Young people in today's society live in a technology driven world, except when they come to school, we revert backwards because of the lack of funds to bring our classrooms into the 21st century! I want to engage my students in the manner in which they conduct daily life!
My students live in a rural Kentucky community, in a school with over 65% of our population on a free/reduced lunch program.
But, they fully embrace the technologically proficient society we live in! From smart phones for texting, social media outlets, video chats and games to home game systems and computers, they're all over it! Except when they come to school. They must revert back to pencil and paper exercises with maybe a VHS thrown in. My building currently serves the 7th and 8th graders in our entire district, and we're adding 6th grade next school year. They crave a connection between school and "real life." They love the hands-on lab experiments we do in class and embrace the challenge of learning something new in a way that is different from elementary school. We have iPads in our library that can be 'checked out' but availability is sparse as they are shared among a staff of over 20 teachers, not counting support staff and paraprofessionals.
My Project
I am requesting 2 iPads for my classroom. I intend to use these for data collection during routine laboratory investigations. The shift in science education is toward engineering and application which leads to a necessity in the ability to analyze data, create and read graphs, tables and charts. I have found an APP that is perfect for this, but I need the device to download the APP to! Students will work in stations and rotate through specific timed intervals to utilize the iPads during experiments, then work cooperatively to analyze the collected data. I also have a supplemental class daily in which I intend to employ the use of a computer-based program called Study Island. I have been unable to fully embrace this educational tool due to the lack of available devices for my students. It is an excellent way to review previously covered content and allow students to work at their own individual pace to assess their knowledge and skill level.
By utilizing the iPads for data collection and for graphing results, students will gain, not only the specific analytical skill, but confidence in themselves as well!
As 8th graders, students take the national assessment known as the EXPLORE test, which is a predictor of the PLAN, a precursor to the ACT. This exam is full of data analysis skills as well as specific content. Beginning in 7th grade with routine utilization of these abilities can only lead to a proficient student in later years!
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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. Pyles Grant and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.