Goals of Project

	To increase student interest and participation in science courses and science careers.
	To ensure equal opportunity to learn for rural and poorer school systems in Alabama by providing access to modern technology.
	To enhance science teacher's ability to provide challenging and stimulating instruction to all students through curriculum development and staff development opportunities.
	To establish a teacher network among high school science teachers and between high school teachers and Athens State University faculty.

Background Information
In May of 1994, the Alabama State Legislature appropriated 1.97 million dollars to establish the Alabama Science in Motion program to provide significant laboratory experiences for all students enrolled in high school biology, chemistry, and physics classes. The legislation established six pilot sites for the 1994-95 school year, each being housed at one of the eleven in - service centers throughout the state. Each site has two vans, and each van is equipped with over $90,000 worth of state-of-the-art equipment. The vans are driven by certified science teachers with classroom experience.

In August of 1995 the legislature provided funding to continue the ASIM program and add five new sites at the remaining in-service centers. The North Alabama Teacher Exchange housed at Athens State University selected a Chemistry van. Chemistry teachers from the ten school systems served by the North Alabama teachers exchange were invited to participate.

In 1996, Biology was added at ASU and in 2006, a Physics van will be added

Components of the Project
The Chemistry van at Athens State University is operated by a certified Chemistry teacher with a strong background in instrumentation. The van operator will transport scientific equipment and instruments to participating teachers in order for them to introduce the theory and practice of technical instrumentation into their classrooms. Activities aid in the implementation of the Alabama Course of Study: Science.

The van operator will serve as both a technical and a co-teacher in order to aid the regular classroom teacher. Participants will be visited approximately once per month.

Fifteen teachers were selected to participate in training at the University of Alabama during September, 1995. Five additional days of training are scheduled for January and February 1996.

During the summer of 1996 new teachers were invited to participate in level I training and level II training will be held for previous participants.

Continuation of this project depends on funding by the legislature. In 2006, each site will serve all 3 disciplines: Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. This program is a mobile example of equity. No matter the size, tax base, or location of the school, students in a Science in Motion teacher's class have equal access to technologically cutting edge instrumentation.

Chemistry Equipment

• 16 Analytical Balances	•  4 Top loading Balances
• 15 Micropipets	•  15 Burets and Clamps
•  15 Hot/Stirrers	•  30 Microscale Kits
•  15 pH Meters	•  4 Gas Chromatographs
•  4 Strip Chart Recorders	•  12 Spectronic 20s
•  1 Fourier Transform IR	•  1 Color Printer
•  10 Nuclear Sealers	•  2 Isogenerator Kits
•  10 Sets Radioactive sources	•  12 Melting Point Instruments
•  2 HACH Water Quality Kits	•  2 Superconductivity Kits

Science in Motion Staff

Dr. Debra Baird Co-Director	George Williams Co-Director
Nancy Giles Assistant Project Director, Biology	Peggy Pate Assistant Project Director, Chemistry
Beth Clement Clerical/Technical Assistant

Reactions From Students and Teachers
"Science In Motion is an innovative program that can help the schools in Alabama compete with schools across the United States."

This program should be expanded, not taken away."

"The program offers the latest computer equipment to school systems that cannot afford the costs."

"Remember, the best investment you can make is in the future....Please don't take our education and our future away from us."

"It would be great a great favor to the students of Alabama to continue this program in all school systems."

"Please keep the van man....I can't wait for him to come back again."

"The equipment that we use with this program is better than the equipment many University's use. The students really enjoy using the equipment and look forward to participating in the program."

Frequently Asked Questions
What does it cost my school/system to have the van visit?
It costs absolutely nothing for the van to visit your school.

What does it cost if equipment gets broken at my school?
It costs absolutely nothing if equipment gets broken at your school.

How do I schedule the van to visit my school?
Simply call the Science In Motion office (256-233-6539 / 233-6560) and you can schedule any time that is not already committed.

How do I get involved in this unique program?
To get involved, call Dr. Debra Baird , Project Co-Director