Idaho elementary educators can join BootUp PD at i-STEM as we explore CS integration with local industry through physical computing!

What is i-STEM?

i-STEM is a dynamic, 4-day summer professional development program for PK-12 educators in both classroom and informal settings. Focused on project-based, hands-on learning, i-STEM equips educators with practical tools and strategies to integrate STEM effectively into their teaching. As part of i-STEM BootUp is hosting two separate strands for elementary educators; BootUp K-2 Physical Computing and BootUp 3-5 Physical Computing. Let’s learn, code, and create together—We’d love to see you there!

BootUp K-2 Physical Computing

Our strand Trailblazing with BeeBots: Idaho’s Path to Early CS Learning is four days of hands-on professional development designed to introduce K-2 educators to foundational coding and computational thinking skills through the use of BeeBots, simple programmable robots. This training connects coding activities to Idaho's local industries, such as agriculture, logistics, and environmental monitoring, providing educators with engaging, real-world contexts for teaching STEM concepts. Participants will learn to design classroom or after-school program lessons that align with state standards, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration in young learners. By integrating industry-relevant scenarios, such as simulating crop patterns or navigating delivery routes, this training equips teachers to inspire students with meaningful, localized applications of coding.

Participants will receive, the following items, plus PD credit is available!

• Six BeeBots and a charging hive each participant ($650 value). This is enough to support individual students at a center, or six groups of students working together as a whole class.
• Lesson plans and printables to support implementation in the classroom.

BootUp is thrilled to offer this strand at two different i-STEM locations:

• College of Eastern Idaho, June 10-13th
• North Idaho College, June 16-19th

Cost: Only $50
Please register by March 14 → Link to sign up
Strand Name: BootUp K-2 Physical Computing

BootUp 3-5 Physical Computing

Our strand Code the Future: Empowering Idaho's Next Generation with Micro:bits
is four days of hands-on professional development designed to introduce 3rd-5th grade educators to foundational coding and computational thinking skills through the use of Micro:bits, versatile and programmable microcontrollers. This training connects coding activities to Idaho's local industries, such as agriculture, logistics, and environmental monitoring, providing educators with engaging, real-world contexts for teaching STEM concepts. Participants will learn to design classroom or after-school program lessons that align with state standards, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration in students. By integrating industry-relevant scenarios, such as automating irrigation systems or optimizing supply chain routes, this training equips teachers to inspire students with meaningful, localized applications of technology and coding.

Participants will receive, the following items, plus PD credit is available!
A classroom set of 10 Micro:bits
Lesson plans and printables to support implementation in the classroom.

BootUp is thrilled to offer this strand at two different i-STEM locations:
College of Southern Idaho, June 9-12th
Lewis-Clark State College, June 23-26th

Cost: Only $50
Register by March 14 → Link to sign up
Strand Name: BootUp 3-5 Physical Computing