Explore all 2026 i-STEM Workshops
i-STEM will take place at 6 locations throughout Idaho.
Each location features a unique lineup of workshops, or strands, tailored to the region.
i-STEM has travel and lodging stipends available!
Seeing a workshop that interests you but it’s not near you? We may be able to help! Please reach out to Idaho STEM Action Center at istem@stem.idaho.gov.
Registration is as easy as 1-2-3!
- Step 1: Choose three workshops and locations that work for you and your location.
- Step 2: Register here (link coming soon). You will rank your top three workshop choices and pay the registration fee.
- Step 3: Participants will receive confirmation by email of which strand you will be taking (based on location and availability) by March 30th.
Boise State University, June 9-12, 2026
College of Southern Idaho, June 8-11, 2026
College of Eastern Idaho, June 9-12, 2026
North Idaho College, June 16-19, 2026
Lewis-Clark State College, June 15-18, 2026
Idaho State University, June 15-18, 2026
Boise State University (BSU) June 9-12, 2026
Lead Instructor: Daniel Babiracki
Strand Tagline: Learn how to create custom apps to automate repetitive tasks, keep track of information, and streamline your workflows!
Strand Description: Unlock the power of automation in your classroom with this hands-on workshop designed to transform how you manage educational workflows. Using Microsoft PowerApps (a user-friendly & low-code platform), participants will learn to design and build custom applications tailored to their specific needs. This strand emphasizes pedagogical strategies that leverage technology to reduce administrative burden, allowing educators to redirect their energy toward high-impact instruction and personalized student support. By mastering these tools, you not only streamline your own work as an educator but also model critical digital literacy and computational thinking skills, demonstrating to students how they can become creators, not just consumers, of technology.
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Dr. Gina Kwid
Strand Tagline: Empowering educators to unlock creativity and inspire future innovators through micro:bit coding.
Strand Description: Join us for an engaging iSTEM professional development session focused on micro:bit coding! This hands-on workshop will introduce educators to the versatile micro:bit platform, empowering them to integrate coding and computational thinking into their classrooms. Participants will explore real-world applications of micro:bit, learn how to design interactive projects, and discover strategies for fostering creativity and problem-solving in students. Whether you’re new to coding or looking to deepen your skills, this training will provide practical tools and resources to make STEM learning exciting and accessible for all learners.
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Hailey Lynch
Strand Tagline: Empowering middle and high school educators to bring microelectronics and semiconductor science to life through hands-on, classroom-ready learning.
Strand Description: Discover the wonder of microelectronics and semiconductors through this in-depth training on the Chip, Chip, Hooray! course, created in partnership with the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance and Boise State University. Designed for middle to high school educators, this course explores what semiconductors are, their importance in modern society, and how teachers can connect students with emerging career opportunities. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of semiconductor principles and effective instructional practices, along with curriculum that can be adapted for individual classrooms or used as-is. Each educator will also receive a full classroom kit of Arduinos to support hands-on experiments and activities. STEM learning is exciting and accessible for all learners!
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Dr. Nicole Sarty
Strand Tagline: Explored micro:bits? Now unlock their full potential—create, code, and innovate beyond the basics with Bit Boards
Strand Description: This interactive session is designed for educators who already have micro:bits in their classrooms and want to elevate their use through engaging, project-based learning with Bit Boards and the MakeCode extensions. Participants will explore new and effective pedagogical strategies, such as inquiry-based learning, design thinking, and hands-on coding projects, to foster creativity and problem-solving skills
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: ReBekha Lulu
Strand Tagline: Real-world problem solving, layer by layer
Strand Description: Design Thinking Through 3D Printing empowers educators to bring real-world problem solving into their classrooms by combining the engineering design process with accessible, hands-on 3D printing tools. In this strand, teachers will experience the full cycle of design thinking: identifying authentic challenges, brainstorming and planning solutions, creating digital models, iterating based on feedback, and producing functional prototypes. Participants will explore classroom-ready strategies for guiding students through meaningful STEM challenges, from quick design sprints to longer project-based learning units. Educators will also learn practical techniques for managing 3D printing in the classroom, supporting student creativity, and using prototypes as evidence of learning. This strand will highlight how classroom projects can culminate in optional participation in the Idaho Exhibition of Ideas showcase (5th-9th grade), giving students a real audience for their innovations. By the end, teachers will walk away with a classroom printer, with ready-to-implement lessons, increased confidence using 3D printers, and a toolkit for helping students apply engineering thinking to solve real problems that matter to them and their communities.
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Rick Stoddard
Strand Tagline: Databots are amazingly versatile tools you can use in your classroom to collect data using its 16 different sensors. They can also be used as coding machines to teach students to code to solve real world problems.
Strand Description: In my strand I would like to give teachers/participants many real world lessons and activities they can do with Databots with little to no prep. These lessons include but are not limited to: Parachute drops, rocket flight data collection, CO2 and temp. collection in exothermic reactions, AI face and object recognition, coding music to talk about proportions and ratios, gesture sensor review games, escape room review games etc. I would also make sure participants feel comfortable using and planning their own lessons.
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Tara Kennedy
Strand Tagline: Tap into the power of art to spark your students’ curiosity and cultivate creative thinking in STEM learning
Strand Description: During this strand, students will make connections between the arts and scientific concepts, and how these apply to real-world applications. This course will guide educators through a series of experiments and activities that integrate art into the STEM curriculum with intentionality. Participants will experience projects firsthand as learners, then explore strategies to adapt projects for various grade levels and learner needs. This highly interactive workshop will focus on blending hands-on science activities, math concepts, digital technologies, visual art, chemistry, animation and more!
Your Kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Kelsey Wright
Strand Tagline: Unleash your inner designer and your students’ too!
