With school out for summer, one might think the hallways and classrooms of local schools would be dark and empty – but not so this week at Russellville Elementary.

The AMSTI program out of UNA East Campus conducted training June 7-10 and June 13-15 at Russellville Elementary, introducing about 250 kindergarten through eighth grade teachers – from 14 school districts across Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Winston, Walker and Marion counties – to new science standards and curricula.

“We train the teachers on the materials, the resources, before they teach their kids,” explained AMSTI Director Shannon Uptain. This training allows educators to familiarize themselves with the lesson and processes, as well as promote safety and best practices in carrying out the hands-on lessons.

The training and curriculum align with new style standards going into effect, which Uptain said are more in depth on scientific processes.

“Students are asked to construct, design, analyze and create,” Uptain said. Engineering standards have also been incorporated.

Russellville and West elementary schools both had teachers present to participate in the training, as did most Franklin County schools.

“We know that AMSTI works because of the interest level it brings to the students,” said RCS teacher Stephanie Mayfield, who taught the fifth grade science module.