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Idaho Annual STEM Conference: The Magic of STEM 2026
Type: Environmental Education clear filter
Wednesday, July 29
 

10:45am MDT

Watershed Science with the Confluence Project
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
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. 
This 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.
Speakers
avatar for Christa Howarth

Christa Howarth

Water Educator, University of Idaho
Christa Howarth works as a Water Educator for the University of Idaho Extension and Idaho Water Resource Research Institute (IWRRI) & is stoked to get students outside! They deliver non-formal education programs, with a focus on groundwater and water resources, to youth and adults... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
TBA

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
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
avatar for Jacque Deahl

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

1:00pm MDT

Sentences & Sensemaking: Critical Thinking Made Visible
Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
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.
Speakers
avatar for Lee Slichter

Lee Slichter

Current ISTA Member, Idaho Science Coach
Andrea Baerwald commented, "Lee brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for education to everything she does."
Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA
 
Thursday, July 30
 

10:45am MDT

Connecting to Community through Citizen Science
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Participants will connect with the local community and larger scientific community using Seek and iNaturalist to identify plants, animals, bugs and fungi in the school yard or neighborhood.  The apps are fun and user-friendly, with endless opportunities.  Then, we'll discuss how we can use these apps--and other citizen science projects--to make science relevant to our student's real lives.  Participants should bring a smartphone or tablet with data to fully participate in the workshop.
Speakers
avatar for Amy Post

Amy Post

Current IdEEA Member, Idaho Out-of-School Network
This is my last application, I promise!
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
TBA

1:00pm MDT

REVIT: Preparing Students for the Clean‑Energy Workforce Through Integrated Science Learning
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
This session explores the development of a future‑ready clean‑energy pathway built through industry collaboration and teacher co‑design. The Renewable Energy Vehicle and Infrastructure Technician (REVIT) program shows how districts can prepare students for emerging careers in renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, and sustainable infrastructure while strengthening secondary science learning.


REVIT was created in response to regional demand for a skilled hydrogen‑energy workforce and integrates project‑based learning, NGSS, CTE standards, and industry input to create a coherent, multi‑year sequence. The pathway equips students with real‑world problem‑solving skills and deepens understanding of energy systems, engineering design, and sustainability.


Beginning with a lab‑based exploratory science course, students investigate clean‑energy and sustainable‑design challenges before progressing into more advanced technical studies. Participants will leave with curriculum examples, resources, and implementation insights to adapt this model locally and connect science learning with meaningful career pathways.
Speakers
avatar for Hanna Jaramillo

Hanna Jaramillo

Career-Connected STEM Education Designer & Consultant, Teater-Crocker
Hanna Jaramillo has deep experience as a Teaching and Learning Associate Director and secondary teacher. This is the foundation of her work designing equitable, future-ready learning experiences. Her work centers on empowering educators, aligning curricula with standards and sustainability... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
TBA

2:15pm MDT

Cool Schools: Investigating Heat Islands
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
In this hands-on, outdoor workshop, participants will investigate heat islands, map
temperature data, and draw conclusions about how urban green spaces impact
community health. Participants will have time to adapt the investigation to their own
school setting, outdoor space, and community context. They will receive the lesson plan
+ a copy of Project Learning Tree’s “Forest in the City” activity to continue exploring the
benefits of urban trees.
Speakers
avatar for Haven Davis-Martinez

Haven Davis-Martinez

Current IdEEA Member; Conference Exhibitor, Idaho Project Learning Tree
Haven Davis-Martinez is the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Idaho Forest Products Commission and the state coordinator for Project Learning Tree. She holds a Master of Natural Resources in Environmental Education and Science Communication and a B.S. in Elementary Education... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA

2:15pm MDT

Fast & Curious: Bringing Math Vocabulary to Life in Every Grade
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
In this interactive session, you’ll experience the Fast & Curious EduProtocol and see how it can be used to build math vocabulary across all grade levels. Through engaging strategies like the Great American Race, Thin Slides, and more, you’ll explore simple, repeatable activities that get students actively using and understanding math language. We’ll also look at the research behind why vocabulary is critical for math success and how strengthening it can improve student outcomes. You’ll leave with practical, ready-to-use ideas to bring math vocabulary to life in your classroom right away. (These strategies can be used in any subject area, but our focus will be math.)
Speakers
avatar for Shelley Nash

Shelley Nash

Current ICTM Member, ICTM
Award winning teacher from Idaho :)
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
TBA
 
Idaho Annual STEM Conference: The Magic of STEM 2026
From $82.51
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