Alabama Department of Education’s Math, Science and Technology Initiative Partners with PASCO scientific in Program to Develop 21st Century Science Skills

Posted by admin

March 29, 2008

BOSTON, March 27 /PRNewswire/ — PASCO scientific today announced that the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) will partner with PASCO in a pilot program to explore how real world scientific inquiry coupled with modern technology can accelerate the development of students’ 21st century science skills.
The pilot program is part of PASCO’s Science-with-Technology Education Pioneer (STEP) program, an initiative designed to help school districts explore ways they can bring science education in step with 21st century science tools and methods. PASCO announced the STEP program at the National Science Teachers Association’s national conference, which runs today through Sunday at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.
AMSTI is a statewide program funded by the Alabama Department of Education to improve math and science teaching and learning in Alabama so all students develop the skills necessary for success in post secondary studies and the work force.
“We are very pleased to have AMSTI as a STEP partner,” said Wayne Grant, Ph.D., chief education officer for PASCO. “AMSTI shares PASCO’s commitment to increase science literacy overall and to prepare students for success in a 21st century work force.”
Through the STEP pilot program, AMSTI will work with PASCO to explore how it can accelerate its well-established, well-defined initiative that already recognizes the need for better science teaching and learning solutions. The pilot program centers on the use of the breakthrough SPARK Science Learning System(TM), an all-in-one mobile solution that seamlessly integrates the power of probe ware with inquiry-based content and assessment.
The SPARK(TM) system contains everything a teacher needs to integrate inquiry-based, hands-on science into any K-12 classroom, and engage students in authentic scientific investigations. With the SPARK system, students can explore the world around them and make their own scientific discoveries. They can ask significant questions, gather data, reflect on data, and interpret their findings. SPARK, which stands for sense, perceive, analyze, reflect and know, embody a science learning process that empowers teachers and energizes students.
“PASCO’s goals are closely aligned with our own,” said AMSTI Director Steve Ricks. “This partnership gives us the unique opportunity to combine a cutting-edge solution such as the SPARK Science Learning System with our own rich content, and explore how we can prepare students for success in a 21st century work force by promoting a deep understanding of science.”
“The SPARK Science Learning System matches what we expect from a science solution,” said Ricks. “We are looking forward to implementing it in our pilot learning environments to examine how it may better enable authentic scientific inquiry and deliver the content and teaching approach AMSTI wants for all Alabama’s students.”
For information on the SPARK Science Learning System call 800-772-8700 or visit .
For information about participating in the PASCO STEP program contact Richard Briscoe at 800-772-8700.
About PASCO scientific
PASCO scientific is a leading developer of innovative, technology-based solutions for hands-on science. PASCO’s team of over 165 includes former and current teachers, educational researchers, engineers and many more. Throughout its more than 40-year history, PASCO has focused exclusively on science education — designing, developing and supporting better ways of teaching and learning science. Teachers and students in more than 100 countries throughout the world benefit from PASCO solutions.
SPARK, the SPARK Science Learning System and PASCO Science-with-Technology Education Pioneer, or PASCO STEP are trademarks of PASCO scientific.
PASCO scientific