2019-'20 IOWA-Q
(Iowa Water and Air Quality)

Since August 2000, the Science Center for Teaching, Outreach, and Research on Meteorology (The STORM Project) has been actively engaged in

• Curriculum Development
  • 20 classroom activities that engage student interest by using current weather information
  • Real time weather imagery available online
  • Field tested by over 170 teachers in 20 states
  • Designed to meet National Science Education Standards and Benchmarks for Science Literacy

• Teacher Training
  • STORM has been active in teacher professional development since 2000, including content intensive summer workshops on air quality as well as weather analysis and forecasting.

Learn more about the STORM Project.

GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) is an international hands-on, primary and secondary school-based education and science program that provides students and the public worldwide with the opportunity to participate in data collection and the scientific process, and contribute to our understanding of the Earth system and global environment. GLOBE provides grade level-appropriate, interdisciplinary activities and investigations about the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and soil/pedosphere, which have been developed by the scientific community and validated by teachers.  GLOBE connects students, teachers, scientists, and citizens from different parts of the world to conduct real, hands-on science about their local environment and put in a global perspective. The GLOBE program has been active at UNI since 1999.

 GLOBE is a World Wide Network:

• 121 countries;

• Over 28,000 schools;

• Students work with research scientists;

• Students and scientists work together to study the global environment.

 GLOBE Integrates Science, Math and Technology:

• Students learn about the environment by participating in a scientific endeavor;

• Students learn to use technology in meaningful and appropriate ways;

• Students practice science and math skills to answer questions about their world.

For STUDENTS, GLOBE provides the opportunity to learn by:

• Taking scientifically valid measurements in the fields of atmosphere, hydrology, soils, and land cover/phenology - depending upon their local curricula

• Reporting their data through the Internet

• Publishing their research projects based on GLOBE data and protocols

• Creating maps and graphs on the free interactive Web site to analyze data sets

• Collaborating with scientists and other GLOBE students around the world

For TEACHERS, GLOBE provides assistance through:

• Training at professional development workshops

• Access the Teacher's Guide with learning activities, "how-to" videos, and other educational materials and resources

• Continuing support from a Help Desk, scientists, and partners

• Contact with other teachers, students, and scientists worldwide

During the IOWA-Q Institute we will concentrate on activities related to weather, seasons, and science as inquiry.

Learn more about the GLOBE Program.

Project WET Iowa Mission Statement:
To provide Iowa educators with professional development opportunities and resources related to local and global water issues by developing a network of Project WET educators and empowering all water users to affect responsible actions regarding water-related issues.

Project WET is an interdisciplinary water education program intended to supplement a school's existing curriculum. The goal of Project WET is to facilitate and promote the awareness, appreciation, knowledge and stewardship of water resources through the development and dissemination of classroom ready teaching aids and through the establishment of state sponsored Project WET programs.

Project WET offers:

• correlation to NGSS Standards,
• world's best water education resources,
• empowers community action to solve complex water issues.

Project WET Core Beliefs:

• Water connects us all:  Water moves through living and nonliving systems and binds them together in a complex web of life.
• Water is for all water users: Water of sufficient quality and quantity is vital for all water users (energy producers, farmers and ranchers, fish and wildlife, manufacturers, recreationists, rural and urban dwellers).
• Water must be managed sustainably:  Water resources management and education are crucial for providing tomorrow’s children with social and economic stability in a healthy and sustainable environment.
• Water depends on personal responsibility and action:  Awareness of and respect for water resources can encourage a personal, lifelong commitment of responsibility and positive community participation.

Learn more about Project WET. Visit the Iowa Project WET website.

Educational technology skills and concepts will be integrated as appropriate to specific STORM and/or GLOBE concepts throughout the IOWA-Q program. You’ll integrate those new skills into your STORM and GLOBE lessons. UNI Educational Technologists and STORM & GLOBE leaders will join forces to work side by side with you on your projects. By the end of IOWA-Q, you can have new and improved skills for integrating technology to enhance the teaching and learning process.

What technology skills and concepts might be addressed during the IOWA-Q Program?*

• Presentation Development - Addresses how to communicate science using a variety of technology tools.
• Data Collection & Analysis - Addresses how to organize and record data in a spreadsheet as well as how to chart and graph the data to assist with data analysis and interpretation.
• Using Webquests to Maximize Student Time on the Web - Addresses basic components of a Webquest and resources for accessing Webquests already available on the Web.
• Evaluating Web Sites - Addresses strategies for evaluating web sites and key questions to ask to determine the credibility and quality of a web site.
• Emerging Technologies - Addresses newer technologies that might be useful in teaching and learning.
• Web 2.0 Tools - Addresses what Web 2.0 is and sharing of a number of Web 2.0 tools, most of which have no cost.
• Google Tools - Addresses a number of Google Tools available for no cost on the web and how they might be used in teaching and learning. Tools addressed might include Google Mail, Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Sites, and more.
• BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) - Addresses both the pros and cons of the concept of allowing students to bring their own mobile technologies to use at school.
• Student Response System - Addresses a relatively inexpensive solution that allows teachers to poll students to actively engage students in a lesson.
• Teacher Productivity Tools - Addresses various tools & techniques to develop creative teaching materials such as bulletin boards.
• Today's Students - Addresses the unique needs of today's students and how this impacts teaching and learning.
• eLearning - The IOWA-Q program uses an eLearning online course environment for project leaders and participants to communicate, share resources, deliver surveys and submit documents.
• Video Conferencing/Webinar Technologies - The IOWA-Q program uses Zoom to conduct several interactive instructional webinars and for guest expert speakers to interact with participating teachers.

*The technology skills and concepts that will be addressed during IOWA-Q will depend on the workshop content and possibly the grade levels of the participants.

Learn more about UNI Instructional Technologies.

IOWA-Q Program Logistics:

• Professional development held from April 2019 through April 2020:
  • Kickoff day on May 7, 2019
  • Week of June 23-28, 2019
    • Sunday evening, June 23; 6:00-9:00 pm
    • 8 am - 5 pm; Monday-Friday
    • May be some scheduled evening activities
  • Three days the week of July 22, 2019
  • Follow on activities throughout the 2019-'20 academic year
  • Held on the UNI campus

Program Expenses:

• Food and lodging may be provided, as needed
• Reimbursement for travel expenses
• Reimbursement for teacher substitute
• Workshop materials covered by grant funds

Participant Stipend:

• Professional development during the summer and school year will result in a potential stipend of $1200.

Graduate/AEA credit:

• 3 graduate or 6 AEA recertification credits are available; PLEASE NOTE: Credits will be awarded after completing the year-long program.
• Final report due in April, 2020.
• Grades available in July, 2020.

To Apply:

• DEADLINE: Space is limited. Apply now!!
  
• Applications are now being accepted for participation in the 2019-'20 IOWA-Q program. If interested, please download and complete the application form (includes a brief questionnaire) and return to Doreen Hayek, director of the program (see contact information below).