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Welcome to the Iowa Science Phenomena website! The goal of this website and service is to create, curate, collect and share a growing collection of user-generated, media-based, standards aligned, science phenomena resources for use in Iowa classrooms, as well as support Iowa teachers as they continue to implement phenomena-based and place-based teaching practices.

There are several ways you can be involved in this project:

Questions? Please contact us at phenomena@iowapbs.org.

Owl Diversity in Iowa

Nine different owl species call Iowa home and are found in different regions of the state, each with a unique look and habitat.

Trumpeter Swan Population Decline and Restoration

Almost 20 years after the Iowa DNR began efforts to reintroduce the Trumpeter swan population in Iowa, the program is succeeding.

Iowa Snow Plow Technology

When keeping Iowa roads safe during the winter, there are several aspects to consider including cost of equipment, removing snow and ice without damaging roads, and safety of personnel.

Storm Chasers Describe Rapidly Changing Storm

When the Iowa Storm Chasing Network initially began chasing the 2008 Aplington-Parkersburg EF-5 Tornado, the team thought there was a weakly rotating wall cloud typical of a “regular tornado”. The wall cloud turned into a mile-wide killer.

Prairie Plants and the Carbon Cycle

Roots of prairie plants are developed through centuries of growth. These deep roots will take the carbon out of the air add nutrients to the soil when they die, contributing to rich soil.

Fox Squirrels

Squirrels use unique body features to help them jump and balance.

Diversity of Iowa Lichen

This video features images of a variety of lichen species found in...

Capturing and Distributing Solar Energy in Rural Iowa

Farmers Electric Cooperative in Kalona, Iowa, is using solar panels to...

Solar Sustainability Program

This program in Eastern Iowa supports extending solar power use in the area.

Spittlebugs of Iowa

The spittlebug creates a foam that it hides in while it feeds on the sap of a plant.

Decreasing Ruffed Grouse Habitat

The male Ruffed Grouse’s ideal mating habitat is dwindling in Iowa.

Iowa's Geology Diversity

This phenomena demonstrates Iowa's geologic diversity across the state...

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