What is Asset Science?

"The mission of ASSET Inc. is to achieve a self-sustaining exemplary science and technology education program in the elementary grades by promoting professional development, teacher support, collaboration, and quality hands-on material."

Asset, Allegheny Schools Science Education and Technology Inc., was created by 16 school districts in Allegheny County in an effort to improve science education and revolutionize the way science is taught in our schools. Asset promotes inquiry-based learning, allowing students to construct their own understanding through questioning, analyzing information, and communicating with others.

The company sends a kit full of supplies for an entire class (for eight weeks of study) to the school. This kits contains hands-on materials which students use to explore and discover science concepts. These experiences lead to a greater understanding of concepts because the science principles become real. Students work cooperatively to build analytical skills such as observing, recording data, categorizing, making journal entries, and communicating results.

All teachers participate in professional development programs to learn to effectively use Asset science kits. The teacher's role in an Asset unit is to guide students in their exploration.

Click here to visit Asset Science's web site.
What science units will my child use?
  Each grade participates in two Asset Science units a year, one in the fall and one in the spring.
The two units used by South Fayette's fourth graders are: Electricity and Animal Studies.
You can read more about what the students will learn in below

 

Fourth Grade - Asset Science

Throughout the unit of Electricity, students learn how circuits work. They design and make their own working flashlight complete with a switch. Students also design and build a house that is completely wired with a working light in each room. The houses are presented at a special "Open House" with the parents invited.
The Animal Studies unit provides students with the opportunity to observe animals in their habitats. The students are responsible for taking care of the three habitats on their table. Students observe the animals (land snails, fiddler crabs, and dwarf African frogs) and record their observations in a log just like a real scientist. They learn about different habitats, ways animals adapt to their habitat, ways animal protect themselves and how animals interact with each other.