Welcome to the Association of Science Materials Centers

ASMC represents science education reform efforts in school districts and consortia around the US

It is the only professional organization that supports the more than 200 science materials centers operating in the United States, and the hundreds of educators who use inquiry-based, hands-on materials in classrooms. The association has experienced an increase in membership corresponding to increased interest in hands-on science education at the national level.

ASMC is diverse. We are materials managers, curriculum leaders, teachers, professors, informal science educators, scientists and corporate community outreach leaders. We are professional and collegial and effectively partner with business and industry, organizations that represent minority interests, federal agencies, universities, school districts and retired school teachers.

ASMC sustains inquiry. As school districts change so too do the needs of teachers, science leadership and the professionals who support them. ASMC leverages the knowledge and expertise of a community of leaders and learners in curricula, materials management and professional development to create better products, systems, and processes to facilitate student achievement in all science, technology, engineering and mathematic areas. 

Our goals

To help resource centers meet these needs, the Association of Science Materials Centers can help in the following areas:

• networking through both print and electronic media
• hosting focused conferences
• mentoring and developing local leadership
• highlighting effective practices and programs
• collecting and disseminating information

The materials center frequently becomes the hub around which the other critical elements revolve.

As of September 2008, The Association of Science Materials Centers (ASMC) and the HandsOn Science Partnership (HOSP) have joined together in a strategic partnership to better serve science materials centers, science educators, and school district leaders across the U.S. Read more about the partnership (.pdf file).