AI4IA: AI for Biotechnology is a new STEM outreach initiative designed to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D printing into high school education through the Iowa State University Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering Chowdhury Lab. Students use interactive, research-inspired learning modules to explore how proteins interact with metals using computer-based simulations and translate those digital structures into 3D-printed models. These activities help explain real-world topics such as viral diseases and industrial biotechnology applications like enzyme-based detergents.
The mission of this program is to democratize access to cutting-edge scientific tools and make molecular biology tangible, intuitive, and engaging for high school learners. Modern tools allow researchers, and increasingly students, to predict and view protein 3D structures with near-experimental accuracy, transforming biology and dramatically accelerating research and education. Our program leverages this same technology in an educational setting, bridging the gap between frontier research and classroom learning.
The program is designed to align with emerging priorities in STEM education, including AI literacy, workforce development, and interdisciplinary learning. It is structured to be low-cost and scalable by combining freely available AI tools with accessible 3D printing resources, enabling adoption across diverse school systems.
The program consists of modular sessions that include (1) guided AI-based protein visualization, (2) interpretation of molecular function such as metal binding, and (3) hands-on interaction with 3D-printed models.
The Junior State Science & Technology Fair of Iowa (JSSTFI) provides a statewide entry point for students in grades 3–5 to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a fun, supportive, and age-appropriate way. It fosters STEM engagement through hands-on projects, simple experiments, and supportive mentorship, preparing them for more advanced opportunities such as the State Science & Technology Fair of Iowa (SSTFI).
Students in grades 3–5 bring projects in the STEM area of their choosing for the student showcase. At this developmental stage, the focus is not on competition, but on sparking curiosity, developing communication skills, and fostering the joy of scientific exploration. Instead of traditional competitive judging, youth are interviewed by supportive judges who encourage them to explain their thinking, describe their process, and share what they learned.
The program features several regional fairs across the state, ensuring young learners access to participate. Each JSSTFI event is hosted in partnership with a local science center, museum, or community organization, with interactive STEM opportunities offered by host sites to enrich the experience and extend learning beyond the fair.
Transportation Institute for High School Educators
The Transportation Institute is a professional development opportunity for Iowa high school STEM teachers. The three-week program combines a physics-based modeling approach with activities supported by professionals with the Iowa DOT and InTrans to introduce working-world civil and transportation engineering concepts to teachers with the goal of integrating transportation-related activities into Iowa classrooms and after-school programs. Through the Transportation Institute high school teachers will learn effective strategies in modeling instruction, develop classroom strategies to help students develop skills consistent with the Next Generation Science Standards and collaborate with other educators to develop modeling based and transportation-themed lessons to use in the classroom.
Teaching in the Fast Lane 1.0
Teaching in the Fast Lane 1.0 introduces Iowa elementary teachers to the world of transportation and civil engineering and assists those teachers in determining how to best translate those concepts to their specific classrooms or age groups. Through this one-week professional development workshop, K-6 educators partake in hands-on inquiry-based STEM activities that address real-world issues and go on field trips with industry experts. The workshop is presented by leading faculty and graduate students at Iowa State along with Iowa DOT engineers and science/mathematics specialists.
List items for Previous Seal of Approval Recipients
To the Moon and Back
A program offered through the Ericson Public Library in Boone developed in partnership with the Iowa Space Grant Consortium when the Ericson Public Library was completing the NASA @ My Library program, funded by the American Library Association back in 2018. The “To the Moon and Back” curriculum was designed to follow Next Generation Science Standards and developed to support public libraries across the state of Iowa to offer STEM programming in their communities.
Libraries across Iowa can find information about this program through the State Library of Iowa's listserv. The kits are also in the State Library's catalog, which makes them available through the State of Iowa interlibrary loan system, i.e. SILO, a free service where the kits arrive to the library through a service called MOBUS. See what's included in the kit.
Camp Redstone
A program offered through the Cherokee Public Library in partnership with the Sanford Museum and Planetarium designed for youth ages 8-12 to learn about geology as a way to engage and play while learning about the tangible world through the lens of Minecraft.
Cybersecurity Ambassador Program
Students and communities unite to master and disseminate crucial cybersecurity knowledge. Through engaging workshops, community outreach and hands-on experiences, these ambassadors become the vanguards of the digital world, combating threats and securing peace of mind for internet users everywhere. This is an opportunity that blends technology, leadership and community service. The links that follow provide additional information about the program.