Strand Description: Empowering Creativity Through Design introduces educators to the exciting intersection of graphic design and classroom learning. In this hands-on strand, teachers will explore new and effective pedagogical strategies that integrate design thinking, digital tools, and real-world projects into their instruction. Participants will learn to use software like Adobe Illustrator and Cricut tools to create engaging student projects, from posters and banners to interactive classroom materials. Through guided activities, collaborative design challenges, and practical demonstrations, teachers will gain strategies to foster creativity, problem-solving, and visual communication skills in their students. By the end of the strand, educators will be equipped to inspire innovation and empower their students to express ideas confidently while applying skills relevant to both academic and career pathways.
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Melissa Stroupe
Strand Tagline: We are going to build one brick at a time to start learning through hands-on creations and designing with our builds that connect to multiple content areas.
Strand Description: Get ready to piece it all together to create a deeper understanding! We are going to start small and build our way towards gaining multiple ideas for you to implement into your classroom. You will be learning how to use Lego’s in all content areas, and will be given the resources you need to start using them in your classroom right away. Learn about the amazing creations, stations, and challenges that you can have your students try for rich conversations, while they are learning to solve real world problem. We will be exploring how this can work in your classroom, giving you a file of resources, creating lifelong partnership within our community, all while having a lot of fun!
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: John Kiser
Strand Tagline: Demystify the technology students use every day and learn to lead engaging digital experiences
Strand Description: This strand is designed to equip middle school (6-8) educators with the foundational knowledge of computer science, coding, and artificial intelligence (AI) necessary to seamlessly integrate these critical concepts into their curriculum. Participants will engage in activities that demystify the technology students use every day, gaining confidence to lead digital-age learning experiences by understanding how computers operate, practicing basic code writing, and exploring core AI principles like machine learning and algorithms. Furthermore, teachers will learn strategies to adapt and implement workshop projects and lessons effectively across diverse classroom operating systems (e.g., Windows, macOS, ChromeOS). Teachers will leave with a comprehensive toolkit of ready-to-use resources, lesson plans, and “unplugged” activities that enable the immediate introduction of computational thinking, data literacy, and AI ethics across all subject areas.
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Amanda Harris
Strand Tagline: Discover how simple materials and prototyping tools can spark problem-solving, design thinking, and innovation in any STEM classroom.
Strand Description: In this hands-on session, teachers will explore how to engage students in STEM learning through cardboard prototyping and accessible maker tools like chomp saws, hot glue, and recycled materials. Participants will learn effective strategies for fostering creativity, problem-solving, and design thinking while guiding students through the engineering design process. The session will include interactive demonstrations, tips for classroom management during maker activities including safety and tool training, and opportunities to practice building simple yet functional prototypes. Teachers will leave with concrete ideas and ready-to-use lesson strategies that encourage innovation, collaboration, and hands-on learning, helping students transform their ideas from paper to tangible creations.
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Allyson Randall
Strand Tagline: This strand will be a hands-on exploration of AI concepts, ethics, and tools to help educators confidently bring AI into their classrooms.
Strand Description: AI Literacy: Basics to Implementation introduces educators to the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence through hands-on, accessible, and classroom-ready experiences. Participants will explore foundational AI concepts, ethics, and real-world applications using engaging activities from aiEDU and additional easy-to-implement resources.
Throughout the strand, teachers will experience a variety of lessons and frameworks that make complex AI ideas understandable for students at any grade level. By the end of the week, educators will leave with a deeper understanding of how AI works, a toolkit of ready-to-use lessons, and a personalized plan for integrating AI literacy into
their classroom. This strand empowers teachers to build students’ critical thinking, digital citizenship, and future-ready skills so they can thrive in an AI-driven world.
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
College of Southern Idaho, June 8-11, 2026
Lead Instructor: Cassidy Huggins
Tagline: A hands-on, field-based environmental science strand where teachers will use the environment right around them to explore local phenomena, collect and analyze real-world data on air, water, and soil quality, and learn standards[1]aligned strategies that bring real world problem solving, data collection and analysis, and outdoor-based science learning into any classroom.
Strand Description: Calling all teachers who love engaging in engaging students and exploring the great outdoors! In this strand, teachers will step into the role of environmental scientists as they learn about and carry out field tests in soil, water, and air quality. While this strand aligns perfectly with an environmental science curriculum, we will look at how these environmental science activities fit the wider Idaho Science Standards and can be used to enrich any science course from physical science to biology. We will use environmental science topics to model how to bring outdoor learning, real-world data collection, citizen science, and standards-aligned instructional practices into the classroom. Each day will focus on a different environmental system using local phenomena to spark curiosity and model student-driven inquiry. Participants will conduct field investigations such as water quality testing, macroinvertebrate sampling, soil analysis, and other labs. These investigations are paired with strategies for collecting and interpreting data, developing models, and strengthening science literacy through field notebooks, sketching, journal readings, and argumentation from evidence. Finally, teachers will leave with a materials kit and resources for finding lesson plans, grants, and other support for bringing the environment into their classroom. While environmental science is typically a high-school level course, these tests are safe and simple enough that they can easily be done by students at any level, and this strand will have elements that could be adapted by any teacher K-12 who loves the outdoors!
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Dr. Samra Culum
Strand Tagline: Hands-on AI learning for teachers, grounded in industry experience and authentic classroom application.
Strand Description: Over four days, teachers learn how AI works, examine ethical considerations, hear from industry professionals, visit workplaces using AI, and revisit an assignment they already teach to strengthen it with meaningful AI-supported learning. Participants will use tools such as microphones and green screens to create student-ready media tasks, build revised rubrics and differentiation supports, and leave with a completed lesson they can implement. This strand benefits students by improving engagement, building critical thinking skills, and helping them connect classroom learning to real career pathways.
Your kit includes; Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Todd Anderson
Strand Tagline: Come and learn how to design and make anything with Autodesk Fusion using 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC milling.
