Science is fascinating! But as amazing as our own eyes are, sometimes it takes something more powerful like a microscope to really bring science to life.
My fifth grade students are curious scientists.
Like most 10-11 year olds, they are fascinated by the world around them. I am lucky to have students who love science as much as I do, and I want to provide them with experiences they will never forget.
My Project
Every year, we raise silk worms in our classroom, and watch them progress through the life cycle. They start out as tiny eggs, about the size of a ballpoint pen. Once they hatch, they are so small that it looks like a bunch of commas have jumped out of a book. Through the next month, the silkworms grow until they are ready to spin a cocoon made of silk, and eventually turn into moths. It is such as amazing experience to witness, and it certainly a highlight of the year for my fifth graders. A digital microscope will allow us to not only get an up-close look as these fascinating creatures, but to keep a photographic record of their life cycle, and even videotape them spinning their cocoon. How cool!
Not only will this digital microscope be used by my three classes, but we want to share the experience with our entire grade level.
That means nine classes - about 200 students - will get to use this wonderful piece of technology. We'll be able to use the microscope for a variety of lessons, including looking as the difference in heat conductors and insulators, looking at the parts of a flower, watching what happens as water changes states, and much more!
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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 Ms. Clements and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.