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VAST Center Support for Local Districts

The Science Team at Grant Wood Â鶹´«Ã½AV 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 offer classroom & 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 Grant Wood Â鶹´«Ã½AV Science Consultant Maria Hasken-Averkamp (mhasken-averkamp@gwaea.org.)
• For questions or requests related to FOSS or OpenSciEd (limited availability) kit delivery and pickup, please reach out to the VAST Center at vast@gwaea.org.
• NEW for Spring 2026: The VAST Center now has elementary OpenSciEd first released unit kits available for rent. Reach out to Science Consultant Maria Hasken-Averkamp at mhasken-averkamp@gwaea.org to inquire about this new option.
• Supports for OpenSciEd implementation through scheduled professional learning experiences and in-district science consultant support are available. Find out about upcoming dates by contacting Maria Hasken-Averkamp (mhasken-averkamp@gwaea.org.)

Connect With Us!

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

Professional Learning 

• Request OpenSciEd Professional Learning customized to district requests to mhasken-averkamp@gwaea.org
• Spring 2026 FOSS Grades K-8 Session on February 26, 2026 (See )
• Introduction to OpenSciEd for Elementary Units K.1, 1.1, and 2.1 on June 9, 2026 ()
• Introduction to OpenSciEd for Elementary Units 3.1, 4.1, and 5.1 on June 11, 2026 ()

Additional Resources