Welcome to the Central Rivers AEA Science website. Here you will find information, resources, and tools to improve science education for all students.
Central Rivers AEA will be collaborating with our science/STEM team, early childhood team, TAG and STEM teams as well as the Regents Center for Early Developmental Education. will be offering a K-2 Discover and Wonder experience for students on May 10th from 8:30-11:45. Students will rotate between a variety of hands-on, inquiry-based stations to discover and wonder about STEM concepts. Teachers will be provided with the lesson plans so that they can extend this experience into their classrooms as well. Some of the anticipated stations include:
- Water Movement
- Air Dynamics
- Bubbles
- Ramps and Pathways
- Light and Shadow
- Squishy Circuits
- Insulators/Conductors
- Hoop Gilders
- Rolling Things
- Engineering by Nature
Registration will open early March-check out the K-2 Discover and Wonder Experience site for more information and registration details
Next generation science standards
- Iowa adopted the performance expectations component of the Next Generation Science Standards as the state standard on August 6, 2015.
- Explore the full Next Generation Science Standards.
- The standards are based on the Framework for K-12 Science Education.
- Feel free to contact us to discuss ways we can assist your district with your transition to these standards.
Resources to Support Implementation of Iowa Core Science Standards
The Central Rivers AEA Science team has developed and collected a number of resources to guide an individual teacher or district’s implementation of the Iowa Science Standards. From evidence booklets to resources to that support lesson planning, you’ll find them here!
Ways to Connect with Educators Across the state
Iowa’s AEA science consultants are utilizing social media as a way to increase collaboration among teachers. Consider joining one or more of the Iowa Facebook pages to share news, ideas, resources, and questions!
Coaching Science in Iowa?
Are you an instructional coach who supports Science teachers? The Iowa Science Coaching Network is a great place to network with others. Facilitated by two instructional coaches from Southeast Polk, they host webinars throughout the year, have a Google+ Community and have a newsletter. Check out their site for more information.
STEM education in Iowa
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Education has been identified as a priority in Iowa. The Governor’s STEM Advisory Council is a partnership between business, policy and education leaders from across the state convened to bolster Iowa’s STEM education and innovation. Visit the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council for more information.
Check out our blog science for the next generation!
Periodically throughout the school year, we will discuss issues related Science Education. Check out the Science Blog and add to the conversation!
Contact us
Have a Question? Want to Know More? Contact a Science Consultant!
Cedar Falls Office
| Name | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Mandie Sanderman | Consultant for Science | Mandie Sanderman |
Clear Lake Office
| Name | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Kay Schmalen | Educational Services Consultant | Kay Schmalen |