My students need molecule and chemistry sets in order to conduct hands-on experiments and better understand chemistry and how the discipline applies in the real world.
The biggest challenge I face in teaching 7th grade science is getting students to apply the knowledge to real-world situations. These models sets and materials will assist me in helping students apply knowledge by building hands-on common compound models that are visible and manipulative.
My students are from varied social, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
We live in a "university" city and many of my students are from other parts of the United States and some are from foreign countries. These students need hands-on experiences in science lab settings in order to fully comprehend the knowledge they are attaining regarding science and to put that knowledge into practical use. It is one thing to be taught about elements and compounds, but another to actually build models and gain an understanding of how these elements and compounds might actually appear on a sub-atomic level. Through hands-on labs, my students can gain and understanding of how molecules change and how various elements combine to form different molecules. My students want to learn and they want to use education as a means of spring-boarding them into a competitive world.
My Project
My students will use these materials in small group labs to gain a visual understanding of how elements combine to form molecules that they come into contact with on a day-to-day basis. They will be able to make real-world application of the importance molecules and elements play in their lives and in the ongoing lives of people, places and things around them. These kits will enable them to create models of hydrogen, oxygen, sodium chloride, and iron oxide that will deepen and enrich their understanding of molecular structure. Imagine how excited they will be to make a model of the very compound they sprinkle on their french fries? Hands-on activities such as these will inspire them and fuel their curiosity of science and their world in which they live.
Einstein, Hawking, Newton, and Galileo all started somewhere.
All became great scientists because something or someone inspired them. My goal is to inspire my students by helping them see science and hold it in their hands. Perhaps one of them will grow up to cure cancer, or place humans on Mars, or simply be able to contribute to society via an enhanced understanding of science and how it impacts their everyday lives.
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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 Dr. Maxey and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
