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VAST Center Support for Local Districts

The Science Team at Â鶹¹ÙÍø 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 offerÌýclassroom & 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 Â鶹¹ÙÍø Science Consultant Maria Hasken-Averkamp (mhasken-averkamp@gwaea.org.)
  • For questions or requests related to FOSS kit delivery and pickup, reach out to the VAST Center at vast@gwaea.org.

Connect With Us!

  • Check out past or to our Newsletter
  • Sign up for the from the Iowa Department of Education

Professional LearningÌý

  • Future Digitarium Professional Learning (coming soon!)
  • Future OpenSciEd Professional Learning (coming soon!)

Micro-Credentials

are asynchronous learning opportunities that allow participants to decide which elements best suit their personal and professional practice. Â鶹¹ÙÍø science consultants have made several science based Micro-credentials to help make your license renewal easier than ever!


Additional Resources

FOSS Resources and Supports




OpenSciEd Resources and Supports




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    • Check back for future professional learning for OSE
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Additional Science Resources




Literacy Connection




Suggested Books from GWAEA Science Consultants




Center Name

The center was named the Van Allen Science Teaching Center, in honor of Dr. James Van Allen. Want to learn more about the history? Check out