VAST Center Support for Local Districts

The Science Team at Grant Wood AEA works with school districts in Eastern Iowa to help them enhance teaching and learning with the use of science best practices. Our primary services include Instruction, Curriculum and Assessment. We offer classroom & curriculum support, coaching opportunities, and professional development to ensure success for all science educators and their students. This site includes news, information, and resources related to the work we do to support science educators.

  • Reach out with questions or requests for science support to Grant Wood AEA Science Consultant Maria Hasken-Averkamp (mhasken-averkamp@gwaea.org.)
  • For questions or requests related to FOSS or OpenSciEd (limited availability) kit delivery and pickup, please reach out to the VAST Center at vast@gwaea.org.
  • Supports for OpenSciEd implementation through scheduled professional learning experiences and in-district science consultant support are available. Find out about upcoming dates by contacting Maria Hasken-Averkamp (mhasken-averkamp@gwaea.org.)

Connect With Us!

Professional Learning 

  • Request OpenSciEd Professional Learning customized to district requests to mhasken-averkamp@gwaea.org
  • Fall 2025 FOSS Sessions: Grades K-4 on October 21, 2025 and Grades 5-8 on October 22, 2025
  • Spring 2026 FOSS Sessions: TBD

Additional Resources

OpenSciEd Resources and Supports