Iowa Cyber Hub - Information for the public about the program
Cyber House Rock - Educational and entertaining videos the Cybersecurity Ambassadors use when educating the public, also a public resource for anyone.
April 2023
Quad City Engineering and Science Council Battle of the Bridges (BoB) BoB compete to build the most efficient bridge that can hold the most weight before breaking. The event’s mission is to provide participants (mostly students) with a hands-on activity in which that can apply techniques which demonstrate real-world statics, dynamics, and physics. The BoB is open to all ages, genders and populations in the Quad City area of Iowa and Illinois.
May 2023
Girls in STEM PJ Party Created by Iowa Lakeside Laboratory Regents Resource Center to introduce young females to local STEM women and inspire them to pursue STEM careers themselves. Local women from STEM fields are featured as guest speakers and lead participants in hands-on activities and team building challenges that relate to their careers. This overnight summer camp is geared toward girls entering seventh through ninth grade.
Plant The Moon/Mars Challenge The Institute of Competition Sciences launched this global, hands-on science experiment to see who can grow the best crops using lunar regolith simulants. K-12 students learn fundamental skills in conducting sound scientific experiments, learn about space mission architectures and gain hands-on experience in conducting real scientific research that may be valuable to NASA and the scientific community. The Plant the Moon/Mars Challenge connects space science and exploration with other STEM topic areas like agriculture, botany, environmental/earth science and biology.
September 2023
Iowa Afterschool Alliance (IAA) STEM AmeriCorps IAA STEM AmeriCorps programs provide students with opportunities to apply their STEM learning outside the school day and in real-world situations. IAA STEM AmeriCorps members work in host site locations all over Iowa to bring high-quality STEM programming to students that may not otherwise have access. Current program locations include Des Moines, Sioux City, Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. The programs happen year-round in afterschool and summer programs.
March 2022
State Science & Technology Fair of Iowa As the largest STEM competition in the state of Iowa, this program focuses on all students in grades 6-12 compete their scientific research projects. Students are immersed in STEM programming and innovation, get judged for their work and compete for awards, scholarships and trips. Iowa businesses judge the student researchers.
June 2022
Modeling the Future Challenge (MTFC) A national STEM competition for high school students combining data science, mathematical modeling and actuarial risk analysis into an exciting project-based learning challenge. To compete, students conduct their own research project modeling real-world data to analyze risks and make recommendations to companies, industry groups, governments, or organizations. Iowa State University serves as the Iowa Regional Partner for the MTFC supporting educator professional development and hosting a student workshop on campus in the fall. High school students throughout the state are invited to participate in the Modeling the Future Challenge through the Iowa State University regional activities.
December 2022
Tech Mentorship Program Preparing today's youth to be the employees of tomorrow. Over the course of 6 months, students learn critical technology and workforce readiness skills that equip them to compete in an increasingly digital world. Participants learn directly from industry professionals, building lasting networks, mentorships and relationships with leading financial and technology companies. Students of all background and skills levels are invited to participate.
Nutcracker Ballet + STEM A program designed for elementary aged youth (grades 2-5) to highlight the connection between STEM and the arts. The program supports the development of STEM, art and literacy skills. Nutcracker Ballet + STEM is an Iowa 4-H program presented in partnership with Stephens Auditorium. There are a variety of STEM and arts activities available for the program, each designed to highlight the magical connection between STEM and the arts.
October 2021
CornCon Cybersecurity Conference and Kids' STEM Camp To address the need for cybersecurity professionals in Iowa, CornCon provides training to inspire students to consider a cybersecurity career and keep talent in our state. This annual two-day cybersecurity conference is designed to inspire both kids and adults in STEM learning and resources. CornCon approaches STEM as interdisciplinary and teaches mathematics, problem-solving, cybersecurity, internet safety, engineering, team building and more. Scholarships are available to assist with the cost of registration.
Future City Iowa An annual program, hosted by NewBoCo, features project-based learning opportunities for middle school students to design futuristic cities with sustainability solutions. Youth learn 21st Century and STEM skills to promote innovative problem solving. Future City Iowa is part of the worldwide Future City Competition, which engages more than 45,000 middle school students each year. The Future City Iowa program culminates with a regional competition. Grant funding allows for the participation fee to be waived for all Iowa teams.
January 2021
Jewels Academy Young Emerging Scientists (Y.E.S.) The program cultivates an interest in science-related careers with the intent to close the workforce gap in the STEM-related fields. Y.E.S. is an interactive, long-term, STEM enrichment program for under-represented young women (grades 4-9) that meets periodically throughout the year. Girls can register for as many sessions as they like and build on previous concepts.
