Seeing is believing!
In my high school classes I teach physics and physical science (a combination of physics and chemistry). Most of my physical science students are freshmen, while most of my physics students are juniors and seniors. My high school is in an area of low socioeconomic residents, which has affected our "top end" over the past ten years. It is safe to say our community is high-need, as over half of our students qualify for free or reduced meals.
Basic to advanced concepts in physics and chemistry can be difficult for students to see. Sometimes a simple visual can make the difference between understanding an abstract concept and losing interest or focus.
Physics and chemistry are both such great topics to teach because you can see so much! Physics and chemistry is visible everywhere. By incorporating a document camera into my daily lessons, my instruction will be even more dynamic than it already is.
My room is currently very functional and, considering our state's current financial situation, is probably considered to be technologically advanced. I currently use my PC and digital projector to help students connect with digital resources available online. By adding a document camera to the mix, my students will be encompassed in a technologically rich environment!
When students move on from high school they will most likely learn science using more advanced materials and methods to convey lectures. By incorporating some of this into my daily classes, I will be able to better prepare students for the next step in their education!
My primary goal is to help students learn science. I want them to be excited about science. I want them to be passionate enough about a topic that when they go home and have dinner with their family, they are bursting to talk about the cool things they did in science class that day. I want them to know why things work the way they do and be excited to further advance their knowledge in general.
I also want my students to have a better background in science than I did coming out of high school. While in some areas I was over-prepared, others lacked tremendously. By adding this key piece of technology to my classroom, I will be able to better use the resources already in place to make a fully functional, technologically advanced classroom that is an excellent learning environment.
My students and I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to apply for this document camera and, if awarded, it will go to good use!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. Hancock and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.