On January 13, Indianola’s Irving Elementary Teacher, Maddie Kampf, received news that she was chosen 2025 STEM South Central STEM Teacher of the Year! We had the honor of sharing her surprise and visiting her classroom. Then, on March 3, we celebrated her award with Governor Reynolds and a Rotunda of supporters.

Nominating Excellence

Kampf was nominated by colleagues, including Kaylee May, who wrote: “Mrs. Kampf is an exceptional STEM teacher who inspires curiosity and a love for science in her students. She fosters student-driven learning by encouraging exploration and sharing their discoveries with families, creating a community of young scientists.”

Every 6 days, 420 curious K-5 students rotate through her classroom, which they call The Science Lab. From dressing in costumes to bringing alive her puppet named Professor Gizmo, she strives to make every day exciting and memorable through hands-on, real-world science experiences. Her classroom is full of tactile opportunities and learning posters line the walls.

Kampf said, “I love the gratitude that comes with looking at things closely. The amazement of observing something we all see all the time and really trying to understand it, like water. The kids bring that feeling of awe back for me, and I just love being able to teach those moments.”

Below: Dr. Sarah Derry, Hub Manager, left; South Central Teacher-of-the-Year Maddie Kampf, center; and Annette Jauron, Indianola CSD's Director of Teaching and Learning, right.

These kindergarteners are already pros when it comes to engineering and scientific procedures. Step 1: Ms. Kampf and Professor Gizmo introduce the plywood lesson. Step 2: Use supplies to create. Step 3: Study final product. Step 4: Put supplies away.

Engaging STEM

On the day we visited, kindergarten students were learning the properties of wood. Today’s essential question: Where does plywood come from? To answer the answer, students reviewed properties of various kinds of wood, watched a video on how plywood was made, and then made their own version in class, using glue and thin wood strips.

All students were engaged and learning, even those who might struggle in a traditional classroom. Kampf says she hears this all the time. “Kids who maybe don’t have success in the regular classroom, who struggle with reading and writing, often do really well in here. They can apply background knowledge, they’re busy with their hands. The Science Lab builds confidence and allows all kids to be successful.”

Building Community

Beyond the classroom, Kampf relates her students’ work with STEM to the community. She volunteers at preschools, organizes local science activities, and works with area colleges and professionals.

She also wants every student to feel welcome in STEM. “I foster STEM engagement through classroom displays of diverse STEM role models like Katherine Johnson, Mae Jemison, and George Washington Carver. By incorporating biographies of innovators from various backgrounds, I emphasize the importance of diversity in STEM.”

Maddie Kampf, (center), also thanks her team of science teachers, the Principal Derek Morris (pictured right), school board members, and district leaders like Ms. Jauron for creating an atmosphere of support for teachers.

Inspiring Life-Long Learning

Kampf grew up with entrepreneurial parents: "I saw firsthand the critical role of STEM in solving real-world problems, which drives my commitment to preparing students for innovative careers.”

To inspire students in STEM, she launched the Indianola Scientist of the Month Program, featuring local STEM professionals. “This has sparked interest, with students often saying the likes of, I’m going to do that when I grow up.” 

Kampf's curiosity, work ethic and kindness are mirrored in her students. Awaiting their arrival, she looked around the room and said, "I have the best job." And she can name 420 reasons why.

Maddie Kampf, teacher of the year, with two of her student helpers.

Kynnley, left, loves taking care of the class tortoise, Sonora. "I learn while helping," she says. "It's really fun." Scarlet, right, helps with whatever details are needed. "I love to do science experiments," she said. "I love history and art, too."

After the pandemic, when it was time to choose a new elementary science curriculum, Indianola's Director of Teaching and Learning, Annette Jauron, looked at district data and researched best practices. "We knew we had some catching up to do," she noted.

The PILOT

Jauron suggested Indianola pilot an elementary pull-out program, where students go to a science classroom like they might music or art. When the district sought a teacher for the pilot, Maddie Kampf answered the call. The pilot proved successful beyond expectations and has been expanded to all elementary schools.

