My students need the materials in this Hand Soap Evaluation Kit in order to conduct a lab analyzing the effectiveness of various brands of antibacterial hand washing soaps versus not hand washing at all.
My students have such an incredible amount of potential. Some of them know it, but unfortunately, many of them do not. It is my goal every day to help my students not only see what they are capable of, but to encourage them to work hard to achieve it.
An integral component to achieving success in the classroom is having engaging hands-on activities that allow students to apply the concepts and theories they are learning to real-life situations.
It is important for me to show my students that science is all around us, every day. Having access to lab supplies for hands-on activities would help to stimulate student interest and understanding of science in new and exciting ways that my students don't often get to experience.
My Project
One of the great things about science is that it isn't just theoretical or conceptual.... it is applicable! Science surrounds our every thought, emotion, and action.
Allowing students to APPLY science and not just learn the theories of science makes such a significant impact - not only on student understanding, but in student motivation and interest.
Most people learn much better when they actually do something, compared to simply reading/hearing about it or watching others.
Not only will this lab activity reinforce fundamental biology standards regarding overall health and wellness and communicable diseases, it will allow students to apply the scientific method and sharpen their critical thinking and analytical skills.
During this project, my students will create hypotheses, determine their procedures, and gather data by measuring the bacterial growth on their hands through multiple variables, including various brands of antibacterial soap and unwashed hands. They will then compare and contrast their results, formulate conclusions in order to determine whether or not their hypotheses are valid, and share their findings with their classmates.
Activities like this help to improve learning, build motivation, and give students an opportunity to become invested in their learning. This soon begins to create a positive "domino effect" in their behavior and attitude in class, which begins to have a positive effect on their grades in science. When their grade starts to improve in one class, they begin to believe in themselves and ultimately start applying themselves in their other classes, as well.
Nearly all 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. Fontenot and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
