community. CATEGORIES:AFFINITY LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:b10380e996e6719791a54486980d7522 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/b10380e996e6719791a54486980d7522 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260729T213000Z DTEND:20260729T223000Z SUMMARY:Vendor/Exhibitor Affinity DESCRIPTION:Connect with others who share your role\, interests\, or experiences! These interactive sessions are a chance to network\, swap ideas\, tackle challenges\, and spark new inspiration with colleagues from across the STEM community. CATEGORIES:AFFINITY LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:bf4778af6d3add94aa66ed43b7eebab7 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/bf4778af6d3add94aa66ed43b7eebab7 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T140000Z DTEND:20260730T143000Z SUMMARY:Welcome DESCRIPTION:\n CATEGORIES:KEYNOTE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:77d4391eb3db09f523828f6052ec86bb URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/77d4391eb3db09f523828f6052ec86bb END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T143000Z DTEND:20260730T153000Z SUMMARY:Keynote: TJ McKenna DESCRIPTION:\n CATEGORIES:KEYNOTE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:371ff525f8344d594a170d2206c5ab26 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/371ff525f8344d594a170d2206c5ab26 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T153500Z DTEND:20260730T163500Z SUMMARY:ISTA Annual Meeting DESCRIPTION:\n CATEGORIES:ANNUAL MEETING LOCATION:300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:4f1de6cfa09033004927c81596a44c3e URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/4f1de6cfa09033004927c81596a44c3e END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T153500Z DTEND:20260730T163500Z SUMMARY:Igniting Innovation: Fusing Digital Design and Hands-on Engineering for Future-Ready Minds DESCRIPTION: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.\nEducators 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. CATEGORIES:ENGINEERING\,TECHNOLOGY\,SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:dc571bb74c8d555867aecdea7a571db9 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/dc571bb74c8d555867aecdea7a571db9 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T153500Z DTEND:20260730T163500Z SUMMARY:ALEKS and the Idaho Framework: Turning Vision into Practice DESCRIPTION:This session explores how ALEKS Math aligns to the Idaho Mathematics Instructional Framework and supports high-impact teaching practices that drive student success. Participants will see how ALEKS can be used to establish clear learning goals\, promote reasoning and problem solving\, support productive struggle\, and elicit meaningful evidence of student thinking.\nThrough real classroom examples and data insights\, we will highlight how ALEKS empowers teachers to differentiate instruction\, facilitate mathematical discourse\, and build procedural fluency from conceptual understanding. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for integrating ALEKS into daily instruction in a way that strengthens\, not replaces\, effective teaching practices.\nNo device is required\, but participants may choose to bring one for optional exploration. CATEGORIES:MATH LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:6e5fbdfb4332e38c994560d11203919d URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/6e5fbdfb4332e38c994560d11203919d END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T153500Z DTEND:20260730T163500Z SUMMARY:Supporting Students in Productive Struggle DESCRIPTION:In a world with real struggle fatigue\, how do we help students grapple with mathematics? This session explores how productive struggle enables students to develop understanding\, affirms students’ positive math identities\, and develops student agency. Without it\, we cannot fully empower our students as mathematicians. By centering student voices and creating supportive math communities\, we can transform challenging moments into opportunities for deep understanding and powerful classroom discourse and collaboration. Join this interactive session where you will explore your own beliefs around productive struggle\, and experience a fun math task!  \; If you seek innovative approaches to mathematical learning\, this session offers practical insights for empowering students to embrace mathematical challenges with confidence and curiosity.  \; CATEGORIES:MATH LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:a5c20f7084fdb117bc6ed1a8a6bc8882 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/a5c20f7084fdb117bc6ed1a8a6bc8882 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T164500Z DTEND:20260730T174500Z SUMMARY:Ignite Your Classroom with FREE ID-Specific Curriculum and Teacher Tools DESCRIPTION:New to coding\, but know it's becoming a necessary skill for the future? The main goal of this session is for teachers to learn more about CodeHS\, an engaging\, web-based\, customizable platform with tons of FREE curriculum and teacher tools. You'll learn how to run Hour of Code activities with your classes\, learn about interdisciplinary applications of coding\, and learn about other ways to integrate computer science into your classrooms. CodeHS offer ID specific courses and pathways that meet state standards and allow for new and experienced teachers to hit the ground running! \; CATEGORIES:COMPUTER SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:69157bc1b01dab5e946251ecbabe8ad5 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/69157bc1b01dab5e946251ecbabe8ad5 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T164500Z DTEND:20260730T174500Z SUMMARY:Connecting to Community through Citizen Science DESCRIPTION: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. CATEGORIES:ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION\, SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:42535ce5a75212f6413668ddba7e69e2 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/42535ce5a75212f6413668ddba7e69e2 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T164500Z DTEND:20260730T174500Z SUMMARY:State of Mathematics in Idaho DESCRIPTION:Join Katie Bosch-Wilson from the Idaho Department of Education for a deep dive into Idaho math content. This session will explore updates related to Idaho’s math transitions\, introduce Project IMPACT and its professional learning opportunities for grades 3–8 educators\, and highlight key priorities from the Department of Education. This session will provide updates surrounding Idaho’s Comprehensive Math Plan and Idaho’s Math Instructional Guide. Time will also be included for questions and discussion around professional development and important considerations for math from the state perspective. \; CATEGORIES:MATH LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:71f682fcc7add292d39b543f4893eb15 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/71f682fcc7add292d39b543f4893eb15 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T164500Z DTEND:20260730T174500Z SUMMARY:Workforce Development Council + STEM: A Practical Guide to Funding\, Programs\, and Career Connections DESCRIPTION:If you’ve ever thought:\n“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.\n\n\nYou will walk away with:\nA clear map of Workforce Development Council + STEM's key programs and how they connectPractical ways to bring career relevance into your classroom immediatelyDirect access to opportunities like  \;LAUNCH\, I STEM\, (IDSF) Science fairs\, externships\, and grantsReady to use tools and a practical guide for all WDC + STEM ProgrammingInsight into how Idaho is aligning education with workforce needsAnd 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. CATEGORIES:OUT OF SCHOOL/INFORMAL EDUCATION\, SCIENCE\, TECHNOLOGY\, ENGINEERING\, MATH LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:b4ab1c143fa9b8fb2a9f6c39553531a7 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/b4ab1c143fa9b8fb2a9f6c39553531a7 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T164500Z DTEND:20260730T174500Z SUMMARY:Base-Jumping Eggs! Using Local Phenomena and Place-Based Science to Boost Rigor and Student Engagement DESCRIPTION: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. \; CATEGORIES:SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:ea21536f1b145f348a4fcc49ce8fdf44 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/ea21536f1b145f348a4fcc49ce8fdf44 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T164500Z DTEND:20260730T174500Z SUMMARY:TJ McKenna Elementary Breakout DESCRIPTION:\n CATEGORIES:SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:1e9941b0dc95cb095fe89141ca272ea8 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/1e9941b0dc95cb095fe89141ca272ea8 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T164500Z DTEND:20260730T174500Z SUMMARY:Bridging the Gap Between Curriculum and Assessment DESCRIPTION: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. CATEGORIES:SCIENCE\, MATH LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:2162ab0aa3284bd9f57f9e9b722344f4 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/2162ab0aa3284bd9f57f9e9b722344f4 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T164500Z DTEND:20260730T174500Z SUMMARY:Beyond Compliance: A Social Model for Neuro-Inclusive STEM DESCRIPTION: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. CATEGORIES:SCIENCE\, TECHNOLOGY\, ENGINEERING\, MATH LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:06534bbfae4205efc6125ad9deafaba5 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/06534bbfae4205efc6125ad9deafaba5 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T164500Z DTEND:20260730T174500Z SUMMARY:Beyond the Ban: Ethical & Effective AI Use in Secondary Classrooms DESCRIPTION: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. CATEGORIES:SCIENCE\, TECHNOLOGY\, ENGINEERING\, MATH LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:963e0821ac9e9bfd0ec0174eee56bc73 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/963e0821ac9e9bfd0ec0174eee56bc73 