Strand Description: Come and learn more about the tools and techniques for designing anything you want in Autodesk Fusion. Participants will learn about certification opportunities for their students as well. We will end with a “Makers Day”, where we will 3Dprint, laser cut, and CNC projects we have designed in Autodesk Fusion. Come elevate your design and making skills from curiosity to career
Your Kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Kimberlie Sistrunk
Strand Tagline: Connecting Concepts Through Magnetic Play
Strand Description: Get ready to play, build and imagine in this high-energy STEM strand where Magnetic Tiles take center stage! Educators will jump into hands-on challenges that spark creativity, teamwork, and big thinking. You’ll explore clear ways to teach academic skills, engineering, and problem-solving through joyful, low-prep activities that fit easily into any classroom. Expect lots of laughs, “aha!” moments and ideas you want to try the very next day. Come build, connect and discover how a little magnetic magic can transform student engagement and bring STEM to life!
Your Kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Scott Rogers
Strand Tagline: Level Up Your Lab: Teaching Engineering Through 3D Printing with FlashForge AD5X Multicolor Printers. This 4-day hands-on workshop empowers K–12 educators to use FlashForge AD5X Multicolor printers as engineering and design tools—not just makerspace novelties.
Strand Description: This hands-on workshop empowers K–12 educators to use FlashForge AD5X Multicolor printers as engineering and design tools—not just makerspace novelties. Participants will learn advanced slicing, multicolor workflows, print optimization, and student-ready engineering design challenges. Every session results in practical classroom takeaways and curriculum-aligned lessons ready to implement day one.
Your Kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Jennifer Rude
Strand Tagline: Math Made Magical: Creative STEM Strategies for Teachers will give teachers the knowledge and resources to take their math lessons to a deeper, more meaningful level.
Strand Description: Creative STEM Strategies for Teachers will provide teachers with a variety of ways to reach their students in new and exciting ways as they guide them to successfully master grade level standards. The resources and knowledge gained in this strand will be transferable across grade levels and allow for effective differentiation within the classroom. We will explore teaching strategies including discovery tasks, gamification, and outdoor learning. This strand will be geared for teachers in grades K-5.
Your Kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Amber Mcvey
Strand Tagline: Build, Create, and Innovate will provide you with the opportunity to explore ways to bring engaging STEM activities to students.
Strand Description: Do you struggle to incorporate STEM into your daily lessons? Is coming up with low-cost, high-interest activities challenging? This strand will walk you through ways to reuse and re-purpose low-cost items to get the maximum output. You will build, create, and innovate as you explore STEM in activities and lessons focused on providing students with engaging, collaborative STEM opportunities.
Your Kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Jamie Richardson
Strand Tagline: Story-Driven PBL – Stranded on Mars: Code the Rescue, Save the Astronaut!
Strand Tagline: Build, Create, and Innovate will provide you with the opportunity to explore ways to bring engaging STEM activities to students.
Strand Description: Stranded on Mars, astronaut Mark Watney needs your help! In this hands-on, project-based learning experience, participants will work in collaborative teams to design, code, and engineer solutions using Sphero robots. Your mission: simulate critical rescue operations to bring Watney safely back to Earth. Through this immersive scenario, you’ll apply engineering principles, computer science skills, and creative problem[1]solving to overcome obstacles inspired by real-world space challenges. Teams will brainstorm, prototype, and program their Sphero robots to complete tasks such as navigating Martian terrain, delivering supplies, and building communication systems—all while racing against time.
Your Kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Marci Reddish
Strand Tagline: Deepen your geometry expertise and elevate student learning with Idaho Standards Academy.
Strand Description: Calling All Idaho Math Teachers! Join the Idaho Standards Academy for an engaging and impactful professional learning experience designed specifically for your grade level. This strand dives deep into the big ideas of Geometry, helping teachers strengthen their understanding of math content standards and research-aligned teaching practices. Participants will explore concepts such as scale drawings, congruent and similar figures, and geometric reasoning through participating in a variety of STEM problem-based learning tasks. They will also collaborate to design standards-aligned curricula and to evaluate classroom resources. Equipped with hands-on manipulatives and practical tools, participants will leave empowered to create dynamic math experiences for learners and foster student success in geometrical thinking.
Your Kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Terra Feast
Strand Description: Tap into the power of art to spark student curiosity and cultivate creative thinking in STEM learning! During this strand, participants will discover how art making can deepen student understanding, strengthen problem solving skills, help students visualize and communicate complex concepts, and encourage collaboration with peers. This course will guide educators through a series of activities that integrate art into the STEM curriculum with intentionality. Participants will experience projects firsthand as learners, then explore strategies to adapt projects for various grade levels and learner needs. This strand gives participants opportunities to make meaningful connections between creative art activities drawing parallels between the scientific method and the creative process in order to increase learner engagement and confidence. Art to Engage STEM Learners is a highly interactive experience focused on blending hands-on science activities, math concepts, digital technologies, visual art, music, animation and more!
Your kits will/may include: Participants will receive a kit packed full of supplies for art projects, science experiments, and design challenges to explore color, light, nature, chemistry, circuits, and motion. When possible, items will come in sets/quantities that can be used again in the classroom. A list of alternative materials will be provided to participants along with resources for additional lessons, extensions, and adaptations.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Ben Fuqua
Strand Description: Dive into the world of Python programming with our four-day intensive strand designed for educators of all experience levels. Beginning with the basics of print statements and culminating in the creation of the classic Asteroids game, participants will explore hands-on, engaging coding projects. The provided Educator Kit features a rubber ducky for debugging, a Python coding book, and preloaded resources, empowering teachers to bring programming into their classrooms or afterschool programs seamlessly. Perfect for fostering computational thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, this strand prepares educators to inspire the next generation of coders.
Your kit includes; Participants will receive a Python Boot Camp Educator Kit designed to enhance teaching and learning experiences in Python programming. The kit includes a rubber ducky to introduce the “rubber duck debugging” technique, a creative approach that encourages problem-solving and self-explanation during coding challenges. Additionally, a comprehensive book on Python coding is provided to serve as a valuable reference, deepen understanding, and offer exercises that reinforce concepts covered during the strand. By blending fun, hands-on elements with practical resources, this kit empowers educators to confidently engage students in Python programming.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Camille Platts-McPharlin
Strand Description: Ever wonder how chips are made? No not chocolate chips or potato chips – MICROCHIPS! Join us in Electrify Your Classroom: The Magic of Microelectronics, where we’ll explore the world of semiconductors (the magic behind every microchip!), discover their impact in Idaho and beyond, and learn how to bring basic circuits and microelectronics into your classroom. This professional development experience will challenge you to see microelectronics as a powerful, accessible tool for every grade level – especially 3rd-8th grade. Find creative and innovative ways to introduce the foundational technology that powers the world around us—ready to spark curiosity and ignite learning in your students!
