VAST Center Support for Local Districts

The Grant Wood AEA Van Allen Science Teaching Center (VAST) is committed to providing opportunities to learn in a hands-on, minds-on oriented classroom using research-based, comprehensive curriculum for ALL students. VAST seeks to provide structure to experience science with the integration of reading, writing and mathematics.

Districts and educators receive assistance with curriculum, instruction, assessment and professional learning.

Curriculum

Instruction

Research-based high quality instructional materials are continuously updated to current versions. Classroom materials are provided to every student so they can experience hands-on, minds-on science learning opportunities. Grade-to-grade learning progressions builds on each other to offer every student the opportunity to learn the key concepts that lead to science literacy.

Assessment

Classroom summative and formative assessments are included in the curriculum units.

Professional Learning

Grant Wood AEA provides access to high quality professional development classes that are directly relevant to teachers’ classroom science teaching responsibility, with some opportunities targeting new teachers.

Grant Wood AEA science consultants are also available to support educators leading professional learning opportunites.

Professional Learning Resources

• Technical materials assistance from the VAST Center staff
• Iowa Core Module 1 (AEA Learning Online)

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Additional Resources