My students need spectroscopes, various element spectrum tubes, the power sources for those tubes, a reference chart and a flame test lab to explore astrophysics.
As a scientist first and teacher second, I educate with the hope of being the one to inspire the next generation of scientific innovators. The best way to accomplish this is to let students learn how science is done in the real world - through experimentation!
My students come from struggling blue collar families; the type of hard working kids that strive to achieve more success through education than their parents did.
Our school is the foundation of this rural community. It is the type of place where everyone shuts down their businesses in order to come to the game between the two district high schools. We do not receive much in the way of federal funds even though we're Title I, because we work hard and get good results with what we have. Simply put, we are 'small farm town USA.'
My Project
Chemistry, Earth Science and Physics are supposed to be hands on sciences - with content built AROUND laboratory experiments. With this set of light spectra hardware, we can begin our exploration of astrophysics and the atomic realm with two lab experiments.
The first lab is observing and recording the absorption and emission spectra of pure elemental gases. This is the same data that NASA and astronomers use to identify the elements found on other planets as well as stars.
The second lab, the 'flame test' lab, is used to identify elements in an unknown sample using their spectra. This teaches the fundamentals of how the EPA and other industries use spectrometers to identify unknown chemicals and contaminants.
These labs are all based upon the original experiments that chemists/physicists/astronomers used in to base their theories and atomic models on. Students will DO science - not just write about it in their notes as they sit through a boring lecture.
Most of this hardware will last decades with careful use and storage.
So your donation will impact generations of students by enhancing their science education with quality laboratory experiences. Students will understand the fundamental science behind our exploration of space and other planets, as well as the science behind the EPA and their contamination investigations. This may open the door to inspire some of these students to seek careers in these advanced scientific fields.
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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 Mrs. P. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.