Your Kit will/may include: 3-5 Grade – Each educator will receive a class set of Snap Circuits Jr. – Electronics Exploration Kit with over 100 projects for students to learn about basic circuitry, resistors, LEDs, and other fun components.
6-8 Grade – Each educator will receive a class set of ELEGOO Uno Project Super Starter Kits OR SparkFun Tinker Kit. These will cover introduction to circuitry, coding, and other skills. We will use these exact kits during our training to go through each experiment.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Jessica Gronniger
Strand Description: Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, inhabit nearly every environment on Earth. These microscopic communities not only harbor a staggering amount of biodiversity but also play a critical role in maintaining our global ecosystems. However, due to their microscopic nature, it can be challenging to study and engage with these fascinating hidden worlds. In this strand, educators will learn to implement a teaching module that will not only allow students to explore these microscopic worlds but will also guide them through the scientific process from ideation to data analysis and synthesis. Through their engagement with the scientific process, students will learn to design and evaluate experiments that will allow them to explore the drivers responsible for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services, construct arguments supported by evidence about how biotic and abiotic factors shape natural microbial populations, and analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability and interactions on microbial populations. These educational goals will be achieved by establishing safe and effective laboratory skills, including (1) how to make sterile media and petri dishes in a classroom setting, (2) proper aseptic sample collecting techniques, (3) how to inoculate media with environmental microorganisms, and (4) microbe identification and enumeration techniques. Beyond these lab-based skills, this module also integrates components from math, computer science and even art as students will learn to estimate population sizes and growth rates from colony counts, analyze and visualize data using basic computational tools like R, and engage with their creativity as they create artistic representations of their microbial cultures. By using a combination of literature review, hands-on laboratory techniques and data synthesis, students will not only get to experience, visualize and understand some of the critical microbial communities that sustain our ecosystems, but will also be exposed to the scientific process as they design, implement and analyze a research project from start to finish!
Your Kit will/may include: Kits will be comprised of all the materials needed for students to engage with and implement laboratory-based experiments to collect, cultivate and visualize natural environmental microbial communities. This includes two types of microbial media, petri dishes, dropper pipettes, and all materials required for aseptic lab techniques (i.e. sterile water and collection tubes, ethanol lamps, forceps, etc.). Kits will also include art supplies such as acrylic disks, paints and paintbrushes so that students can create their own microbe art!
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Gina Kwid
Strand Description: The micro:bit Extending Code to Support 3-5 Educators i-STEM 2025 strand is designed to integrate computer science, coding, and computational thinking into every classroom. The activities in this strand align with Idaho Content Standards. Participants will gain practical skills and develop lessons that can be immediately implemented in the classroom, enhancing the curriculum. By the end of the strand, participants will be proficient in using micro: bits and feel confident in incorporating these devices across various subjects. This strand includes a class set of micro: bits, cases for storage, additional allegator clips and wires, speakers for the micro: bits, micro:bit servos, a micro:bit book with ready to implement lessons, and a computer science-based book to increase computational thinking skills and computer science attitudes. This strand is designed for classroom teachers, librarians, maker space teachers, computer science teachers, after school programs, and summer camp programs.
Your Kit will/may include: The strand kit includes 20 micro:bit computer kits, complete with storage cases to house and protect the devices. Additional accessories such as alligator clips, a micro:bit speaker, and micro:bit servos are also provided to enhance functionality and support diverse projects. To inspire creative learning, the kit features two engaging books: Micro:Bit for Mad Scientists, offering innovative experiments and activities, and How to Code a Sandcastle, a fun introduction to coding concepts for students. Together, these resources equip educators with the tools needed to bring hands-on coding and STEM exploration to their classrooms.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Morgan Gifford
Strand Description: Discover how to bring STEM learning to life in your classroom with “PBL: STEM in Action,” a hands-on professional development strand designed to make STEM learning engaging and accessible for students. Through interactive tools like Merge Cubes, GIS mapping, and weather sensors, you’ll learn how to create exciting, project-based lessons that connect science to everyday life and future career paths. This strand is perfect for educators looking to inspire curiosity, foster critical thinking, and tackle real-world problems with their students. Walk away with ready-to-use materials, practical strategies, and a plan to transform your classroom!
Your Kit will/may include: Participants will receive a kit filled with hands-on tools and resources such as Merge Cubes for augmented reality exploration, data collection tools like mini weather stations or soil test kits, access to curated digital resources, and other tools to support PBL. These materials are designed to help educators implement interactive, PBL lessons that connect science to everyday life and inspire curiosity.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Erin Downey
Strand Description: This workshop equips educators with the tools and strategies to integrate STEM content into their classrooms through a dynamic podcasting curriculum focused on science journalism. Participants will explore how mass and social media shape our understanding of science, develop skills in research, storytelling, and audio production, and learn how to empower students to create research-based science podcasts. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have the resources to guide their students in producing engaging podcasts that connect STEM topics to real-world issues while promoting critical thinking, creativity, and media literacy.
Your Kit will/may include: The Podcasting kit includes PCS Discover Podcasting curriculum for teachers of students in grades 6-12, as well as materials to equip 5 student groups with high-quality microphones and isolation shields for crisp, clear voice recording; headphone splitters for each group to play back their podcasts; student notebooks for tracking daily progress, and a 90-day subscription to Soundtrap for Education, a powerful and easy to use sound mixing program.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) June 9-12, 2026
Lead Instructor: Lynette Leonard
Strand Tagline: Explore how simple, accessible materials can inspire innovation, curiosity, and problem-solving in the classrooms and more.
