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

1:00pm MDT

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT

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.

Speakers

Katie Bosch-Wilson

Current ICTM Member; Current CSTA Member, Idaho Department of Education

Computer Science and Secondary Math Coordinator

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA

Computer Science, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Technology, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

global Y

1:00pm MDT

If We Don’t Name It, Students Can’t Use It: Making STEM Skills Visible Through Competencies

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT

TBA

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.
This 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.
Examples 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.

Speakers

Jacque Deahl

None of the above, Idaho Department of Education

Jacque Deahl serves as the GEAR UP Idaho Statewide Coordinator at the Idaho State Department of Education, where she works with colleagues and partners across the state to support college and career readiness efforts for students. Her work focuses on strengthening career connected... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA

global Y

2:15pm MDT

AI Literacy: Resources for Teaching Students

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

TBA

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.

Please 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.

Speakers

Allyson Randall

Current ISTA Member; Current IdEEA Member, Riverside Elementary

GATE Faciliator at Riverside Elementary in Boise, Idaho.

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA

Technology, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Computer Science, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

global Y

10:45am MDT

Ignite Your Classroom with FREE ID-Specific Curriculum and Teacher Tools

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

TBA

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!

Speakers

Kit Ward

Conference Exhibitor, CodeHS

Kit has spent his career in education, supporting higher education institutions and K-12 schools

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

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

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

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