Three children standing in front of an Iowa landscape

FIND Iowa

Iowa is an interesting place with many unique scientific and historical stories waiting to be discovered. FIND (Fun Investigating New Discoveries) Iowa is an educational project from Iowa PBS that encourages students in grades 2-5 to virtually investigate the state through the use of immersive and interactive learning content. Investigations are organized by theme, with each theme having multiple subtopics.

Each theme is aligned to Iowa Core standards. Content includes videos, interactive maps, 360° videos and images, and three-dimensional models of artifacts. Each theme includes additional resources and suggestions for educators.

Welcome to FIND Iowa! We are so excited that you could join us on these adventures in our great state. Iowa PBS will take you and your students on expeditions to discover Iowa in brand new ways. You'll ask questions about our state's past, observe how our state has changed and learn something new and unique about Iowa.

Every good explorer needs tools to make great discoveries. Each field trip will explore several locations across the state, using the following tools to help your learner discover Iowa:

Overview video to activate prior knowledge and set the stage
On-site videos related to each topic
Interactive maps of Iowa locations
360° videos and panoramic images

Every good explorer also needs a guide to help them learn what they do not know. To help you be that guide, each field trip will include:

Iowa Core social studies and science standards alignments
Discussion questions
Suggested activities
Additional resources

Virtual Field Trips

Iowa’s Geology

When you picture the landscape of Iowa, you might think of lots of flat farmland and a few hills. Actually, Iowa's land has many different areas and features. Did you know there are fossils in Iowa? How about caves? Learn about Iowa's interesting geology and ancient past by virtually exploring various land features and fossilized creatures.

Agriculture Over Time

Iowa truly is a beautiful place to live. The farmland that covers our state is a key reason for this beauty. Agriculture in Iowa can be related to crops, animals, or fruits and vegetables. Iowa farmers play an important role in feeding the world. While agriculture has been a part of our lives in Iowa for a long time, it has definitely changed a lot over time! Scientists, engineers and farmers have learned a lot about using technology to change the way that farming is done. What have they learned? How has farming changed? How is it the same? Come along, asking these questions, and you’ll have Fun Investigating New Discoveries in Iowa.

Cultural Contributions to Iowa

People with heritages from all over the world call Iowa home. Over time, people from different places have contributed a variety of new things to Iowa culture. These unique contributions highlight both what makes each Iowan unique and what common bonds Iowans share. You may be surprised how the activities you do or things you enjoy have been shaped by different cultures. Dive in and see what you find!

Energy in Iowa

Think about all of the energy that is used every day: the lights and appliances in your home, the fuel for cars and buses, the energy you use up as you play with your friends. Where does all that energy come from? Are there different types of energy? Are there pros and cons to using it? Can we run out of it?

Urban Outdoors

People use science to understand the world around them. When you ask questions to understand the world around you, you are being a scientist. Imagine what you might discover when you start looking at your neighborhood, city or town like a scientist. Grab a grown-up and go explore.

99 Counties of Iowa

Every county has a story to tell. Explore the different ways that history or science have played an important role in each of Iowa’s 99 counties.

Prairies

Prairies are awesome, for a lot of different reasons. Not too long ago, before farms, crops and cities were a part of our landscape, prairies were nearly everywhere in Iowa! But now, prairies are rare and in need of being preserved and restored.

Transportation

From horse-drawn wagons to steamboats to railroads to cars, how people travel in Iowa has changed over time. Let's learn how Iowans have traveled and transported goods throughout history.