Strand Description: In this hands-on session, teachers will explore how to engage students in STEM learning through cardboard prototyping and accessible maker tools like chomp saws, hot glue, and recycled materials. Participants will learn effective strategies for fostering creativity, problem-solving, and design thinking while guiding students through the engineering design process. The session will include interactive demonstrations, tips for classroom management during maker activities including safety and tool training, and opportunities to practice building simple yet functional prototypes. Teachers will leave with concrete ideas and ready-to-use lesson strategies that encourage innovation, collaboration, and hands-on learning, helping students transform their ideas from paper to tangible creations.
Your Kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Carol Hicks
Strand Tagline: Deepen your geometry expertise and elevate student learning with Idaho Standards Academy.
Strand Description: Calling All Idaho Math Teachers! Join the Idaho Standards Academy for a STEM-focused professional learning experience designed to deepen understanding of Geometry within the Idaho Content Standards. Throughout this session, participants will explore the major conceptual ideas of Geometry and connect them to real-world STEM applications, examining strategies for solving authentic mathematical problems and analyzing student thinking through rich tasks. Participants will explore concepts such as area, surface area, volume and geometric reasoning. The session also includes collaborative opportunities to design standards-aligned lessons, evaluate instructional materials, and integrate technology and inquiry-based practices into geometry instruction. Equipped with hands-on resources, professional memberships, and practical classroom tools, participants will leave prepared to strengthen geometry instruction and create dynamic, high-quality STEM learning experiences that foster students’ geometric reasoning and success.
Your kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Shelley Nash
Strand Tagline: Do you want ideas to make math memorable rather than rote and routine? Come learn how to use Fast & Curious, Math Reps, Modeling Tasks, and a solid mastery structure to help students develop memorable math dispositions.
Strand Description: Math can be hard to make memorable. Come learn from a state PAEMST Finalist how to use strategies to make learning stick in fun ways that lift the prep load off of you! You will learn fun ways to incorporate vocabulary, written justification, and free Artificial Intelligence apps. Your students will be using academic vocabulary and justifying their reasoning. You’ll try out creative, engaging, and real-life modeling tasks for a variety of topics. These low-floor/high ceiling tasks will deepen your students’ understanding of essential high school concepts. You’ll also get a mastery structure for helping students shift from points to learning skills. Utilizing these tools, you’ll be incorporating all the Math Practices effortlessly into a unit you adapt during our strand!
Your kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Diane Gielas
Strand Tagline: Trailblazing with BeeBots: Idaho’s Path to Early CS Learning
Strand Description: Join us for four days of hands-on innovation and collaboration that will transform your teaching and excite your students! This learning strand will be thoughtfully tailored to meet the developmental needs of K-2 students while highlighting real-world applications tied to Idaho’s unique industries. Throughout the 4-day training series, we’ll explore how BeeBots and physical computing can foster interactive, age-appropriate learning that engages students with practical problem-solving inspired by their local community.
Your kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Angela Reece
Strand Tagline: Deepen your geometry expertise and elevate student learning with Idaho Standards Academy.
Strand Description: Idaho Math Teachers are invited to join the Idaho Standards Academy for a STEM-focused professional learning experience designed to deepen understanding of Geometry within the Idaho Content Standards. Throughout this session, participants will explore the major conceptual ideas of Geometry and connect them to real-world STEM applications, examining strategies for solving authentic mathematical problems and analyzing student thinking through rich tasks. Teachers will investigate the classification of two-dimensional figures using manipulatives and digital tools while considering how these concepts support broader STEM skills such as spatial reasoning and engineering design. The session also includes collaborative opportunities to design standards-aligned lessons, evaluate instructional materials, and integrate technology and inquiry-based practices into geometry instruction. Equipped with hands-on resources, and practical classroom tools, participants will leave prepared to strengthen geometry instruction and create dynamic, high-quality STEM learning experiences that foster students’ geometric reasoning and success.
Your kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Veronica Blackham
Strand Tagline: Deepen your geometry expertise and elevate student learning with Idaho Standards Academy.
Strand Description: Calling All Idaho Math Teachers! Join the Idaho Standards Academy for a STEM-focused professional learning experience designed to deepen understanding of Geometry within the Idaho Content Standards. Throughout this session, participants will explore the major conceptual ideas of Geometry and connect them to real-world STEM applications, examining strategies for solving authentic mathematical problems and analyzing student thinking through rich tasks. Participants will explore concepts such as area, surface area, volume and geometric reasoning. The session also includes collaborative opportunities to design standards-aligned lessons, evaluate instructional materials, and integrate technology and inquiry-based practices into geometry instruction. Equipped with hands-on resources, professional memberships, and practical classroom tools, participants will leave prepared to strengthen geometry instruction and create dynamic, high-quality STEM learning experiences that foster students’ geometric reasoning and success.
Your kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
North Idaho College (NIC), June 16-19
Lead Instructor: Courtney Greene
Strand Tagline: Teachers create a unit of instruction focusing on forces and motion that is supported by data and measurement standards that culminates in a student created cardboard masterpiece
Strand Description: Math and science converge to create experiences for students that allow them to deepen their understanding of Newton’s laws of physics. Teachers will participate in experiences and instruction to give them the fundamental strategies to solidify content knowledge and the practices needed for students to be mathematicians and scientists. Student expertise will be showcased through engineering of cardboard designs that implement Newton’s laws through simple machines.
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Diane Gielas
Strand Tagline: Trailblazing with BeeBots: Idaho’s Path to Early CS Learning
Strand Description: Join us for four days of hands-on innovation and collaboration that will transform your teaching and excite your students! This learning strand will be thoughtfully tailored to meet the developmental needs of K-2 students while highlighting real-world applications tied to Idaho’s unique industries. Throughout the 4-day training series, we’ll explore how BeeBots and physical computing can foster interactive, age-appropriate learning that engages students with practical problem-solving inspired by their local community.
Your kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Robin Baumgartner
Strand Tagline: Empowering educators to understand, navigate, and leverage AI for smarter, more meaningful teaching and future-ready students.
