STEM Connections - Idaho Science and Math Conference

During the first weekend in October, I went back to Idaho for the Idaho Science and Math Conference - STEM Connections. The conference provides an opportunity for Idaho educators to network, collaborate, and learn about skills, strategies, and resources for use in the classroom. The Idaho STEM Action Center was ever present as an exhibitor but also presenting on their work, soliciting input from educators, and sharing about opportunities offered for receiving and teaching professional development. The keynote speakers for both days were fantastic! Dr. Josh Smith shared about the power of phenomena and how we can facilitate instruction through the natural process of observation. Dr. Michelle Carney and Dr. Joe Champion shared ways to look for meaning in student data to guide instruction. We examined samples of student work, looked at creating spreadsheets that could help identify areas of need, including issues with questions, and learned about the usefulness of ISAT Interim Assessment Blocks (IAB) for determining concepts mastered and needing more instruction.

Sessions included numerous opportunities for bringing engaging math and science experiences for students. Digital tools, students challenges, and more were available for engaging students in STEM content areas. PBS Learning Media (https://idahoptv.pbslearningmedia.org/) amazed me with the fantastic digital resources available at no cost through their program.  All content areas are covered, including engineering, and all grade levels.  As an Einstein Fellow at the Library of Congress, I was excited to hear they used primary sources from the Library of Congress. I also like learning about the Army Educational Outreach Program (https://www.usaeop.com/).  They offer lessons and opportunities for students and educators. Idaho needs more teams participating in the 6th-9th grade ecybermission (https://www.usaeop.com/program/ecybermission/).  Check it out!

Things are changing for next year. The combined conference will be held in August rather than over Idaho's October days.  The conference will be held in northern Idaho giving all of us in the southwest or eastern parts of Idaho a chance to experience some cooler temperatures before September. I plan to attend and hope to see you there!