Iowa Science Phenomena is an innovative website and service designed to create, curate, collect and share a growing collection of online media-based, standards-aligned, user generated science phenomena resources for use in Iowa classrooms and beyond.

• Browse phenomena
• Integrate phenomena into your classroom
• Contribute phenomena to the project

The Basics of Phenomena-Based Instruction

What exactly is a “phenomenon” in science instruction? Simply put, it’s something students can observe that makes them curious and gives them a reason to ask questions.

Phenomena-based instruction uses those questions to drive learning. Instead of beginning with a list of facts, students observe, wonder, investigate, and build the knowledge and skills they need to explain or predict what they see. The most powerful phenomena are often connected to students’ own lives and communities. A local flood, an unusually warm winter, or changes in a nearby ecosystem can make science meaningful and relevant.

The Iowa Science Phenomena collection brings this approach to life with media-based phenomena from across Iowa, created for Iowa educators and aligned to the Iowa Science Standards. Curious about how to get started? Explore this article featuring insights from Iowa Department of Education Science Consultant Dr. Chris Like, featured phenomena for all grade-ranges, and discover practical ways to use phenomena to spark student curiosity and drive science learning.