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T190000Z DTEND:20260730T200000Z SUMMARY:Chatter That Matters DESCRIPTION:"Chatter that Matters: Developing an active math community where students thrive": \;Math is not a spectator sport! All students should see themselves as doers of math by engaging in productive tasks every day. Imagine Learning's Imagine IM offers an instructional design that puts students at the center of their learning. This session will model digital and hands-on activities that build thinking\, collaboration\, grit and confidence. \; CATEGORIES:MATH LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:7dc16a9c02c59bf608ad1df9351ba2fc URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/7dc16a9c02c59bf608ad1df9351ba2fc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T190000Z DTEND:20260730T200000Z SUMMARY:Developing Student Agency and Conceptual Understanding with Self-Checking Activities DESCRIPTION:Are you working harder than your students? If so\, then use self-checking activities! \;These formative assessments give students an opportunity to take greater ownership of their learning\, make their thinking visible\, and demonstrate their agency. Students get immediate feedback on their responses. This allows them to confirm and reflect on their effort. For teachers\, self-checking activities provide real-time feedback in judging levels of conceptual understanding/misunderstanding\, allowing them to modify lessons to meet students’ needs.  \;Used with small groups\, self-checking activities promote meaningful discourse and support productive struggle as students persevere together to develop their problem solving\, and critical thinking skills. This session will explore ways to help students develop agency in grades six through twelve.  \; CATEGORIES:MATH LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:989fb4d16241dcd1a3040f8341104409 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/989fb4d16241dcd1a3040f8341104409 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T190000Z DTEND:20260730T200000Z SUMMARY:Success Stories from Idaho Math Badging DESCRIPTION:This 1-hour session will explore success stories emerging from Idaho Math Badging\, with a focus on the impact on students and classrooms. Teachers will share experiences from their own implementations\, highlighting shifts in student mindset\, engagement\, and ownership of learning. The session will surface common themes and promising outcomes\, offering a broad look at how badging is influencing teaching and learning across contexts. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on these stories\, make connections to their own settings\, and consider implications for their practice. Whether you are new to math badging or already implementing\, this session will provide insight into the potential of this work and space to think about next steps in your own high school math context. CATEGORIES:MATH LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:b372873a39e14fb5405cc6898a8bb3d2 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/b372873a39e14fb5405cc6898a8bb3d2 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T190000Z DTEND:20260730T200000Z SUMMARY:Birds\, Binoculars\, and Big Data: Bringing Citizen Science into Your Classroom DESCRIPTION:What if your students could contribute to real scientific research—starting tomorrow?\nIn 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.\nThe 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.\nIf 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. CATEGORIES:SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:4d8631940fc1604d451d51f686af1000 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/4d8631940fc1604d451d51f686af1000 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T190000Z DTEND:20260730T200000Z SUMMARY:The Levels of Inquiry with Rosie DESCRIPTION: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.\nThis 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. CATEGORIES:SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:91e765c69b80082a59290478189d50d3 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/91e765c69b80082a59290478189d50d3 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T190000Z DTEND:20260730T200000Z SUMMARY:Tiny Tablets\, Big Claims: CER Writing with Alka-Seltzer Rockets DESCRIPTION: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. CATEGORIES:SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:01d44794b07c828625015ddcfc4cb2cf URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/01d44794b07c828625015ddcfc4cb2cf END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T190000Z DTEND:20260730T200000Z SUMMARY:Students Leading STEM: Inside the Idaho EcosySTEM Student Ambassador Program DESCRIPTION: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. CATEGORIES:SCIENCE\, ENGINEERING LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:076b5a5b942f96334bdcde62a8a4f11b URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/076b5a5b942f96334bdcde62a8a4f11b END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T190000Z DTEND:20260730T200000Z SUMMARY:From “Screwing Around” to Science: Reflection & Note-Taking in STEM DESCRIPTION:“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. CATEGORIES:SCIENCE\, TECHNOLOGY\, ENGINEERING LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:6873f139da3f11f15031271db77ff679 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/6873f139da3f11f15031271db77ff679 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T190000Z DTEND:20260730T200000Z SUMMARY:REVIT: Preparing Students for the Clean‑Energy Workforce Through Integrated Science Learning DESCRIPTION: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.