2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference

This presentation will explore the transformative power of student-driven learning in fostering sensemaking in the classroom. Drawing on practical examples and research-based insights, the presentation will highlight how student-centered strategies, supported by technology like Nearpod, can empower students to take ownership of their learning, develop critical thinking skills, and construct meaningful understanding.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Not Applicable

Bring Earth and space science to life with three powerful, free digital tools your students will love! This hands-on session introduces Stellarium, Universe Sandbox, and NOAA’s Science On a Sphere Explorer (SOSx)—interactive platforms that make complex science concepts more engaging and accessible.

Use Stellarium to take your students on a virtual journey through the night sky. They'll model lunar phases, eclipses, and seasons, explore planetary motion, and visualize the Sun-Earth-Moon system.

Then, experiment with Universe Sandbox, a physics-based space simulator where students can create their own solar systems, simulate orbital dynamics, and investigate gravitational interactions—an innovative way to deepen understanding of planetary motion and forces.

Finally, dive into SOS Explorer, a tool for visualizing real-world data on Earth’s systems. Students can explore weather patterns, long-term data, atmospheric circulation, and the natural greenhouse effect with interactive datasets from NOAA.

Each of these tools supports the Utah 6th Grade SEEd Standards, with strong alignment to Strand 6.1 (Structure and Motion within the Solar System) and Strand 6.3 (Earth’s Weather Patterns and Climate). The session emphasizes three-dimensional learning by incorporating scientific modeling, data analysis, and systems thinking.

Participants will leave with practical strategies, classroom-ready resources, and inspiration to integrate these tools into inquiry-based lessons. Whether you're new to digital platforms or looking to expand your toolkit, this session will help you elevate your science instruction.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Not Applicable, Mac Laptop, Windows Laptop, Chromebook

Come participate in a highly engaging writing experience that you can take back to modify and share with your students. This session will outline a start to finish process as an example of what is possible with the combination of tools used to create a final student product. This training will showcase WeWillWrite (grades 4-12), Google Slides, and Adobe Express in a mashup that will keep your students immersed in writing, collaborative group work, creating, and problem solving.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Device that connects to the internet

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Mac Laptop, Windows Laptop, Android Tablet / Smartphone, iPad / iPhone, Windows Tablet / Smartphone, Chromebook

Research on the foundations of literacy development emphasizes the importance of executive functioning skills such as planning, focusing, cognitive flexibility, problem solving, and information processing. Teachers can support children’s executive functioning skill development through classroom activities and play-based learning.

This session provides ideas and activities teachers can use across the elementary education years to promote executive functioning skills which are essential for supporting effective learning in literacy and across all learning domains.


Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Android Tablet / Smartphone, iPad / iPhone, Windows Tablet / Smartphone

Garden grown and student tested, the Polleneighbors Bin is filled with 3D printed pollen, digital microscopes, and preserved flowers and pollinators from Red Butte Garden. You and your 2nd graders will dive into plant structures, functions, and patterns alongside discussions and research on pollinators and habitats. With three lessons covering SEEd Standards 2.2.1-2.2.3, this bin equips you with innovative resources to nurture your young scientists.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Not Applicable

Join us for an engaging and dynamic professional development experience where science teachers across the state will gain exclusive insights into Utah’s newest curriculum designed to equip teachers with the latest tools and knowledge to bring water science, conservation, and stewardship to life in their classrooms!
The team made up of former educators, policy makers, and science specialists will dive deep into Utah’s most precious resource—water—providing overview of lessons on water cycle, watersheds, the importance of the Great Salt Lake, and the impact of water conservation on our communities and future generations.
This interactive session will provide hands-on activities and ready-to-use lesson plans to help teachers meet curriculum standards while making science exciting and relevant for students. You will gain insight into the ecology, sustainability, and management of Utah’s water systems, explore the impacts of drought and population growth, and discover ways to inspire students to become water-wise problem solvers.
Whether you're looking for innovative activities, new storytelling techniques, or strategies for incorporating real-world environmental challenges into your lessons, you will find activities to make water science fun, relevant, and impactful for students. Don’t miss this chance to expand your expertise in water science and conservation, collaborate with fellow educators, and help shape the next generation of water-wise citizens.


Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Not Applicable

Too often students who are severely credit deficient become hopeless and drop out of school. The new Focused Graduation Pathway (FGP) provides these students with the opportunity to stay in school and acquire the necessary high school level knowledge and skills needed to pass the GED® test. The FGP will provide a student with a High School Credential and allow them to graduate in the same year as their peers. This session will provide a brief overview of the GED® test and the FGP, including how to bring the pathway into your school or district.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Not Applicable

Join us for an interactive session where you'll discover Mission.io, the ultimate learning adventure that’s free for all rural schools! We’ll guide you through setting up your account, launching your first student mission, and exploring data that shows how schools using Mission.io see RISE scores improve at twice the rate.

This isn’t just another ed-tech tool, it’s a game-changing experience that blends immersive learning with real-world application. Watch as students become engaged problem-solvers, mastering concepts in a way that sticks.

Come ready to explore, set up your school’s free access, and see firsthand how Mission.io is transforming education. Your students are ready for liftoff, are you? 🚀

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Mac Laptop, Windows Laptop, Chromebook