Search To Research

My Students

Students need up-to-date science information and they need to practice researching these questions in the same manner that scientists do research. A laptop dedicated to student research and interactive math and science web sites can provide answers and opportunities to ask more questions.

With just under 500 students, our rural high school is a cultural and athletic center in a town of 12,000 where logging and mills have diminished, leaving this generation fewer economic opportunities than in the past.

Students form close-knit relationships having gone through school together. They are curious, asking profound questions, seeking current answers in science. About 40% of graduates go to a 2 year or 4 year college; 10% go to the military and many seek work in the immediate area. Students excel in all sports and have strong allegiances to their teams. Other interests include music, drama, visual arts, poetry, gardening, community service, peer health and peer counseling. Teachers work to provide options beyond high school. Although set in a landscape of redwoods and creeks, our students are often sheltered from the culture and bustle of urban areas such as San Francisco and Los Angeles. The Internet would be a way to expand academic horizons in math and science.

My Project

With the right resources, a high school science or math classroom, can resemble a professional science lab and classroom or think tank. This could inspire students to pursue further education and careers in math and science. I am requesting a HP Lap Top to with this vision in mind. Imagine a high school math or science classroom where students can find an answer to a class discussion right in the moment? Earlier this year the question had to do with water resources. "Why can't we take the salt out of ocean water?" While one student had first hand experience, we wanted to know more. A lap top dedicated to research could have immediately enriched this discussion. Envision students researching a project for the science fair or a current topic of study. Imagine students who need a quick math update being able to use an interactive website which can key in on specific skills. Searching to research promotes independent learning.

Technology allows students instant gratification and today's young people expect quick responses to their questions.

As a teacher, I could encourage them to seek their own answers to those pressing questions. The process of searching is as valuable as the answer. Hopefully, their research will prompt even more questions and additional searching and researching. Today's young people will be tomorrows innovators. They need they best resources.