IJAS Visiting Scientist Program and Application
IJAS member schools are eligible to request a visiting scientist
using the form at the bottom of this page.
FAQs
How does the Visiting Scientist Program work?
Iowa educators complete an application requesting a science visit. The Iowa Academy of Science staff match educator requests with the appropriate IAS member scientist. The Academy helps facilitate the visit planning. The scientist visits the school free of charge, meeting with students in small or large groups. The Academy provides a travel stipend to assist the scientist in visiting the school.
How far in advance do I need to schedule a scientist?
It really depends upon the availability of the scientist. We recommend contacting us as far in advance as possible because we contact scientists on an individual "as needed" basis.
Who can apply for a scientist visit?
Any Iowa Academy of Science ISTS member may apply for a science visit to his or her classroom or school. The school contact or administrator of IJAS member schools are also eligible to apply. Applications are accepted throughout the academic year using the form below.
What areas of science are Academy members willing to speak about?
Here are just a few suggestions...
Agricultural Sciences
Engineering & Food Science
Analytical Chemistry
Anatomy & Physiology
Anthropology
Aquatic Biology & Ecology
Biochemistry
Biology
Biotechnology
Botany
Cell Biology
Chemical Engineering
Chemistry
Chemistry Education
Climate Science & Policy
Climatology
Condensed Matter Physics
Conservation
Developmental Biology
Diatom Ecology
Earth Science
Ecological Modeling
Ecology
Ecosystem Restoration
Elementary Science Teaching
Endocrinology
Engineering
Entomology
Environmental Science
Environmental Engineering·
Environmental Regulation/Management
Enzymes, Vitamins & Coenzymes
Food Microbiology
Freshwater Ecology
Fungi
Genetics
Geology
Gerontology
Glaciology
Gravitational Biology·
Health Physicist (Radiation Safety)
Herpetology
Hydrogen-bonding
Immunology
Invertebrate Zoology
Iowa Floristics
Materials Science
Medical Education
Meteorology
Microbiology
Mineral Processing
Molecular Biology
Native Vegetation
Natural History
Neuroscience
Organic Chemistry
Ornithology
Paleo botany
Parasitology
Pharmacology
Physical Chemistry
Physics
Physics Education
Physiology
Plant Developmental Anatomy
Prairies
Psychology
Public Understanding of Science
Science Education
Socio-cultural Anthropology
Soil Science
Space Physics
Superconductivity
Toxicology
Vertebrate Ecology
Vertebrate Paleontology
Wildlife Ecology
Zoology
What does IAS expect from the school?
The Academy expects the school to provide a location for the meeting and to confirm the date and time of the visit directly with the scientist. The Academy asks the school to take a photograph of the scientist's visit. The school should provide a copy of the photo (print or digital) and a completed photo release within two weeks of the scientists visit. Visiting Scientist photographs may be used to promote the program in IAS print materials and on the IAS website. School are encouraged to submit the photograph to their local papers and to have students write thank you letters to the scientist. IAS requests that schools provide a copy of any publicity that results from the scientist visit.