About ASIM

The Alabama Science in Motion (ASIM) Program is a visionary educational program established by the Alabama Legislature during the 1994 Regular Session as a practical way to address problems Alabama teachers face teaching secondary science. ASIM is a statewide network of resources designed to provide the equipment, teacher training, and classroom support needed to run an effective secondary science laboratory program.

 Learning science requires an understanding of the scientific method that is acquired through “hands-on,” “minds-on” laboratory activity.  Equipment, knowledge of content, knowledge of teaching strategies, and preparation time are essential elements of effective science teaching.  Unfortunately, all four are frequently lacking in the science classrooms of Alabama.  Few schools have the equipment and supplies needed to run an effective laboratory program. Like most teachers, science teachers teach multiple subjects during the day.  Running a laboratory component for each of these different subjects requires additional preparation time that most teachers do not have.

ASIM Provides:

Equipment

• Research-quality laboratory equipment in three disciplines:  biology, chemistry, and physics.
• Sufficient equipment for students to work in small study groups.
• Necessary consumables and materials.
• Transport of materials to the school.

Training

• Each site provides 15 days of teacher training.
• Intensive two-week workshops each summer.
• Follow-up workshops during the school year.
• Training and support for pre-service teachers.

Support

• Centers in all 11 regional in-service sites.
• Materials and equipment arrive pre-prepared.
• Trained project directors mentor, assist, and/or team-teach.