Defined in Iowa

Defined connects classrooms to careers through deeper learning. Our vision is to transform learning environments where every student discovers their potential through authentic learning experiences that bridge education and future success. Explore how the Defined ecosystem aligns with and supports career-connected deeper learning in Iowa!

Defined & Iowa

Defined & Iowa Alignment

Alignment with Iowa Standards

Defined’s content aligns with the Iowa Academic Standards, the Iowa Core, and the requirements of the Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP). Defined helps bridge classroom content with authentic career applications enabling students to develop and transfer knowledge while building essential future-ready skills.

In addition, Defined supports statewide initiatives helping districts guide students in exploring careers, setting goals, and tracking readiness for college, career, and life. Our comprehensive ecosystem of career-connected deeper learning resources also empowers schools to advance locally Defined Portraits of a Graduate through high-quality content and assessments aligned to Iowa's priorities.

Career-Connected Learning

Defined’s comprehensive career-connected learning platform supports the implementation of Iowa's ICAP, the Iowa CTE Program of Study expectations, and the state's emphasis on work-based learning and career and technical student organizations (CTSOs). Our resources help districts strengthen CTE programming by connecting academic learning to Iowa’s six service areas, approved career clusters and pathways, and the state’s focus on high-demand, high-skill, and high-wage occupations identified through the Iowa Workforce Development and Future-Ready Iowa initiatives.

Through engaging hands-on and minds-on projects across all career clusters and pathways, students build career awareness, reflect on their strengths and interests, and engage in authentic experiences aligned to Iowa’s priority industries — such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, information technology, and business. Defined also supports districts in meeting the requirements of locally defined Portraits of a Graduate, equipping students with the knowledge and experiences needed to make informed decisions about their futures—whether entering the workforce, pursuing postsecondary education, or both.

Defined Careers Graphic

Defined Careers Elementary School

Computer Science & STEM

From artificial intelligence to renewable energy, today’s challenges demand strong computer science and STEM skills. Defined helps Iowa educators prepare K-12 students for these high-demand fields through career-connected, deeper learning experiences that bridge classroom concepts with real-world applications.

Defined’s engaging projects align with the Iowa Academic Standards and Iowa Core for Mathematics and Science along with Computer Science, supporting statewide efforts to expand access to high-quality STEM and computer science education. Our resources spark student interest in computer science and STEM careers through real-world learning experiences while equipping them with the future-ready skills needed for success in college, career, and life.

Explore Our Engaging Career-Connected Projects

Defined provides K-12 career-connected learning opportunities for every student. Our extensive course catalog contains standards-aligned academic programming across all grade levels and subject areas. Our projects actively engage students in hands-on experiences that offer a real-world perspective, mirroring the work of industry professionals to expand career exploration for all students. Check out a few Defined Learning and Defined Careers projects below!

Defined Careers Grades K-2

Computer Programmer: App Designer

Students take on the role of an App Designer to create a fun and engaging app for students to use during indoor recess. This app should be educational and something students can play together.

VIEW PROJECT→

Defined Learning Grades 2-3 Math

Backpack Designer

In this task, students will explore how math and engineering play a significant role in product design. They will be measuring to ¼ inch and determining areas to help design and manufacture a backpack for a specific audience.

VIEW PROJECT→

Defined Careers Grades 3-5

Veterinary Assistant

Students step into the role of a Vet Assistant. Vet Assistants work with pets and their owners. They help take care of sick and hurt pets. Part of their job is to teach pet owners how to care for their pets to keep them from getting sick. Students make sure pet owners have the information they need to keep their pets healthy.

VIEW PROJECT→

Defined Learning Grades 3-5 Life Science

Wildlife Biologist: Bats

Students step into the role of a wildlife biologist studying bats. Acting as an expert, students explore the important role bats play in the environment while working to dispel common myths about these fascinating and beneficial creatures. Students will also explain how bats use echolocation to navigate and survive. Their ultimate goal: to get the public excited about welcoming bats into the neighborhood!

VIEW PROJECT→

Defined Careers Grades 6-8

Biomedical Engineers

Students apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.

VIEW PROJECT→

Defined Learning Grade 6 Math

Food Truck Entrepreneur

In this task, students will be creating their own food truck. Students make informed decisions about the food they'll be serving, the truck, and their business strategies. Additionally, students will create equations to create a fuel expense chart and determine profit and income for a monthly budget.

VIEW PROJECT→

Defined Careers Grades 9-12

Game Designer

Students step into the role of a Game Designer, designing core features of video games. This role includes specifying innovative game and role-play mechanics, storylines, and character biographies; creating and maintaining design documentation; and guiding and collaborating with production staff to produce games as designed.

VIEW PROJECT→

Defined Learning Grades 9-12 Biology

Forensic Entomologist

Students take on the role of a Forensic Entomologist helping the production staff of a new streaming series create a show focused on forensic science, and specifically how forensic entomology can help to solve crimes.

VIEW PROJECT→

Regional Webinar: Engaging Iowa Students in Career-Connected Learning Through Defined Learning

Education leaders from Central Lyon High School and Northwest AEA in Iowa share how they're building authentic, career-connected learning opportunities through the use of Defined Learning. They share the future-ready work they are doing and how Defined Learning is helping them meet their goals and initiatives. View the Webinar >

Interested in learning more about how Defined can support Iowa's goals and initiatives?

Ready to see how Defined can transform education in your school or district? Request a demo with Iowa's designated partnerships representative today and witness how our platform bridges classroom learning with future success.

Iowa Reps