Strand Description: This professional development workshop introduces educators to the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, beginning with a brief history of AI and exploring how it already shapes the tools and systems we encounter every day. Participants will learn and practice foundational concepts—including AI basics and machine learning—through accessible, classroom-ready exploration and examples. The session also examines essential topics in AI ethics, digital hygiene/online safety, and responsibility to help teachers guide students toward thoughtful and safe engagement with emerging technologies. Finally, educators will discover practical ways to integrate AI into their own workflows to streamline planning, enhance instruction, and support student learning.
Your Kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Stacie Knight
Strand Tagline: Explore hands-on strategies for integrating Ozobot into K–5 curriculum to boost student engagement, support core content areas, and foster computational thinking through creative coding activities.
Strand Description: Join us for an exciting journey into Ozobot-enhanced learning, where tiny robots make a big impact! In this hands-on session, you’ll explore how color-coding and block-coding with Ozobot can be seamlessly integrated into storytelling, math problem-solving, social studies explorations, and science investigations. Designed for educators working with kindergarten through 5th grade, this strand will showcase creative ways to boost engagement, support curriculum goals, and bring coding to life across subject areas.
Your Kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Emily Sarha
Strand Tagline: Unearth the science, history, and real-world impact of mining to bring powerful, engaging lessons back to your classroom.
Strand Description: This strand will provide educators with the tools and knowledge to inform students from grades 3-12 about the fascinating world of mining. Dive into labs that explore geology, material science, mining practices, and environmental sustainability. Gain insight from guest speakers who are engineers, metallurgists, geologists, and environmental specialists working in the industry who will share their career paths and current projects. Experience an exclusive field trip to working mine sites, providing a firsthand view of modern extraction, processing technology, and the industry’s commitment to safety and environmental stewardship, all to help you bring a vivid, impactful understanding of this essential industry back to your students. A variety of state career exploration, history, and science standards can be met through these activities.
Your Kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Hailey Lynch
Strand Tagline: Empowering middle and high school educators to bring microelectronics and semiconductor science to life through hands-on, classroom-ready learning.
Strand Description: Discover the wonder of microelectronics and semiconductors through this in-depth training on the Chip, Chip, Hooray! course, created in partnership with the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance and Boise State University. Designed for middle to high school educators, this course explores what semiconductors are, their importance in modern society, and how teachers can connect students with emerging career opportunities. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of semiconductor principles and effective instructional practices, along with curriculum that can be adapted for individual classrooms or used as-is. Each educator will also receive a full classroom kit of Arduinos to support hands-on experiments and activities. STEM learning is exciting and accessible for all learners.
Your Kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Jennifer Rude
Strand Tagline: Math Made Magical: Creative STEM Strategies for Teachers will give teachers the knowledge and resources to take their math lessons to a deeper, more meaningful level.
Strand Description: Math Made Magical: Creative STEM Strategies for Teachers will provide teachers with a variety of ways to reach their students in new and exciting ways as they guide them to successfully master grade level standards. The resources and knowledge gained in this strand will be transferable across grade levels and allow for effective differentiation within the classroom. We will explore teaching strategies including discovery tasks, gamification, and outdoor learning. This strand will be geared for teachers in grades K-5.
Your Kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Julie Anderson
Strand Tagline: This strand moves beyond a traditional “Makerspace” by emphasizing purposeful creation—where hands-on learning connects directly to standards, creativity, and real-world problem-solving
Strand Description: I designed this session for elementary teachers with a focus on providing practical, ready-to-use tools they can easily bring back to their classrooms. The hands-on learning experience goes beyond a traditional “Makerspace” by encouraging students to think critically, problem-solve creatively, and apply their skills in meaningful ways. Teachers will discover how to seamlessly integrate these strategies into their lesson plans while collaborating with their grade level teams. Too often I hear, “I don’t have time,” “I can’t fit that in,” or “I don’t know how to use that tool.” Through a hands-on, supportive approach, I help teachers build confidence, integrate new tools, and make innovative learning a natural part of their daily routine.
Your Kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Mark Olsen
Strand Tagline: From the curiosity STEM literature in the English Language Arts classroom creates to developing literacy skills needed in the STEM classroom, this strand provides various high interest STEM text sets, fun STEM activities, and effective literacy strategies to help engage k-12 students both in STEM and ELA classrooms.
Strand Description: Students’ natural curiosity creates a genuine opportunity to engage students with the combination of literacy and STEM skills. STEM literature provides ideal entry points for students to learn and apply real world, non-fiction, knowledge building activities and brain-based pedagogical strategies. This STEM strand will provide participants with an array of STEM literature books and strategies to apply in any classroom for students from kindergarten to 12th grade. From choosing your own adventures, to narrative non-fiction, picture books, to expository literature, the quality of literature and STEM applications continues to grow. Much of these addresses possible STEM careers and help students prepare for a variety of topics and issues STEM fields involve. A field trip to the Idaho National Laboratory and/or other STEM businesses will give a personal connection to significant STEM employers in Idaho.
Your Kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lewis & Clark State College (LCSC), June 15-18, 2026
Lead Instructor: Amanda Harris
Strand Tagline: Bring STEM to life through micro:bit coding projects that explore solar energy and smart farming innovations.
Strand Description: This four-day summer workshop equips middle school STEM teachers with the knowledge, confidence, and classroom-ready lessons to integrate micro:bit v2 coding, renewable energy systems, and smart agriculture technologies into their curricula. Through hands-on learning, teachers will explore the micro:bit’s sensors and features, build and test the Smart Solar Kit and Smart Agriculture Kit, and design scaffolded coding challenges that connect directly to real-world STEM applications. Participants will leave with plug-and-play lessons, assessment strategies, and classroom management structures that support equitable access to computer science and engineering design.
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Melissa Stroupe
Strand Tagline: We are going to build one brick at a time to start learning through hands-on creations and designing with our builds that connect to multiple content areas.
