Workshop for Elementary Teachers

Iowa State University’s Institute for Transportation (InTrans) is offering a second transportation summer training course for K-6 educators in Iowa who have previously completed the Teaching in the Fast Lane 1.0 course. The purpose of the workshop is to introduce K-6 educators to the world of transportation and civil engineering and expose them to hands-on inquiry based science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities that address real-world issues to ensure that the next generation of students is scientifically literate and equipped to fill the needs of the 21^st century workforce. With the adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards in Iowa, there is a huge demand for bringing engineering to the elementary classroom and proper professional development for teachers is imperative.

Teaching in the Fast Lane 2.0 began in 2024, building off the success of the initial 1.0 course that began in 2015.

Program Description

The focus of Teaching in the Fast Lane 2.0 will be the nature of engineering, energy, and sustainable practices, particularly as they relate to transportation and infrastructure. Innovations in efficiency, recycling, and sustainability by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and Iowa individuals and companies will be featured, while basic engineering concepts are reviewed and reinforced. As with Teaching in the Fast Lane 1.0, the course will feature expert speakers from Iowa State University and elsewhere, field trips, and a project in which teachers apply learning to their own grade level standards and classroom situation.

Program Highlights

• Program includes $700 stipend
• Mileage will be reimbursed for those who commute
• There will be a limited amount of availability for selected applicants who need housing
• Participants have the option to apply for 1 continuing education credit through Heartland or 1 credit through Drake University at their expense, and the program facilitator can assist in that process

Application Form