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 (ASIM) 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 added five new sites at the remaining in-service centers.  The Regional In-Service Center (RIC) housed at Athens State University selected a Chemistry van.  Chemistry teachers from the ten school systems served by the ASU RIC were invited to participate.

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

ASU Science in Motion Staff

*Phone number is the same for everyone 256-216-6622

Ms. Joyce Waid                                              joyce.waid@athens.edu
ASIM-Athens, Director

Dr. George Williams                                      george.williams@athens.edu
ASIM-Athens, Assistant Project Director

Rochelle Biffle                                                  melissa.biffle@athens.edu
AMSTI-ASIM Chemistry, Specialist

Nancy Giles                                                    nancy.giles@athens.edu
AMSTI-ASIM Biology Specialist

Jeff Woods                                                      jeff.woods@athens.edu
AMSTI-ASIM, Physics Specialist

Cinda Preuit                                                   cinda.preuit@athens.edu
ASIM Lab Materials Assistant, Biology

Dan Whitson                                                   dan.whitson@athens.edu
ASIM Lab Materials Assistant, Chemistry

 

Frequently Asked Questions about ASIM

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 ASU Science in Motion office (256-216-6622) and you can schedule any time that is not already committed.

How do I get involved in this unique program?
To get involved, call Joyce Waid at 256-216-6622 or email her at joyce.waid@athens.edu.