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"IMpACT"ing Science Standards Implementation
The Implementation Map for Administrators, Coaches and Teachers (IMpACT) is a tool designed as a self-reflection to assist in determination of the level of implementation of the Iowa Science Standards and the five innovations of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
These innovations include: the use of relevant phenomena, three-dimensional learning, coherence of instruction, integration of math and ELA, and a focus on addressing inequalities.
The IMpACT draws heavily from Achieve's EQuIP Rubric for Science and PEEC alignment tools, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction as well as the NGSS Appendices.
IMpACT areas of focus include:
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IMpACT Resources and Links
There are now a variety of resources to support use of the IMpACT, including:
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IMpACT website: includes basic information about the IMpACT tool, as well as links to supporting resources and aligned resources
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Supporting resources: IMpACT users can find a Quick Start Guide as well as a Reflection Guide, both of which will help navigate the process of using and benefiting from the IMpACT
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Aligned resources: Users will find a collection of resources for each criteria/aspect of the IMpACT. Once the user has selected a goal or focus area, linked resources will support additional professional learning.
Who benefits from using the IMpACT?
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Administrators - It should be noted that the IMpACT is not designed as a teacher evaluation tool. School leaders may choose to use the IMpACT as means to inform conversations with science teachers, assist in making decisions about instructional materials and curriculum, and/or generally support teachers’ implementation of the Iowa Science Standards and three-dimensional teaching and learning outlined in the NGSS.
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Instructional Coaches - The IMpACT can serve as a meaningful resource during coaching cycles and professional learning. Instructional coaches might use the IMpACT to help teachers initially characterize their implementation of the Iowa science standards and help to inform the focus of subsequent coaching conversations. Resources on IowaCore.gov provide support during coaching cycles.
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In- and Pre-service Teachers - The IMpACT gives teachers intentional language around the implementation of the Iowa science standards. Teachers may choose to focus on one criteria, one aspect of one criterion, or use the entire IMpACT to characterize their implementation. The descriptors for each aspect of implementation should provide insight into what actions teachers can take to deepen implementation of the standards and help focus ongoing professional learning. Additionally, the linked resources provide targeted opportunities to learn more about each aspect.
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Informal Educators and Professional Development Providers - The IMpACT can also serve as a guide for those entities that support teachers and support science education in informal environments. The criteria presented are good reminders of the expectation of the Iowa Science Standards with regard to how science instruction and learning should look. Informal educators and professional development providers are encouraged to weave the IMpACT into their work, making both implied and explicit connections when able.
Midwest Environmental Education Conference - call for presentations
The Midwest Environmental Education Conference is coming to Iowa again in 2021. Please save the dates of July 26-29, 2021 and make plans to join us in scenic Decorah, Iowa! The Iowa Conservation Education Coalition (ICEC) is the host organization.
MEEC is a biannual, regional conference hosted on a rotating basis by Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. It brings together hundreds of environmental and conservation educators of all kinds from across the Midwest to learn, share, and be inspired.
Exploring Community: Land, People, Water is our 2021 theme. How can we explore and re-define “community” to include all land, water, and people? What are we learning about how these systems support, enhance, and depend on each other?
How can environmental education, conservation, and outdoor recreation work together to support, enhance, and create vibrant, sustainable, resilient, healthy communities for all?
We are announcing that the 2021 Conference Call for Presentations is now open. Proposals due by November 1, 2020 and are to be submitted via Google Form link found on the Call for Presentations webpage. We hope that you will consider sharing your expertise and knowledge with others from throughout the Midwest.
Please visit the conference website often for updates on keynote and plenary speakers! https://meeconference.org/
If you have questions please contact Linette Bernard, project coordinator.
Opportunities from the Blank Park Zoo
The Blank Park Zoo would once again like to invite educators to professional development opportunities that will be held at Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines on the dates listed below. The workshops are good for one hour of license renewal credit. In light of these strange times, take a break and consider joining us for fun, food, animals, and ideas to use in your classrooms!
This year, we will be monitoring the virus numbers in the area and across the state, and if they are high, we may have to cancel or postpone a workshop. We do have a larger, new facility, which will make safe distancing easier, and will notify participants as soon as possible. Fingers crossed that things will improve!
Participants in our workshops engage in relevant inquiry investigations that are connected to the Iowa Core and Next Generation Science Standards, learn research-based instructional practices, and gain knowledge and ideas that will be useful in their classrooms. Lessons are flexible, allowing teachers to adjust for their students’ abilities; and relate to all age groups in several subject areas (science, literacy, mathematics, social studies, and the arts).
Academic Year 2020/21 – All held at Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines, IA
November 20/21, 2020 – Habitats and Adaptations
January 22/23, 2021 – Wild Genes
February 26/27 – Biomimicry and Inspiration
April 9/10 – Zoo Structure and Design
Late April, 2021; final date to be determined and will be posted on the website – Wonders of Water
Registration forms may be found on the zoo website – https://www.blankparkzoo.com under Education/Just for Teachers. They may be submitted electronically. Participants should contact Kathy McKee at 515-974-2557 or kamckee@blankparkzoo.net if they have any questions.
New Resources to Support Engaging with the Science and Engineering Practices
Iowa's science standards are three-dimensional. That is, each standard is written to include a Science and Engineering Practice, Core Idea, and a Crosscutting Concept. Experts believe that the Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) should be taught as a "cascade of practices" (Bell, et al., 2011) rather than thinking about them like the traditional scientific method which which many teachers are familiar.
Supporting students' engagement in the SEPs in meaningful ways is a great way to ensure they have the skills and habits of mind required to deeply understand scientific investigations and phenomena.
This new collection of resources can be found on the Iowa Core website and will help teachers discover the answers to these questions:
- What are the Science and Engineering Practices?
- What do educators need to know about each Science and Engineering Practice?
- How might students engage with the Science and Engineering Practices?
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Planning for Effective Science from the Council of State Science Supervisors
The Council of State Science Supervisor's Leadership and Policy Committee has developed a collection of five "two-pagers" outlining some back-to-school considerations for science teachers and those who support them. Each PDF consists of an overview, reflection questions, a vignette for discussion, as well as other resources. You can find each document using the links below, or download all five HERE.
Overview - PDF
Instruction - PDF
Assessment - PDF
Curriculum - PDF
Social-emotional well-being and Safety - PDF
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Stay Current on National Science Education Trends and Research
Next Gen Navigator is a monthly e-newsletter delivering information, insights, resources, and professional learning opportunities for science educators by science educators on the Next Generation Science Standards and three-dimensional instruction.
The September 2020 issue provides a discussion around the importance of teachers practicing self-care by finding and participating in communities of learners.
Visit https://www.nsta.org/publications/archive-nextgennavigator.aspx to sign up and access archived past issues.
Eric Hall
Science Consultant
Bureau of Leading, Teaching, Learning Services
Iowa Department of Education
Grimes State Office Building
400 E 14th St
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-689-3717
eric.hall@iowa.gov
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