\n\n\nREVIT 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.\n\n\nBeginning 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. CATEGORIES:SCIENCE\, TECHNOLOGY\, ENGINEERING\, ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:b82e1e6110aa4b9dcc2914617c0a556b URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/b82e1e6110aa4b9dcc2914617c0a556b END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T190000Z DTEND:20260730T200000Z SUMMARY:Cybersecurity Building Blocks for the K-8 Classroom DESCRIPTION: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. CATEGORIES:TECHNOLOGY LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:46e2ce10e973a4dd9304215f891d6026 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/46e2ce10e973a4dd9304215f891d6026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T201500Z DTEND:20260730T211500Z SUMMARY:Cool Schools: Investigating Heat Islands DESCRIPTION:In this hands-on\, outdoor workshop\, participants will investigate heat islands\, map\ntemperature data\, and draw conclusions about how urban green spaces impact\ncommunity health. Participants will have time to adapt the investigation to their own\nschool setting\, outdoor space\, and community context. They will receive the lesson plan\n+ a copy of Project Learning Tree’s “Forest in the City” activity to continue exploring the\nbenefits of urban trees. CATEGORIES:ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:616871b347068714a03f57bf415db0c2 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/616871b347068714a03f57bf415db0c2 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T201500Z DTEND:20260730T211500Z SUMMARY:Affirming Multilingual Learners in the PK-5 Mathematics Classroom with Language Routines DESCRIPTION:When we affirm multilingual learners and their multicultural identities in the math classroom\, we support their success by encouraging participation and reducing the cognitive load of learning new concepts alongside English language development. This interactive session explores how predictable instructional routines and language goals provide the necessary scaffolding to help educators structure learning experiences that prioritize both content and language. We will examine how routines lower the affective filter\, allowing students to focus on complex mathematical ideas while developing linguistic precision. Participants will engage first-hand with specific routines such as Notice and Wonder or What Comes Next integrated with visuals\, tools\, sentence frames\, and strategic grouping. By experiencing these routines from a student’s perspective\, educators will gain insights into fostering a sense of belonging and agency. You will leave with a practical toolkit of ready-to-use strategies that honor students’ home languages and amplify the brilliance of your PK-5 multilingual mathematicians. CATEGORIES:MATH LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:fed77b480217dc9de3e4b4f542e0270a URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/fed77b480217dc9de3e4b4f542e0270a END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T201500Z DTEND:20260730T211500Z SUMMARY:From Answers to Arguments: Increasing Student Justification DESCRIPTION:This interactive session focuses on deepening students’ mathematical justification in high school math classrooms. Participants will engage in doing mathematics together\, then analyze their own reasoning through the lens of a justification rubric. Using sample student work\, we will explore what strong justification looks like\, identify common gaps\, and consider how to move student thinking forward. The session emphasizes practical tools and strategies teachers can use to elevate the level of explanation\, reasoning\, and evidence in their classrooms. By the end\, participants will leave with a clearer vision of high-quality mathematical justification and resources to support students in constructing and communicating meaningful arguments. CATEGORIES:MATH LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:1b4cfa96db8197bc89b2680c142ad439 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/1b4cfa96db8197bc89b2680c142ad439 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T201500Z DTEND:20260730T211500Z SUMMARY:Games and Books in the Math Classroom! DESCRIPTION:We know that many of our K–12 students and teachers delight in engaging stories and meaningful games. In this session\, we explore options for K–12 educators to connect mathematical concepts to literature and games in the classroom. This cross-curricular approach allows us to immerse students in rich texts—ranging from picture books in the primary grades to novels\, informational texts\, and visual media in the upper grades—while simultaneously deepening their understanding of mathematics.