My students need the LabQuest to collect data in the field on dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity and GPS, and then they will analyze the data in class using computers.
Imagine a school with no playground! My students do not have a time during the day to experience the outdoors. Science should be taught out in nature so students can make the connections between science and the real world ... their world. My goal is to provide these experiences for my students.
My students reside in an urban neighborhood that is ethnically diverse.
91% of the students receive free or reduced lunch. We have learned to respect our cultural diversity and now we must come together to respect and care for our one earth. Our city is home to "The Great Falls," which has recently been designated as a national historical site. The city started as an industrial center — powered by the rushing waters of the Passaic River. Today the raceway and river are polluted and unsafe for any living organisms or recreation.
I am working hard to educate my students about what they can do to protect and improve this spectacular area so the living organisms in and around the falls can survive and thrive. Students can do their part by educating parents and friends which will help this great original industrial city come back to life. Progress has begun but it must be ongoing. My part is to channel our youth in the right direction and take responsibility for the future.
My Project
We are requesting a Vernier LabQuest and the basic sensors necessary to determine water quality. LabQuest is a powerful interface used to engage students with hands-on science during field experiences as well as in the classroom. This stand-alone device is used with various Vernier sensors, such as dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature and the GPS we are requesting. Many other sensors are available and can be added at a later time. The LabQuest has built-in graphing and analysis software. Using this technology will inspire students to think critically as they analyze the data they collect. At the same time, they will be learning the required water chemistry that allows life to exist in the water. They will come to understand that human activity around the river can alter these conditions. Another way to determine water quality is to conduct a biotic index. To do this, students will use dip nets to collect and guides to identify the types of organisms that currently live in our river.
Please support my students in learning about their surroundings and the consequences of human activity.
They have the opportunity to educate others about what they can do to help develop our city into a great historic site that people will want to visit. Today's students are the future, and we as educators have to engage them now. Also, having no playground, my students will have the opportunity to be outdoors where they can have time to positively interact with their peers.
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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. Tarant and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.