Strand Description: Get ready to piece it all together to create a deeper understanding! We are going to start small and build our way towards gaining multiple ideas for you to implement into your classroom. You will be learning how to use Lego’s in all content areas, and will be given the resources you need to start using them in your classroom right away. Learn about the amazing creations, stations, and challenges that you can have your students try for rich conversations, while they are learning to solve real world problem. We will be exploring how this can work in your classroom, giving you a file of resources, creating lifelong partnership within our community, all while having a lot of fun!
Your kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Allyson Randall
Strand Tagline: This strand will be a hands-on exploration of AI concepts, ethics, and tools to help educators confidently bring AI into their classrooms.
Strand Description: AI Literacy: Basics to Implementation introduces educators to the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence through hands-on, accessible, and classroom-ready experiences. Participants will explore foundational AI concepts, ethics, and real-world applications using engaging activities from aiEDU and additional easy-to-implement resources.Throughout the strand, teachers will experience a variety of lessons and frameworks that make complex AI ideas understandable for students at any grade level. By the end of the week, educators will leave with a deeper understanding of how AI works, a toolkit of ready-to-use lessons, and a personalized plan for integrating AI literacy into their classroom. This strand empowers teachers to build students’ critical thinking, digital citizenship, and future-ready skills so they can thrive in an AI-driven world.
Your Kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Jamie Richardson
Strand Tagline: Story-Driven PBL – Stranded on Mars: Code the Rescue, Save the Astronaut!
Strand Description: Stranded on Mars, astronaut Mark Watney needs your help! In this hands-on, project-based learning experience, participants will work in collaborative teams to design, code, and engineer solutions using Sphero robots. Your mission: simulate critical rescue operations to bring Watney safely back to Earth. Through this immersive scenario, you’ll apply engineering principles, computer science skills, and creative problem [1]solving to overcome obstacles inspired by real-world space challenges. Teams will brainstorm, prototype, and program their Sphero robots to complete tasks such as navigating Martian terrain, delivering supplies, and building communication systems—all while racing against time.
Your Kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Shelley Nash
Strand Tagline: Do you want ideas to make math memorable rather than rote and routine? Come learn how to use Fast & Curious, Math Reps, Modeling Tasks, and a solid mastery structure to help students develop memorable math dispositions.
Strand Description: Math can be hard to make memorable. Come learn from a state PAEMST Finalist how to use strategies to make learning stick in fun ways that lift the prep load off of you! You will learn fun ways to incorporate vocabulary, written justification, and free Artificial Intelligence apps. Your students will be using academic vocabulary and justifying their reasoning. You’ll try out creative, engaging, and real-life modeling tasks for a variety of topics. These low-floor/high[1]ceiling tasks will deepen your students’ understanding of essential high school concepts. You’ll also get a mastery structure for helping students shift from points to learning skills. Utilizing these tools, you’ll be incorporating all the Math Practices effortlessly into a unit you adapt during our strand!
Your Kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: John Kiser
Strand Tagline: Demystify the technology students use every day and learn to lead engaging digital experiences
Strand Description: This strand is designed to equip middle school (6-8) educators with the foundational knowledge of computer science, coding, and artificial intelligence (AI) necessary to seamlessly integrate these critical concepts into their curriculum. Participants will engage in activities that demystify the technology students use every day, gaining confidence to lead digital age learning experiences by understanding how computers operate, practicing basic code writing, and exploring core AI principles like machine learning and algorithms. Furthermore, teachers will learn strategies to adapt and implement workshop projects and lessons effectively across diverse classroom operating systems (e.g., Windows, macOS, ChromeOS). Teachers will leave with a comprehensive toolkit of ready-to-use resources, lesson plans, and “unplugged” activities that enable the immediate introduction of computational thinking, data literacy, and AI ethics across all subject areas.
Your Kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Idaho State University (ISU) June 15-18, 2026
Lead Instructor: Tyler Colling
Strand Tagline: Building foundational skills for diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing modern diesel systems.
Strand Description: This strand introduces students to the foundations of diesel technology with a strong emphasis on modern electrical and electronic systems, the heart of today’s diesel equipment. Students will engage in hands-on learning through diagnostic labs, interactive simulations, and real-world troubleshooting scenarios that mirror the challenges faced by professional technicians. Instruction will blend clear, scaffolded demonstrations with problem-based learning to help students build confidence as they interpret wiring diagrams, test circuits, analyze sensor data, and use advanced diagnostic tools. By combining industry-aligned content with effective, student-centered strategies, this strand equips learners with the critical electrical skills and technical reasoning needed to excel in advanced coursework and thrive in the rapidly evolving diesel industry.
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Courtney Lamb
Strand Tagline: Deepen your geometry expertise and elevate student learning with Idaho Standards Academy.
Strand Description: Calling all Idaho math teachers! Join the Idaho Standards Academy for an engaging and impactful professional learning experience designed specifically for your grade level. This strand dives deep into the big ideas of Geometry, helping teachers strengthen their understanding of math content standards and research-aligned teaching practices. Participants will explore concepts such as area, perimeter, angles, and geometric reasoning through participating in STEM problem-based learning tasks.
They will collaborate to design standards-aligned curricula and evaluate classroom resources. Equipped with hands-on manipulatives, professional memberships, and practical tools, participants will leave empowered to create dynamic math experiences for learners and foster student success in geometrical thinking. The session also includes collaborative opportunities to design standards-aligned lessons, evaluate instructional materials, and integrate technology and inquiry-based practices into geometry instruction. Equipped with hands-on resources, professional memberships, and practical classroom tools, participants will leave prepared to strengthen geometry instruction and create dynamic, high-quality STEM learning experiences that foster students’ geometric reasoning and success.
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Erin Johnson
Strand Tagline: Modern STEM careers demand perseverance, creativity, and the ability to try, fail, reflect, and try again. This workshop equips educators with practical strategies—and classroom-ready materials—to help students embrace frustration as part of authentic learning.
Strand Description: Get ready to fail—on purpose! How to Fail is a playful, hands-on iSTEM strand where teachers dive into STEM challenges designed to spark curiosity, frustration, creativity, and lots of laughter. In this upbeat session, you’ll explore why struggle is actually the secret sauce of innovation and pick up easy-to-use strategies for helping students push through tough moments without shutting down. You’ll build, break, redesign, reflect, and walk away with a classroom STEM kit packed with materials to bring these “fail forward” experiences straight to your kids. If you’re ready to rethink failure as a superpower, this strand is for you!
