STEM Summer Institute 2026

STEM Summer Institute 2026

12:00 MDT

Check-In and Badge Pick-Up

13:00 MDT

Every Classroom, Every Subject: Building Data Literacy in Grades 2–8 Norm HallAnnette Brickley Math as a Lens for Our Stories: Cultivating Curiosity with Data (K-5) Norm HallKatrina Engeldrum Rooted in Relevance Norm HallMelissa Goretskie

17:30 MDT

Welcome Reception Museum of the Rockies

08:00 MDT

Check-In, Breakfast and Exhibits Open Norm Hall

09:00 MDT

Keynote: Cultivating Expert Learners Not Just Expert Knowers Norm HallValerie Otero

10:15 MDT

Break and Transition to Sessions TBA

10:30 MDT

Increasing Classroom Efficiency with Generative AI Prompting Norm HallMary Anne Skinner Mathematics as a Language: Building Numeracy That Powers STEM Norm HallThelma Fernandez Rooted in Place: IEFA and Environmental Science Norm HallConnie Michael Spark Insight: Easy Data Science Integration for K-12 Educators Norm HallLee Ellen Harmer TBD Norm HallSam Massey • Diandra Lewis

11:30 MDT

Lunch and Learn-Exploring OpenSciEd High School from Carolina TBA Lunch and Visit Exhibitors

12:45 MDT

AI for Inquiry: Designing Better Questions, Investigations, and STEM ChallengesJason Neiffer Patterns, Play, & PurposeKatrina Engeldrum Quantum AdventureVryann James Sison Using the science of learning in STEM classroomsJeannie Chipps

14:45 MDT

Break and Visit Exhibitors TBA

15:15 MDT

NotebookLM as a Trusted STEM Companion Norm HallVryann James Sison Plants and Culture: Science and Culture Tradition meet in the Classroom Norm HallAislee Olmstead STEM-ulating Activities for People and the Planet Norm HallCorinne Day Student Led Consensus Building Using Student-Generated Data Norm HallMary Webb Using "Pedagogical Tools" to Facilitate Model-Building Activities Norm HallValerie Otero Wiring Curiosity to Career: Building UAS Pathways Through Hands-On STEM Norm Hall

08:00 MDT

Check-in, Breakfast and Visit Exhibitors TBA

08:30 MDT

AI Playdate: 8:30 – 10:30 | AI Playdate: Practical Exploration for STEM Educators Norm Hall

10:30 MDT

Break and Last Chance to Visit Exhibitors TBA

11:00 MDT

Culture and FoodCharla Lake Data Science Across K-12: Building Student Engagement and Future-Ready SkillsLee Ellen Harmer Explore Quantum Career ConnectionsJeannie Chipps • Molly Iversen Fire, Soil, and Sensemaking: Designing STEM Investigations That All Students Can AccessAcer Pitas-Pilo Lessons from the Field: Building Your Own AI Literacy-Focused Community of PracticeConnor Mulvaney STEM Opportunities in MSU's College of Letters & Science

12:00 MDT

13:00 MDT

Panel Discussion/Lightning Rounds Norm Hall

14:00 MDT

Break and Transition to Breakout Sessions None

14:15 MDT

Empowering Students with AI: A free Resource for EducatorsSierrah Paul Fire Ecology: Rapid Forest Assessment as a Tool for Monitoring Change Norm HallDavid Tuss • Suzi Taylor Geometry in the Montana Indigenous People's CultureWendy Killebrew Integrating IEFA into Math - A Usable LessonBill Becker Introduction to Growing Plants In The Classroom, the Moon and BeyondMichael Walz