February 2021
Iowa's Geological Resources Workshop for Teachers This course is a collaboration between the Iowa Limestone Producers Association (ILPA) and the University of Northern Iowa to help Iowa's Teachers (any grade, any background) learn more about Iowa's Geology. Teachers gain and enhance their knowledge of Iowa's geological past, present and future course work and are being empowered to teach geoscience, emphasizing intentional and interdisciplinary STEM. Teachers apply their knowledge, new sample set and geologic resources close to their schools to develop new K-12 classroom lessons/activities.
September 2020
IT-Adventures Students of all experience levels can join their school’s IT-Adventures Club, led by educators and mentors, and select the venture of their choice: robotics, smart-IT and cyber defense. The curriculum offers hands-on, real-world applications of STEM principles in a team-based setting.
Security Literacy Designed to help students be aware of cybersecurity issues and how to take steps towards mitigating these realistic security threats. To help address this problem, a curriculum has been developed that focuses on learning computer security from the user’s point-of-view.
July 2019
G.E.M.S. Camp A two-day summer camp is held at Indian Hills Community College and provides the opportunity for girls finishing third, fourth or fifth grade to learn and explore STEM fields through a variety of hands-on activities.
March 2018
World Food Prize Iowa Youth Institute The Iowa Youth Institute encourages all Iowa high school students to pursue hunger-fighting career paths in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Their approach focuses on inquiry-based learning and allows students to present their own evidence-based ideas to faculty and industry experts at an annual event on Iowa State University's campus. Students also participate in on-campus immersions that allow them to explore 21st-century careers including genetics, dietetics, agronomy, environmental science, nutrition and agricultural technology.
May 2018
Facebook Community Boost A week-long event in Des Moines on June 4-8, 2018. The event features localized programming for small business owners, entrepreneurs, job seekers and community groups to learn how to use technology to grow their business and equip more people with the digital skills they need to compete in the new economy.
January 2017
Science Bound (SB) at Iowa State University A premiere pre-college program to prepare and empower Iowa racial and ethnic minority students to earn college degrees in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. Working with schools in Des Moines, Marshalltown and Denison, SB is a long-haul program that asks 12- and 13-year-olds to make a five-year commitment to the program. These committed students and families, working in tandem with expert teachers and STEM professionals, position students to take full advantage of program activities and emerge academically equipped, as well as socially and culturally empowered, to achieve a STEM career.
Sylvan STEM Programs at Grant Wood and Alexander Elementary Schools in Iowa City In conjunction with the Iowa City Community School District and their 21st Century Community Learning Center, Sylvan runs robotics and engineering programs at Grant Wood and Alexander Elementary. These schools are on the SINA list and have over 70% free and reduced lunch. Our programs service first through fifth grade students in these two buildings.
October 2017
Precision Ag and Animal Science Field Days at ISU Extension and Outreach The global purpose of the field days is to engage students in hands-on learning and to create awareness of endless career possibilities in Northwest Iowa. The goal is to connect youth with local business and industry leaders, thereby creating awareness of the ever-evolving agriculture industry and providing information and resources on how students can prepare for these careers.
Girls Go STEM Community Education Program A half-day educational experience hosted by University of Iowa Health Care Marketing and Communications Collegiate and Community Relations. The target audience includes girls in grades 6-8 and their parents. Girls Go STEM provides young women the opportunity to discover and explore their interests in science, technology, engineering, and math, as it relates to the sciences arena. Girls Go STEM provides parents the opportunity to gain knowledge and understand biomedical discoveries related to adolescent health and wellness, while also learning how to encourage and prepare their children for a future in STEM.
February 2016
Camp Invention Our summer enrichment day experience is designed for children entering grades one through six. Free to schools and organizations that host our program nationwide, Camp Invention features collaborative learning opportunities led by local teachers in a safe environment. Year after year, we offer innovative curricula that align with state and national education standards and meet our own rigorous testing requirements. We strive to enhance each child’s ability to learn through teamwork and subject immersion while providing exciting challenges and cultivating a new appreciation for discovery.
Des Moines Student-to-Student Speaker Series A group of students devoted to promoting science literacy and creating awareness of cutting-edge math and science research for high school STEM students in Des Moines. Our goal is to educate students of all ages about the breakthroughs in research currently happening in the scientific community. We also aim to help students explore career options by allowing them to have discussions with successful men and women in STEM.
