Lead Instructor: Rachel Jensen

Keywords: technology, STEM/STEAM, The Engineering Design Process

Strand Description: STEM education creates lifelong learners by developing creativity, curiosity, critical thinking skills, decision making, problem solving, acceptance of failure, and so much more. Preparing students to become the innovative leaders of tomorrow, begins with STEM in the classroom. This is achieved by taking traditional learning and converting it into hands-on authentic experiences with real world application. Inside the box thinking allows instructors to innovate within the constraints defined by their District’s educational box. By providing ideas to modify STEM challenges to fit the educator’s demanding curriculum guidelines and their classroom dynamics. Using technology, STEM/STEAM Challenges, and the Engineering Design Process to enhance the district adopted course of instruction. Rejuvenating tired foundational curriculum into authentic learning experiences that provide students the opportunity to develop a skill set that prepares them for the 21st century workforce.

Your kits will/may include: The project starter kit will contain student friendly cutting tools, class set of DC Motors, electric scissors, tape, and two resources with ideas for project implementation in the classroom.

Strand Provider: James Ekins
Assistant Instructor: Rick Reynolds

Keywords: water science, IDAH2O, Project WET, Crayfish

Strand Description: This strand combines three award-winning interrelated investigative science learning programs. Participants will earn three certifications: IDAH2O Master Water Stewards, TRM Crayfish and Freshwater Ecosystems, and Project WET (Water Education for Teachers), the first two being citizen science programs. Entirely interactive classroom sessions each morning will build to daily afternoon hands-on, place-based investigation of water quality and freshwater ecosystems in nearby natural areas.

Your kits will/may include: The official IDAH2O Master Water Stewards water quality monitoring kit. It contains everything a citizen scientist or teacher needs to complete a full IDAH2O stream or pond assessment. Teachers can use the kit for water science investigations. The rest of the kit can be reused indefinitely. Many more items to list!

Lead Instructor: Courtney Greene

Keywords: data, science, math, instructional design

Strand Description: Participants will engage in activities and tasks that showcase how math and science are inseparable through the lens of a data scientist. They will take these experiences to build rich science lessons where students understanding of concepts is highlighted through the application of measurement and data analysis skills, while supporting authentic reading and writing through argument.

Your kits will/may include: Participants will receive measurement tools not typically found in elementary classrooms, such as 50-foot measuring tape, infrared heat thermometers, and digital scales. Their kit will also include children’s literature that supports math and science thinking through a data science lens.

Lead Instructor: Brett Hogaboam

Keywords: drones, FAA Regulations, aerial photography, aerial cinematography, 107b Certification

Strand Description: Drones. The Sky is no longer the limit will expose participants to the exciting and evolving world of drones. There will be hands-on training and operation of personal aircraft and related camera equipment. In addition, participants will learn basic Airspace identification, FAA regulations, and safety procedures related to operating unmanned aerial vehicles for hobby and commercial use.

Your kits will/may include: DJI Mine SE Drone. Beginner aerial camera system for basic video and photography. This will expose educators to actual implementation of the skills they have learned in the strand for a real-world application of their new skills.

Lead Instructor: Erin Lanigan
Assistant Instructors: Alayna Utt and Ivana Johnson

Keywords: citizen science, PBL, meteorology, data, Arduino

Strand Description: Brought to you by Gizmo, Coeur d’Alene’s one-of-a-kind nonprofit makerspace, this strand will teach you how to launch a near-space balloon (really!) and how to plan and implement epic citizen science projects with your students. Learn from Gizmo’s experience supporting middle schoolers in a launch project last summer, and what it takes to plan your own. Along the way, explore tools and hands-on activities that can be used to support a broad spectrum of cross-curricular learning goals. Design a “mini payload” to achieve positive lift with a simple party balloon. Develop your skills in field data collection through a water quality investigation with a local expert. Build an Arduino-powered data logger from scratch (no prior Arduino experience required). Attend a live balloon launch with the National Weather Service-Spokane. Attendees of this strand will receive data collection tools including a PocketLab Weather sensor, Arduino Mega + auxiliary components, and a water quality test kit. You will also have the option to assist with Gizmo’s 2023 Near-Space Balloon Summer Camp (stipend provided) and experience a student-directed launch for yourself!

Your kits will/may include: Attendees of this strand will receive data collection tools including a PocketLab Weather sensor, Arduino Mega + auxiliary components, and a water quality test kit.

Lead Instructor: Julie Anderson

Keywords: Computer Science with Kindergarteners? Absolutely!

Strand Description: This strand equips educators with the knowledge and tools they need to integrate coding and computer science concepts into the early elementary classroom. Educators will gain the confidence and skills to facilitate year-long coding and computer science lessons with their students, guided by educators who have implemented the same content in their own classrooms to build critical thinking. An important component of this course will be empowering teachers to lead “unplugged” activities (no computer needed!) to naturally solicit computational thinking from their students. While this course is geared toward teachers working with students in grades preK-2, it will also be a great resource for teachers of all grades looking to introduce their students to basic coding and computer science concepts. The course is founded on the Idaho Content Standards for Computer Science to prepare educators as they introduce students to concepts including, but not limited to: parts of a computer, hardware and software, troubleshooting, typing skills, problem solving, teamwork, and of course coding! Teachers will also explore how introducing their students to these concepts at an early age will better prepare them for the future. Educators will leave with resources and knowledge to integrate and implement their own coding and computer science programs and lessons in their classrooms and schools.

Your kits will/may include: Access to Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) a laminator and supplies, the Artie 3000, Ozobot, and Code and Go Robot Mouse.