We have become a society of spectators! From television to PlayStation to social networking sites. I am interested in providing my students with the opportunity to experience science firsthand through active participation. We will build, launch and calculate the acceleration of our own rockets.
The region of the state I teach in is a lower income area.
Most of my students' parents do not put a large emphasis on education and therefore, the students themselves do not think education is important. If I can stimulate their interest and motivate them to be excited about learning, I am hopeful that they will begin to understand that education is not only important but also fun. Our district like many others has experienced budget cuts due to our current economy. Through funding of my project, I am hopeful that the Physics portion of the Physical Science class I teach will engage their interest and enable them to become motivated to learn more. With "hands-on" projects such as this one, they gain self-confidence and a strong sense of accomplishment when their projects are successful.
My Project
I have requested the necessary items needed to conduct this project on a classroom-sized scale. My plan is to divide my class into groups where they will assemble, paint and then launch their own rockets. Imagine their excitement when the rocket they built shoots almost 1400 feet into the atmosphere! I have also requested altimeter devices so they can calculate how high each of their rockets travel. This will allow the class to have a friendly competition in conjunction with the learning experience they will gain through the completion of this project assignment. Most of my students struggle in school and our dropout rate is very high. If I am able to provide them with even one very positive experience in my class this semester, I am hopeful that this experience translates into an opportunity for them to have the confidence to pursue other experiences - not only in school, but also in life.
By funding this request my students will be afforded the chance to experience success in school - something they unfortunately have had very little of.
Their sense of accomplishment as well as the personal pride that stems from seeing a project through from conception to completion is something all students deserve to experience. If together we can help guide them down a successful path, it is my hope that they will then develop the fortitude and the ability to continue.
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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 Mr. Yarasheski and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.