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 second graders are: The Life Cycle of a Butterfly and Changes.
You can read more about what the students will learn in below

 

Second Grade - Asset Science

The Life Cycle of a Butterfly unit provides students provides students with the opportunity to observe the entire life cycle of butterflies. Students learn about the growth and changes that occur from larva to butterfly, and the differences between insects and spiders. A big release party is held when the caterpillars mature.
The Changes unit allows the students to explore basic chemistry. They discover various mixtures and solutions. Children use common household liquids, like vinegar and lime juice, to create chemical changes. They discuss the characteristics of a chemical reaction. Student will learn how filtration and evaporation can be used to separate various mixtures.