\nParticipants will examine examples of how literature and games are being used to increase student engagement in Idaho K–12 classrooms and consider additional resources appropriate across grade bands. We will also explore how these strategies can evolve as students progress\, maintaining both rigor and relevance. The session will conclude with a roundtable discussion focused on practical implementation\, including how to support students in deeply engaging with grade-level content standards as well as the Standards for Mathematical Practice through the intentional use of literature and games in the math classroom. CATEGORIES:MATH LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:80e8f226fb9c13f9f76b9ff24ca29f56 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/80e8f226fb9c13f9f76b9ff24ca29f56 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T201500Z DTEND:20260730T211500Z SUMMARY:Fast & Curious: Bringing Math Vocabulary to Life in Every Grade DESCRIPTION: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.) CATEGORIES:MATH\, SCIENCE\, ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION\, OUT OF SCHOOL/INFORMAL EDUCATION\, COMPUTER SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:4d051e4eb653fbab305dae33a69ebd59 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/4d051e4eb653fbab305dae33a69ebd59 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T201500Z DTEND:20260730T211500Z SUMMARY:TJ McKenna Secondary Breakout DESCRIPTION:\n CATEGORIES:SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:f9a011a892f40d2f8eda6e8cbe9aabea URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/f9a011a892f40d2f8eda6e8cbe9aabea END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T201500Z DTEND:20260730T211500Z SUMMARY:Why is it Snowing in July? Using Hands-On and Literacy to Support Elementary Students' Explanations of Confusing Weather Phenomena (K-5) DESCRIPTION: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. CATEGORIES:SCIENCE LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:b2326903d8288363d8a4deadf27ec864 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/b2326903d8288363d8a4deadf27ec864 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T201500Z DTEND:20260730T211500Z SUMMARY:Beyond the Test: Turning ISAT Items into Instructional Tools DESCRIPTION: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.\n\n\nThis 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\n \;their reasoning\, and show what they know — all year long.\nExamples draw from math and science\, but strategies apply across content areas. No device required\, though digital resources will be shared. CATEGORIES:SCIENCE\, MATH LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:14f3384e6e596bcf17bb496e7fba81d4 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/14f3384e6e596bcf17bb496e7fba81d4 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T201500Z DTEND:20260730T211500Z SUMMARY:micro:bit Essentials: Fast\, Fun\, and Classroom-Ready Activities DESCRIPTION: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. CATEGORIES:SCIENCE\, TECHNOLOGY\, ENGINEERING\, MATH\, COMPUTER SCIENCE\, OUT OF SCHOOL/INFORMAL EDUCATION\, ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:b090c2b0e68b489953733e25f8133199 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/b090c2b0e68b489953733e25f8133199 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260730T230000Z DTEND:20260731T010000Z SUMMARY:Herrett Center Planetarium Show DESCRIPTION:Enjoy a planetarium show and access to the exhibits of the Herrett Center at this exclusive evening event! \;The show will be \;from 5-6 PM with additional time to linger and connect with colleagues while exploring the center. A minimum of 60 people is required to confirm this event so please register now! CATEGORIES:FIELD EXPERIENCE/WORKSHOP LOCATION:Herrett Center Faulkner Planetarium\, 315 Falls Ave\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301 SEQUENCE:0 UID:de92f3b58d016eebd39edd9dd4bf845e URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/de92f3b58d016eebd39edd9dd4bf845e END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260731T143000Z DTEND:20260731T173000Z SUMMARY:Artisan Labs DESCRIPTION:A two-hour tour of the Artisan Labs facility. \;\nhttps://artisanlabs.com/ \; CATEGORIES:FIELD EXPERIENCE/WORKSHOP LOCATION:Artisan Labs\, 290 Highway 30 Hansen\, ID 83334 SEQUENCE:0 UID:ea246ceca2c978edb1ea3cf22cb6fa5a URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/ea246ceca2c978edb1ea3cf22cb6fa5a END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260731T143000Z DTEND:20260731T173000Z SUMMARY:Snake River Kayaking DESCRIPTION:Travel to Centennial Park to pick