Seven students (Jasmine, Tara, Sam, Jeremy, Zach, Chris and Mauricio) camped out on the beach in Southern California over spring break and loved the ocean so much that they wanted to know more. They are fired up about what they saw and are ready to investigate the ocean.
My students thought about what they learned and what they enjoyed during their trip to Southern California. They said they were fascinated with the ocean, the currents, the waves, and how it all works. After speaking with them about what they want to do next, they said they wanted to know how the waves work and what happens to the trash that ends up in the ocean.
My students will develop skills that will help them in their future endeavors (college, job, etc) such as asking questions, questioning what they see/hear/feel around them, and collaborating to answer questions. These students will be able to investigate questions that they have on their own without just being given information that they have to assimilate. These students will also be given the opportunity to inspire others and incorporate them into the investigation process and get them fired up on how they can be involved and make a difference. This will give them opportunities to build these same skills that they will use later in life and in their college and careers.
In Their Own Words
My goal is to see how the ocean is effected by trash and unwanted debris. I am interested in learning why trash is so harmful and what exactly it does. I want to understand why the waves do exactly what they do. I am interested in understanding riptides and the mixture of the salt, particles, and all the other things that the waves do to the ocean.
I think I could help to inspire others to care about the ocean and what happens to it. I have watched my teacher do this with my classmates and friends, and if I were to help it would also be good for them and for me.
Asking questions is a key component to learning. I believe this project will encourage people to ask questions and want to learn more. The ocean is a mystery and asking questions could allow us to explore for the answers, opening a door for large discoveries. I also want to encourage others to take the trip to California that I took last year because I think they will learn so much from the experience.
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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. Gilliam and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.