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Alabama Science
in Motion is a collaboration
between the University and the High School Science
Classroom
David C.
Forbes , Ph. D.
Christine Nassar, M.Ed.
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| Goals and
Implementation |
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- To provide science
teachers with curriculum/staff development
opportunities by enhancing their knowledge
and skills
- Participating teachers
required to attend 10 days of inservice
in the summer and 5 days during the school
year.
- Provided time to
gain experience with ASIM equipment and
to develop laboratory experiences to be
used in their classroom
- To provide equity
between schools districts, schools and
classrooms
- There is no cost
to participate
- All participating
schools have equal access to the equipment,
supplies and help in the classroom
- Introductory workshops
have been standardized throughout the
state
- Statewide project
personnel meet frequently to coordinate
project
- To develop mentoring
links between university faculty and classroom
teachers
- All workshops are
held on the University campus in the corresponding
department
- Faculty provide
lectures, insights into recent research
and are encouraged to socialize with participants
- Participants decide
directions of program and future needs
- Each "truck"
has a university faculty member to act
as a liaison
- To develop models
for effective university-school partnerships
- Systems provide
professional release time for participants
- Participants receive
per diem and a small stipend for summer
training
- Project pays for
substitute
- University does
not charge any direct costs to the program
- contributes in-kind services
- To complement, enhance,
and facilitate implementation of the Alabama
Course of Study Science
- All labs have been
correlated to the State Course of Study
- State Course of
Study is process driven. ASIM provides
a network of resources to enhance the
course of study
- All labs have been
correlated to the compendium for the Standford
Achievement Test
- To provide students
with experiences using state-of-the-art
scientific equipment to prepare them for
entry into post-secondary education or
the work force
- Project provides
sufficient supplies for students to work
in small groups (2 to 4 students) to do
hands-on lab exercises
- Teacher decides
what and when equipment is needed in the
classroom
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| Advantages |
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- Teacher generates
project
- Reduces "Ivory
Tower" thinking by teachers
- Project maintains
equipment and maintains inventory
- Equipment does not
sit idle
- Increases "Time
in Task" for teacher
- Enhances networking
by teachers
- Increased excitement
by students for Science ("Oh Boy!
We get to do science today")
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| Disadvantages |
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- Only public schools
are allowed to participate
- Only high schools
may participate
- Some teachers have
elected not to participate
- NOT ENOUGH DAYS
IN THE MONTH!
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| Alabama
Science in Motion
is now a national model for secondary science
outreach programs |
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| The
Alabama Science in Motion project
is "The
best thing the State of Alabama has ever done
for science education and the students of
Alabama" |
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