Iowa Core Website

This is not the first time I have visited the Iowa Core website, and definitely forsee it to not be my last. For the previous times I have, I have searched it with intent to find standards to apply in lesson plans purely for class assignments and have not taken the time to explore.

New findings:
*Webcasts- haven't used one before and am interested to see what topics they continue to add
*FAQ- always a great quick reference guide when in doubt
*Background- Until now, I wasn't sure of the motivation and purpose of why it was implemented as well as what it is trying to ultimately accomplish. I hope to see this benefitting Iowa so that it continues to excell rather than staying stagnant and actually riding on the bottom of the scale.
*Educator's Tab: There are a ton more options of links after clicking on the Educators PK-12 tab that give a variety of resources and helpful hints into bettering the curriculum and education of Iowa students.

Actually, I could go on and on about what I discovered once I actually took the time to explore the page but I won't because that would take far too long. Long story short, there is an endless amount of resources and information that aids not only educators but parents and students as well that I hope truthfully increase the level of education back up to Iowa's standards. There are always some areas of concern and questions regarding the intent, however if people utilize it correctly and wisely progress should be made.

As for Science, grades 3-5:
Earth and space, life and physical sciences all play a major role in the focus of the level of education. Each of which include 4-5 essential concepts and/or skills that students need to "Understand and apply knowledge of." I also found it interesting that there is a tab for age level as well as a tab for "By Disciple" that includes "Science as Inquiry." This page to me was somewhat confusing at first, but once I figured it out it seemed to be quite useful for my future as a science educator.

As the exploration has just begun, the journey shall continue along with fun.