Open Minds, Open Doors Conference A half-day conference intended to encourage middle school girls (7th-8th grades) to pursue career fields with foundations in STEM. The conference is held at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, registering girls from all 7 counties served by Grand Wood Area Education Agency - Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Linn, Johnson, Jones, and Washington. Approximately 500 girls attend the conference each year.
May 2016
Coding for Social Good and Beyond A week-long camp where students learn about computer technology and computer programming and develop basic programs to make interesting digital artifacts that they can share with others. The camp is designed for rising grades 6-9 and seeks to spark the imagination and interest of youth from within Grinnell and surrounding areas through coding while attempting to address the disparities that exist in the field. The camp will be staffed by Grinnell College's summer research assistants—eight Grinnell College students and two community college students—all of whom will spend 10 weeks on campus doing research and designing the camp curriculum.
March 2015
STEM Family Free Night at The Iowa Children’s Museum The Iowa Children's Museum and Rockwell Collins funded STEM Family Free Night, which has served approximately 36,000 children and adults from 2012-2014. The program not only has successfully delivered integrated STEM active learning to the community, helping the public to better understand how critical STEM education is to our future, but it has also successfully collaborated with diverse organizations to highlight STEM careers including Rockwell Collins, UI College of Medicine, Wendall Johnson Speech & Hearing Clinic, Children’s Center for Therapy, UI Dental School, and New Pioneer Coop.
Exploring Iowa Archaeology program of the University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA) OSA Education and Outreach staff develop and present a variety of “Exploring Iowa Archaeology” activities for classrooms and classroom visits to the OSA that are interdisciplinary, inquiry-based, hands-on, and customizable for all grade levels based on current classroom content and teacher needs. All activities are place-based and emphasize what is special about the archaeological, cultural, and environmental history of Iowa and the school’s own community.
Lewis Central Middle School’s eighth grade STEM program The program work to include community members as appropriate with the project students are working on at the time. Students will build on three big ideas, using a culminating project to discover a deeper understanding of each content as they work together to complete the project.
Math Counts and Science Rocks at the Vermeer Yellow Iron Academy In Math Counts, children use scoops to select how much or little portions of each item they will take. Children pour their own milk, using language such as "half full" and count how many of something is on their plate (Example: I have 5 green beans, how many do you have?") In Science Rocks, children talk about the colors of the different foods, what is healthy, portion sizes, and controlling germs.
Nature STEM Camp program, a joint venture of Sibley-Ocheyedan School District, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Osceola County and City of Sibley Recreation Department During Nature STEM camp, students are immersed in activities focusing on the world of flora and fauna around them. Stations during Nature STEM camp included determining water quality, how to fish, the biodiversity of our local wetlands, how organisms all work together in an ecosystem and how ecologists conduct population studies. Students conduct several “hands-on” experiments and engage in activities that will help them learn about the interconnectedness of organisms in a natural community. Camp participants use various technologies, including wireless probes, to collect data and form claims.
June 2015
Agriculture in the Classroom program of the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation The program seeks to improve student achievement by applying authentic, agricultural-based content as the context to teach core curriculum concepts in science, social studies, language arts, and nutrition, cultivating an understanding and appreciation of the food and fiber system that we all rely on every day.
Wednesday Workshops at the Science Center of Iowa These workshops encourage a “Makers Movement” in Iowa, teaching how to prototype, test, experiment, invent, and innovate with STEM. It’s helping promote values like creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and self-expression—all skills necessary to fill jobs in the world’s fastest-growing industries.
Youth Environmental Agriculture Field Days with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach The events introduce students to an array of products that can be derived from corn and soybeans, the process for adding value to agricultural products, safe interaction with chemicals, and the role of biofuels in Iowa’s energy consumption and production. Along with that, students experience concepts related to safety and how we interact with our environment.
CoderDojo Muscatine The mission of CoderDojo Muscatine is to introduce kids ages 5-15 to the magic of STEM through introductory computer programming. Each two-hour, bi-monthly event features Scratch programming, Sphero robots, Code Academy and Code.org activities.
October 2015
AAUW Tech Trek at Simpson College The AAUW Tech Trek Camp at Simpson College is a week-long residential STEM camp for girls entering 8th grade in Warren and Polk Counties in Iowa. Tech Trek Camp is part of AAUW’s national programming designed to develop interest, excitement and self-confidence in STEM fields for girls.
