"I teach science to 150 enthusiastic 7th graders at a high needs school in the Bronx. Many of my students are recent immigrants, and about one-third receive special education services. They face daunting challenges everyday, including gang violence, hunger, and inadequate housing and health care. Des...
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"I teach science to 150 enthusiastic 7th graders at a high needs school in the Bronx. Many of my students are recent immigrants, and about one-third receive special education services. They face daunting challenges everyday, including gang violence, hunger, and inadequate housing and health care. Despite the many obstacles in their lives, they come to school with incredible energy and a strong desire to learn.
At the end of 8th grade, my students will take a state science test. One component of this test requires them to show off their laboratory skills by completing a series of hands-on experiments. In order to fully succeed in the practical portion of this test (and to succeed in high school science and beyond), my students need as much lab experience as possible to feel confident in their experimenting skills. But because of a lack of materials, it is impossible for my students to practice!
Two major topics on the performance test focus on density and microscope skills. My students will practice finding and comparing the densities of different materials using the sets of density blocks. Also, my students will become true pros at using a microscope by practicing with a wide variety of interesting slides of animals, plants, blood, and bacteria. The rest of the materials, including scissors, construction paper, gloves, and beakers will provide basic lab supplies that will be used throughout the rest of the year to help them sharpen their experimenting skills!
With your help, my students will be able to practice the essential laboratory skills they need to pass their 8th grade science test. Providing these supplies will truly help to prepare my students, but even more so, give them confidence in their ability to do science! On behalf of my 7th grade scientists, thank you for all of your help!
My students need 6 sets of density cubes, 2 sets of prepared microscope slides, 12 beakers, and various supplies including gloves, scissors, balloons, construction paper, and food coloring.
The cost of this proposal is $685, which includes shipping for any materials requested and fulfillment ."
See Ms. P.'s class participating in this project!
(Enlarge photos)
Jun 18, 2009
Dear Neil, J&H HOOD and Amgen Foundation,
On behalf of my seventh grade students, I would like to sincerely thank you for the generous gift of supplies you donated to our classroom!
The materials you gave us provided a way for my students to understand science in a hands-on way and truly prepare for the exam that they will take in 8th grade.My 7th grade scientists learned to determine the volume and mass of the density blocks, calculate density, and observed whether or not each block float or sank in water.All of my students got a change to work with the density kits because there was enough to share- thanks to you!Also, the scissors, balloons, gloves, and other items have been essential in science demonstrations and for their individual experiments.For example, we used the gloves and scissors to dissect frogs as a culminating experiment for our Human Body Unit.This gave them a lasting memory that will stick with them for the 8th grade science test!
Above all, the materials you provided for my students allowed them to more easily and deeply understand science.As I mentioned in my proposal, many of my students are English language learners, and often find it especially challenging and frustrating to comprehend what they read.With the aid of visuals, and hands-on experiences, my students feel much more confident in their ability to learn science.With these materials, my students have experienced a feeling of success in school.
Thank you for believing in my 7th grade scientists!
With gratitude, Ms. P.
Ms. P. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
Mar 28, 2009
Dear Neil, J&H HOOD and Amgen Foundation,
Thank you so much for your very generous donation to help my 7th grade
scientists! All of the materials you have funded will give my students the lab experiences they need to ace the practical they will take at the end of 8th grade. Before this year, many of my students did not have any hands-on
experiences in science class, and are therefore very far behind in their
experimenting and laboratory skills. Now, my students will have the necessary materials to practice determining density and using a microscope in a fun, engaging, and exciting way, giving them the confidence and practice they need to do well on their test! Thank you for making it possible! My students and I are very grateful for your gifts.
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Karen L. (volunteer)
on Mar 7, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested supplies and posted this project.
John C. (associate)
on Mar 8, 2009
"The Amgen Foundation seeks to advance science education, improve quality of care and access for patients, and support resources that create sound communities where Amgen staff members live and work. We invite you to join us in supporting this Teach For America teacher's project to benefit underprivileged children. "
J&H HOOD
from Belle Mead, NJ
gave
in support of J&H HOOD
on Mar 23, 2009
"The Amgen Foundation seeks to advance science education, improve quality of care and access for patients, and support resources that create sound communities where Amgen staff members live and work. We invite you to join us in supporting this Teach For America teacher's project to benefit underprivileged children. Together, we can make the promise of excellent math and science education accessible to all."
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Karen L. (volunteer)
on Mar 7, 2009
