Mission and Goals

The mission of the AISD science education program states that all students will be scientifically literate, responsible, and productive citizens.

The goals of the AISD science education program include:

• To implement curriculum that stresses the relevance of science to the personal and societal welfare of people;
• To develop in students the ability to use problem solving and critical thinking skills; and
• To encourage students to analyze and apply scientific concepts to their daily lives.

The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, implemented in 1998, establishes guidelines for the processes and content to be taught at each grade level. The AISD science curriculum is aligned with this State framework.

Students must be involved in doing science.  Hands-on activities must be the cornerstone of the science classroom.

Students need to be engaged in making predictions, testing their ideas, and then drawing conclusions based on their results.

Laserdisc and computer technology is a vital component in our science program. Effective teachers are integrating all three components of our science program: laser disc technology, textbooks, and hands-on activities. Students are involved in seeing, reading, and doing science.

Function

The Science and Health Resource Center (SHRC) is the central distribution source for learning materials which support the Austin Independent School District's hands-on elementary and secondary science curriculum.

The SHRC is an economical system for supplying, maintaining, and replacing a diverse array of scientific equipment and teaching aids by operating on the principle of the cooperative use of materials.

The SHRC assembles customized teaching kits containing equipment and materials appropriate for hands-on science teaching. These items, which support the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, are delivered to teachers upon written request.

The SHRC provides A.I.S.D. teachers with training on a variety of science and health topics.

Delivery days to your school is based on your schools designated day.

General Information

Hours of operation for SHRC are from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.