up kayaks and get into the Snake River for a 2-hour paddle. CATEGORIES:FIELD EXPERIENCE/WORKSHOP LOCATION:Centennial Waterfront Park\, Canyon Springs Rd\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301 SEQUENCE:0 UID:412256e64bc42acd81ffe495a7bb5758 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/412256e64bc42acd81ffe495a7bb5758 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260731T144500Z DTEND:20260731T174500Z SUMMARY:Glanbia Nutritionals and Innovation Center DESCRIPTION:Journey to the corporate Glanbia office for presentations on STEM careers\, then on to a tour of the Twin Falls plant and Innovation Center. CATEGORIES:FIELD EXPERIENCE/WORKSHOP LOCATION:Glanbia\, 121 4th Ave S\, Twin Falls\, Idaho 83303 SEQUENCE:0 UID:292704b8d782a5c5f24385a2af976679 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/292704b8d782a5c5f24385a2af976679 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260731T144500Z DTEND:20260731T180000Z SUMMARY:Idaho Power Dam Tour DESCRIPTION:Travel to the Idaho Power Dam in Kimberly for a 2-3 hour tour. CATEGORIES:FIELD EXPERIENCE/WORKSHOP LOCATION:Twin Falls Power Plant\, 3593 Twin Falls Grade\, Kimberly\, ID 83341. SEQUENCE:0 UID:f499384fa26028ccd2222427963e99bf URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/f499384fa26028ccd2222427963e99bf END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260731T144500Z DTEND:20260731T170000Z SUMMARY:Orton Botanical Garden DESCRIPTION:Carpool to the Orton Botanical Garden in Twin Falls to tour their 5-acre property. We will spend an hour out on the grounds seeing plants and pollinators\, then come inside the classroom for a short presentation on ecological niches and sustainability. Return to CRHS by 11 AM. CATEGORIES:FIELD EXPERIENCE/WORKSHOP LOCATION:Orton Botanical Garden\, 867 Filer Ave W\, Twin Falls\, Idaho 83301 SEQUENCE:0 UID:68237ffeb5eda85544ccd54cd144c86f URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/68237ffeb5eda85544ccd54cd144c86f END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260731T150000Z DTEND:20260731T180000Z SUMMARY:CSI CTE & Workforce Development DESCRIPTION:Travel to the College of Southern Idaho’s Career Technical Education center to experience four tracks: Cybersecurity and Programming\; Machining and Manufacturing Technology\; Agriculture\; and Outdoor Recreation Leadership. \; CATEGORIES:FIELD EXPERIENCE/WORKSHOP LOCATION:CSI CTE & Workforce Development ATIC building\, 315 Falls Avenue\, Twin Falls\, ID 83303 SEQUENCE:0 UID:032e4fe5913713d61c82d206ed347a5a URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/032e4fe5913713d61c82d206ed347a5a END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260731T150000Z DTEND:20260731T180000Z SUMMARY:Harrett Center DESCRIPTION:Participate in a 45-minute activity in the Observatory led by Herrett Center staff\, then explore the exhibits on your own. CATEGORIES:FIELD EXPERIENCE/WORKSHOP LOCATION:Herrett Center\, 315 Falls Ave\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301 SEQUENCE:0 UID:b47ac103190dd387ab43f59fb36c7701 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/b47ac103190dd387ab43f59fb36c7701 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260731T150000Z DTEND:20260731T180000Z SUMMARY:Math Badging Workshop DESCRIPTION:Join us for a field trip to experience designed for math teachers to explore how math badging principles come to life beyond the classroom\, which focuses on career-connected\, project-based learning. This experience will highlight the relevance of mathematics in real-world contexts and help educators see how badging can support students in connecting their math learning to future pathways after high school. CATEGORIES:FIELD EXPERIENCE/WORKSHOP LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:1e4e4c02fe7d2f892793848edcc8d892 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/1e4e4c02fe7d2f892793848edcc8d892 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260731T150000Z DTEND:20260731T173000Z SUMMARY:Tech Innovators Workshop DESCRIPTION:Educators come together to learn hands on computer science skills and walk away with physical computing resources that you can implement in your classroom for the following year. \; CATEGORIES:FIELD EXPERIENCE/WORKSHOP LOCATION:TBA\, 300 N College Rd W\, Twin Falls\, ID 83301\, USA SEQUENCE:0 UID:70f32b08fe56a8f4718d04772b34f7e0 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/70f32b08fe56a8f4718d04772b34f7e0 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260628T200004Z DTSTART:20260731T153000Z DTEND:20260731T173000Z SUMMARY:Hagerman Fossil Beds DESCRIPTION:Meet at the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument for a self-guided tour of the fossil exhibition in the visitor center and a short hike along the Emigrant Gap trail. CATEGORIES:FIELD EXPERIENCE/WORKSHOP LOCATION:Hagerman Fossil Beds\, 17920 US 30\, Hagerman\, Idaho 83332 SEQUENCE:0 UID:c0f1b3bbe1d58714a5c4c05b392dcf82 URL:http://idahostem2026.sched.com/event/c0f1b3bbe1d58714a5c4c05b392dcf82 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR