Iowa Authentic Data
From Phenomena to Data Analysis:
Tools for Developing Observation Skills, Conducting Investigations, and Analyzing Data
Embedded Files
Using the Iowa Authentic Data Site.mp4Using the Iowa Authentic Data Site
Using the Iowa Authentic Data Site
The video provides a quick overview of site contents and arrangement.
This site provides a progression of discovery and observation of phenomena, conducting investigations, plus interpreting and sharing data using actual Iowa data. Teacher resources include the Iowa PBS Phenomena Project, the Field Investigations guide developed for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
The Field Investigation Process
The Field Investigation Process
Overview of Resources and Approaches
Overview of Resources and Approaches
Field Investigations, 5E Learning Model, and the Next Generation Science Standards
The chart below outlines the integration of teaching resources and approaches into the field investigation process:
Engaging With and Exploring Phenomena
Engaging With and Exploring Phenomena
Natural phenomena are observable events that we can use our science to explain or predict. The goal of building knowledge in science is to develop general ideas, based on evidence, that can explain and predict phenomena. Engineering involves designing solutions to problems that arise from phenomena, and using explanations of phenomena to design solutions. This section includes sources of phenomena for teaching as well as resources and activities to develop observation skills needed to discover and explore phenomena. It leads into development of questions that can be investigated, which is the focus of section 2.
What phenomena do you use in your teaching?
Where can we find examples of phenomena (websites - NGSS, Iowa PBS, others)?
What questions do phenomena inspire?
Conducting Field Investigations
Conducting Field Investigations
Scientists and engineers plan and carry out investigations that are systematic and require clarification of data and identification of variables or parameters. Engineering investigations identify effectiveness, efficiency, and durability of designs under different conditions. This section provides activities for conducting investigations based on questions.
Further into the Fostering Outdoor Observation Skills , the activities are more sophisticated, and align with the full investigative process. The guide also develops skills needed for measuring and recording data accurately.
This guide outlines the science process and types of investigations field biologists often employ. It provides a structured approach to teaching investigation of the natural world and phenomena.
This is a specific investigation for the school grounds or a nearby area. It does not require that the area be a high quality habitat, nor does it involve transportation. It is ideal for practicing the science process that field biologists use. It provides activities for conducting a field investigation, including collecting, recording, analyzing, and explaining data.
Project WILD and Aquatic WILD
Project WILD and Aquatic WILD
Additional Field Investigations, as well as activities that further develop skills in observation and analysis can be found in the Project WILD Guides.
Visit Iowa Project WILD for more information about the guides and how to get them.
Analyzing and Explaining Data Sets
Analyzing and Explaining Data Sets
A critical component of science is being able to use data to explain phenomena, solve problems, and develop models. Results are organized into categories in tables, charts, graphs, maps, and/or other written forms making appropriate calculations. Populations or distributions can be estimated. Patterns and trends in the data are observed and described. Relationships are identified in the data and how these patterns identified in the data provide evidence for a conclusion or claim is described. Arguments/explanations are constructed to answer the original questions. Information is shared with others.
This section focuses on analyzing data collected by students and other authentic data sets. Some resources are available as hard copy. Those provided electronically are linked here.
Elementary
Elementary
Iowa frog and toad monitoring survey data analysis
Iowa bald eagle data analysis
Page updated
Report abuse