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

Modernizing Mathematics: Integrating Future-Ready Skills into the Standards for Mathematical Practice

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

TBA

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.

Speakers

Shelbi Cole

None of the above, Leading Educators

Deeply committed to ensuring that children have opportunities to experience mathematics that is meaningful and relevant to the world that they will continue to shape.

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

Math, 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

Attraction and Repulsion-It’s Magnetic

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

TBA

Become part of an amusement park design team as we explore the laws of
repulsion and attraction through magnetic experimentation! Participants
will experience a simulated elementary lesson using magnetic poles to
exert pushes and pulls onto an object without touching it.

Speakers

Cameron Barger

None of the above; Conference Exhibitor, Imagine Learning: Twig Science

I’m Cameron Barger, and I’ve spent the last 20 years teaching STEM in K–12 classrooms in Kansas. Most of my work has focused on helping teachers create classrooms where students are actively thinking, problem‑solving, and making sense of learning together. I now work as a... Read More →

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

Science, K-2, 3-5, 6-8 | Technology, K-2, 3-5, 6-8 | Engineering, K-2, 3-5, 6-8

global Y

2:15pm MDT

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

Workforce Development Council + STEM: A Practical Guide to Funding, Programs, and Career Connections

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

TBA

If you’ve ever thought:

“There are so many programs… where do I even start?”
“How do I connect what I teach to real careers?”
“What opportunities are worth my time and my students’ time?”

This session answers that.

You will walk away with:

A clear map of Workforce Development Council + STEM's key programs and how they connect
Practical ways to bring career relevance into your classroom immediately
Direct access to opportunities like LAUNCH, I STEM, (IDSF) Science fairs, externships, and grants
Ready to use tools and a practical guide for all WDC + STEM Programming
Insight into how Idaho is aligning education with workforce needs

And just as important, you’ll have space to share your ideas, challenges, and needs so this work continues to improve with educator voice at the center.

Speakers

Branzell Porchia

None of the above, Workforce Development Council

This interactive session offers a clear and practical look into Idaho’s STEM and workforce ecosystem, designed specifically for educators, school leaders, and career advisors.Participants will gain an inside perspective on key statewide initiatives including LAUNCH, I STEM, Idaho... Read More →

Amanda Paterson

None of the above, Workforce Development Council

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

Out of School/Informal Education, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Science, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Technology, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Engineering, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 | Math, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

global Y

1:00pm MDT

From “Screwing Around” to Science: Reflection & Note-Taking in STEM

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

TBA

“Remember kids, the only difference between science and screwing around is writing it down.”—that famous MythBusters quote reminds us that the magic of science isn’t just in the doing, but in the documenting. In this session, we’ll explore how reflection practices and simple recording strategies can turn everyday STEM activities into authentic scientific thinking. You’ll walk away with classroom-ready tools to help students capture ideas, track discoveries, and connect learning over time—so their “screwing around” becomes real science.

Speakers

Misti Newby

None of the above, Black Canyon Elementary School

See bio below

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

Science, K-2, 3-5, 6-8 | Technology, K-2, 3-5, 6-8 | Engineering, K-2, 3-5, 6-8

global Y

1:00pm MDT

Cybersecurity Building Blocks for the K-8 Classroom

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

TBA

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

Speakers

Georgette Price

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

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

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

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