Bittersweet in Backbone State Park
Bittersweet is an invasive plant that has been found in Backbone State Park.
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:
- Browse or search the site to find an Iowa-based phenomenon to align to your learning standard.
- Grow your phenomena skills and knowledge with our Iowa Science Phenomena Teacher Guide.
- Equip your students to engage their own curiosity and be phenomenon-finders for themselves with the Iowa Science Phenomena Student Guide.
- Capture and share your phenomena to the project.
The Cankerworm Explosion of Summer 2021
The Cedar Valley experienced a cankerworm population boom throughout the spring and summer of 2021.
Solutions to Nitrate Fluctuation
Algae’s involvement in the nitrogen and carbon cycle can cause fish kills, but it could potentially be a solution in preventing it.
Rock Quarry Locations
The location of rock quarries may offer insight to their relation to humans and the environment.
Smooth River Rock and Compilation
Small rocks have been rounded as they were carried downstream.
Amphibian Calls
A cacophony of frogs and toads call out as they emerge from the mud in early spring and start looking for mates.
Lake Foam
This lake has a slimy, protein-rich foam accumulating on the bank.
Rainscaping as Stormwater Solutions
Rainscaping is a way to reduce the impact of stormwater runoff, especially in concrete laden cities.
Oxygen Levels in Fish Raceways
Data from fish raceways show changes in oxygen levels as the water passes through raceways.
Increasing White Tail Deer Population
Increasing deer populations are causing issues in some areas.
Temperature from Compost Pile
Opening a compost pile on a chilly morning allows steam to escape and a thermometer stuck into a compost pile near the surface and deep into the pile, shows radically different temperatures on a spring day.
Thunderstorm
The sights and sounds of a spring thunderstorm in Iowa, caused by extremes in weather fronts.
Funding for Iowa Science Phenomena provided by:
