My students need living insects, educational posters and books, a digital microscope, and an iPad to research, explore, and present their findings on why insects are important to our ecosystems.
Welcome to our fifth grade classroom! We are an energetic class that loves exploring new ideas and concepts. We spend our days exploring and learning about reading, math, and STEM activities. Our school has the highest poverty rates in the district with over 60% of our students receiving free or reduced price lunch. Although our class may struggle with economic and social difficulties outside of school when we walk through the door to class, we are one as a school family.
In our class, we work together to have fun, make mistakes, and learn!
We come from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of world experiences. As we approach middle school, we are learning to work together, learn from each other, and understand the similarities and differences that make us all unique.
My Project
My students were so excited (and a little repulsed) to hear about the creepy crawlies from our previous project, who will soon be invading our classroom, that we decided we need more examples of arthropods to observe, monitor, research, and present about! Many of my students spend very little time outdoors exploring the world around them. They are often cooped up indoors when they are not at school. Interacting with and understanding even the smallest living beings creates compassion and empathy that is transferrable to most situations.
Through studying entomology in our classroom, using systematic research, close observation, and creating three-dimensional models of the ants, praying mantis, and ladybugs, we will learn about living creatures, their life cycles, and their needs.
We need insects to study. An iPad and digital microscope will allow students to research our insects and create eBooks and digital photography presentations about our crawly friends. My students will explore nature within our classroom by caring for our different species of insects while studying their social interactions and behavior habits, and then releasing them into the wild. Students will research information using apps, such as National Geographic and Animal Explorer, to discover information about and explore the body structure, life, social structures, and habitat needs of the insects. They will also be able to photograph and visually document their research to create presentations to share with classmates and the school community. The remaining supplies will be use to combine art with the science and technology to round out our S.T.E.A.M. project. We will display our findings and creations at our annual School Family Math, Art, Science, and Health Night, or MASH Night!
Apple iPad with WiFi, 32GB, Gold (2017 Model)
• Amazon Business
$276.00
1
$276.00
Madagascar Hissing Cockroach Habitat
• Carolina Biological Supply Company
$44.95
1
$44.95
Beetle Races Amazing Bugs Kit (with live darkling beetles)
• Carolina Biological Supply Company
$33.07
1
$33.07
Laminated Insect Identification Educational Science Chart Poster Laminated Poster 24 x 36in
• Amazon Business
$19.99
1
$19.99
Portable USB Digital Microscope 20x-800x Magnification 8-LED Mini Microscope Endoscope Camera Magnifier with Stand
• Amazon Business
$18.55
1
$18.55
Generic The Tree of Life Poster Poster Print, 24x36
• Amazon Business
$17.99
1
$17.99
Fintie iPad 2017 9.7 Inch / iPad Air 2 / iPad Air Case - [Honey Comb Series] Light Weight Anti Slip Kids Friendly Shock Proof Silicone Protective Cover for Apple iPad 5th Gen, iPad Air 1 2, Magenta
• Amazon Business
$11.99
1
$11.99
[New Version] Pet Heating Pad, Shopline Pet Mat Brooder Incubator with Adjustable Temperature, Pet Heating Mat for Reptile Dog Cat Tortoise (5W)
• Amazon Business
$9.99
1
$9.99
Madagascar Hissing Cockroach Care: The Complete Guide to Caring for and Keeping Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches as Pets (Best Pet Care Practices)
• Amazon Business
$8.00
1
$8.00
3Doodler Start Bugs & Insects Doodleblock Kit
• Amazon Business
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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. Spahn and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
