My students need bacteria, microbe/microbiology, pond/water quality, and protozoan experiment kits to allow them to conduct experiments and have hands-on applications.
My day is exciting and filled with learning. Yes, I learn too - everyday! I have the honor to teach two distinct groups of students. My day begins with an honors level Life Science class, but I also have a heterogeneous class later in the day. All my students enjoy projects and hands-on learning.
My students are all unique, bright students who enjoy learning new things.
Most of my students learn best when they 'experience' the lesson. Of course, we can read about what bacteria does, but that's not the same as seeing it grow. Talking about water issues isn't the same as experimenting with local water sources.
My students are geographically isolated and live in a high desert community. Our community also has a high poverty rate, and many of my students don't have access at home to Science related materials. Enrichment opportunities are limited, and the school is the primary force behind Science education.
Our school has a positive and caring climate. Many of the teachers volunteer to tutor after school; we work as a team. We want our students to also work as a team, and when they collaborate on Science projects they too have a chance to develop interpersonal and collaborative skills.
My Project
My classes will use these five kits to conduct experiments, collect data, and learn. The Microbiology kit has several applications; the Bacteria Experiment Kit will let students collect their own samples and draw conclusions about where bacteria is found and thrives; The Microbe Scavenger Hunt is a fun way for students to find and identify microbes; The Protozoan Pond Study Kit will be amazing, as we have few natural water sources. My students will need to get out in the community to locate water/pond sources.
We have them, but it's not right around the corner (I may swing a field trip for them to a local conservation area that has natural water). Lastly, our high desert community is very conscious of water and air quality. The How Clean is the Water We Drink and the Air We Breath? kit can be used to directly tie in to problem solving and the exploration of local issues.
With these materials, my students will learn about bacteria, viruses, protists, etc.
by doing - not just relying on the textbook. They will be able to prepare slides, instead of just using one out of a box. These kits and experiments will take my students outside of the classroom and into the community. They will be active learners who enjoy learning by doing!
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