I teach in a Title I school where most of my students come from low-income families and receive free or reduced-price lunch. They are motivated to learn and excel when provided opportunities and materials to do so. My students are curious and have a desire to succeed.
These students love to learn and are eager to share their new knowledge with their families.
Unfortunately, it can be very difficult encouraging parents to come to after school events. It requires thinking outside the box to give my students an opportunity to shine.
My Project
Family involvement in education is a key indicator of student success. But how does one get a busy parent with multiple jobs to come out to Science Curriculum Night? Food! Last year, I rented cotton candy and sno-cone machines to help the 5th-grade students at my school share with their families what they'd learned in science about physical changes and the scientific process. The turn out was astounding! I need machines to continue with a proven method for family engagement for many years to come.
I use Cotton-Candy and Sno-Cones to demonstrate all of the science and engineering practices.
Families are involved together in questioning, using math, communicating information, investigating characteristics of matter, collecting and interpreting data, constructing explanations, and developing models. Students become the experts and are able to demonstrate mastery of science standards to the people who matter most--their family.
You'll be helping my students answer questions such as: What happens when Cotton-Candy is put under pressure? How could one know if this is Cotton-Candy without eating it? Determine with two standards of measure who has the most Cotton-Candy left. Develop a method for preserving this Sno-Cone from melting for an hour. And many more!
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn 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 Mrs. Llewellyn and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