"We know it's a lot for a classroom teacher to plan, prep, implement, and clean-up science lessons," said Jauron. "The pull-out model gives all of our elementary students the chance to get hands-on, quality science instruction. It takes a little off the plate of classroom teachers."

While the district did invest in creating four new positions, Jauron said they have saved some money by buying fewer class sets of materials. Here's quick look at how it works at Indianola.

The ROOM

• Each elementary has a room called The Science Lab
• Materials are stored in cabinets and on shelves around the room
• There's space for students to gather for circle time
• Tables and chairs form small clusters

The MATERIALS

• Projects are hands-on and based on Iowa Core
• There is no text
• Primarily uses Foss Kits
• Lessons are tied to everyday science phenomenon
• Community partners lend expertise

The SCHEDULE

• Every six days, students get two full periods of science
• Grades K-3 get 90 minutes total each week
• Grades 4-6 get 100 minutes total each week

The PROCEDURE

• The Science Lab teachers at each Indianola elementary school get weekly collaboration time.
• They host Prep the Prep Days to plan curriculum and materials
• Student and community volunteers help with details, like cutting straws in half or counting out supplies
• 5th grade volunteers work as assistants to set up each morning
• Student helpers get paid within their Classroom Economy

The OUTCOME

We'll check back with Indianola to see how this model impacts student attitude and achievement. In the meantime, it's always helpful to see creative solutions to curriculum challenges.

One more THING...

When the pilot year came to a close and was time to ask for support and funding, planners created this video for the school board. If you're considering options for your own students, it may be helpful to hear from Indianola's teachers. Beyond that, it's an inspiring way to spend 13 minutes and 33 seconds.

Still have questions? If you're an educator interested in creating a similar schedule at your own school, please email Indianola's Director of Teaching and Learning, Annette Jauron.

Congratulations to Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer (pictured at right) for being named Co-Chair of the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council. Our advisory board member, Alexis Cordts, (pictured left) knows from experience that Cournoyer has enthusiasm for STEM.

"Chris was my mentor in high school and not only inspired me to pursue a career in software engineering," said Cordts, "but also encouraged me to give back to my community through teaching, mentoring, and volunteering around Iowa. I am so excited for her to be our new Co-Chair and to represent our state as Lieutenant Governor."

And we're grateful for the leadership of both women when it comes to Iowa students and STEM.

Above: Centerville's Kid's World Preschool hosted an exhibit that featured All About Balance, and you can read all about it in next month's newsletter.

We have limited space left for a few lucky fifth graders at the DMACC-Ankeny Future Fest's afternoon session. This opportunity is perfect for those who home school or attend a school not in session that day.

Over 30 exhibitors will be present with the intent of providing hands-on, career-related STEM activities It's free and open to all (until capacity fills).

Here are the details:

• DATE : Tuesday, March 11, 202
• TIME: 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM 
• AUDIENCE: Must be a fifth-grader.
• SAFETY: The fifth grader must be accompanied by an adult.
• WHERE:  DMACC Ankeny Campus

If this is of interest to you and your fifth grader, please email Lisa at the hub. Preregistration is required to be admitted into the event. We are unable to accommodate walk-ins.

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STEM Teacher Externships are full-time, six-week temporary summer positions in local businesses and agencies for licensed, secondary teachers of mathematics, science and/or technology. STEM Teachers earn a stipend of up to $5,000 (including two paid professional development days), as well as three graduate credits through the University of Northern Iowa’s Continuing Education program.

If you'd like more information, please contact Iowa STEM Externship Coordinator, Ann Gritzner at ann.gritzner@iowa.gov.

Thank you to our incredible board members who came to STEM Day on the Capitol. Here several members are pictured with Maddie Kampf, our STEM Teacher of the Year. From left to right: Drew Emerson, Amber Pargmann, Alexis Cordts, Maddie Kampf, Sarah Derry, Creighton Cox and Ken Bozer.