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: April Taylor
Strand Tagline: Deepen your geometry expertise and elevate student learning with Idaho Standards Academy.
Strand Description: Calling All Idaho Math Teachers! Join the Idaho Standards Academy for an engaging and impactful professional learning experience designed specifically for your grade level. This strand dives deep into the big ideas of Geometry, helping teachers strengthen their understanding of math content standards and research-aligned teaching practices. We will explore the geometric spatial relationships of our physical world through STEM problem based learning tasks.
Our investigations of shape structures, attributes, properties, compositions, decompositions, and foundational fraction understandings will help us collaboratively design standards-aligned curricula and evaluate classroom resources. Equipped with hands-on manipulatives, professional memberships, and practical tools, participants will leave empowered to create dynamic math experiences for learners and foster student success in geometrical thinking.
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Kimberlie Sistrunk
Strand Tagline: Connecting Concepts Through Magnetic Play
Strand Description: Get ready to play, build and imagine in this high-energy STEM strand where Magnetic Tiles take center stage! Educators will jump into hands-on challenges that spark creativity, teamwork, and big thinking. You’ll explore clear ways to teach academic skills, engineering, and problem-solving through joyful, low-prep activities that fit easily into any classroom. Expect lots of laughs, “aha!” moments and ideas you want to try the very next day. Come build, connect and discover how a little magnetic magic can transform student engagement and bring STEM to life!
Your Kit will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Renee Watterson
Strand Tagline: This strand will use 3D modeling to enhance lessons while incorporating state standards.
Strand Description: In this hands-on course, teachers will explore the exciting world of 3D design, modeling, and printing. Teachers will learn how to create and modify 3D digital models, prepare them for printing, and produce real-world prototypes for use in the classroom. The course emphasizes problem-solving, creativity, and engineering design processes while connecting to state standards to enhance their students’ learning.
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Daniel Babiracki
Strand Tagline: Learn how to create custom apps to automate repetitive tasks, keep track of information, and streamline your workflows!
Strand Description: Unlock the power of automation in your classroom with this hands-on workshop designed to transform how you manage educational workflows. Using Microsoft PowerApps (a user-friendly & low-code platform), participants will learn to design and build custom applications tailored to their specific needs. This strand emphasizes pedagogical strategies that leverage technology to reduce administrative burden, allowing educators to redirect their energy toward high-impact instruction and personalized student support. By mastering these tools, you not only streamline your own work as an educator but also model critical digital literacy and computational thinking skills, demonstrating to students how they can become creators, not just consumers, of technology.
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Dr. Gina Kwid
Strand Tagline: Empowering educators to unlock creativity and inspire future innovators through micro:bit coding.
Strand Description: Join us for an engaging iSTEM professional development session focused on micro:bit coding! This hands-on workshop will introduce educators to the versatile micro:bit platform, empowering them to integrate coding and computational thinking into their classrooms. Participants will explore real-world applications of micro:bit, learn how to design interactive projects, and discover strategies for fostering creativity and problem-solving in students. Whether you’re new to coding or looking to deepen your skills, this training will provide practical tools and resources to make STEM learning exciting and accessible for all learners.
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Blaire Thrasher
Strand Tagline: Our in-person Engineering byDesign™ Teacher Workshops combine in-depth training on engineering principles, immersive real-world projects, and valuable networking to equip you with the skills to inspire students and elevate your classroom practice.
Strand Description: Join us for an exciting and immersive 4-day teacher training, where you’ll dive into the Engineering byDesign™ (EbD™) curriculum (free for all Idaho educators) for elementary, middle, and high schools. This hands-on training will provide you with practical experience through engaging activities and collaborative projects, ensuring you are well prepared to bring these innovative courses to your students. You’ll explore the core concepts and methodologies of EbD™, participate in real-world engineering challenges and learn effective strategies to enhance student engagement and learning. Throughout the workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to connect and collaborate with fellow educators, building a supportive network that will extend beyond the training. This promises to be an enriching experience, equipping you with the skills and confidence to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals. Get ready to transform your teaching and ignite your students’ passion for engineering technology education!
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Celeste Hansen
Strand Tagline: Integrate STEM into Health with lab simulations and classroom activities demonstrating how communicable diseases spread and effective methods of preventing transmission.
Strand Description: This strand engages teachers in interactive modeling, inquiry-based labs, and formative assessment techniques—that make communicable disease concepts engaging and relevant. Participants will practice lab simulations that visualize transmission dynamics, collaborate on standards aligned lesson planning, and develop classroom activities and assessments that emphasize prevention, ethics, and equity. A guided field trip connects classroom learning to real world public health and healthcare career pathways, while collaborative planning time ensures teachers leave with ready to implement lessons and assessments that improve student understanding, critical thinking, and career awareness.
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment
Lead Instructor: Dr. Allison Roxburgh
Strand Tagline: Deepen your geometry expertise and elevate student learning with Idaho Standards Academy
Strand Description: Calling All Idaho Math Teachers! Join the Idaho Standards Academy for an engaging and impactful professional learning experience designed specifically for your grade level. This strand dives deep into the big ideas of Geometry, helping teachers strengthen their understanding of math content standards and research-aligned teaching practices. Participants will explore concepts such as classifying and comparing shapes, area and perimeter, and geometric reasoning through participating in a variety of STEM problem-based learning tasks. They will also collaborate to design standards-aligned curricula and to evaluate classroom resources. Equipped with hands-on manipulatives and practical tools, participants will leave empowered to create dynamic math experiences for learners and foster student success in geometrical thinking.
Your kits will/may include: Each educator receives an activity kit with hands-on materials adaptable for individual learners, small groups, or whole-class instruction. All kits include 30+ supplemental materials for ongoing, flexible classroom use.
Setting(s): Formal Classroom, Informal Learning Environment