STEM Summer Institute 2026

Generative AI is quickly becoming a practical classroom tool—not as a replacement for educators, but as a time-saving thought partner. This session focuses on how intentional prompting can help teachers work smarter, reduce administrative load, and reclaim time for instruction and student connection. Participants will learn how well-crafted prompts can support everyday tasks such as lesson planning, differentiating instruction, creating formative assessments, drafting feedback, and communicating with families—while maintaining professional judgment and instructional integrity.

Designed for educators at a beginner to developing level, this session emphasizes clarity, efficiency, and alignment to classroom goals rather than technical complexity. Attendees will explore prompt structures that produce usable, classroom-ready outputs and practice refining prompts to improve accuracy and relevance. The session will also address guardrails for responsible use, including data privacy, bias awareness, and when human expertise must remain central.

Participants will leave with practical prompt examples, a reusable prompting framework, and a clearer understanding of how generative AI can streamline workflows—allowing educators to focus their energy where it matters most: student learning.

This session introduces Quantum Adventure, a teacher‑friendly approach to bringing quantum science into K–12 classrooms using carefully curated, ready‑to‑use materials. With quantum information now widely discussed but often overwhelming for both teachers and students, this session provides a structured pathway for meaningful exploration. Participants will receive vetted resources, simplified explanations, and activity‑ready tools that reduce prep time and eliminate the uncertainty of searching the internet for accurate quantum content. The goal is to empower educators to confidently facilitate quantum learning experiences that spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and make advanced concepts approachable for all learners.

The College of Letters & Science at Montana State University is at the heart of innovation, discovery, and service. Imagine your students uncovering the biology of diseases, delving into the realm of astrophysics, digging up fossils as they explore geologic time, or advocating for ethics in science and technology. This session will highlight education and career opportunities in Science, Technology, and Mathematics through MSU's largest academic unit, the College of Letters & Science. Hear from a panel of experts, including College of Letters & Science academic department leaders and top faculty. Learn important information to help your students plan for their future.

This session focuses on providing teachers (5th - 12th) a lesson that can be used with any unit focused on graphing. This lesson focuses specifically on learning about the flag of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, but would be easily adaptable to any flag used by tribes located within Montana.