Ecology Books for my 5th and 6th Grade Science Students
My students need 25 copies of Earth Matters, a colorful, well-written, beautifully photographed, engaging, and accessible ecology book from DK Publishing.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. S.'s classroom raised $818
This project is fully funded
"Earth Matters" Matters to Us!
I teach 5th and 6th grade math and science in an urban public school. We work and learn in an old building which does not have up-to-date technology resources, such as computers in the classroom, nor even the electrical requirements to install computers in every room!
My students study environmental and ecological science in the spring of both the 5th and 6th grade year. The science units are full of valuable and engaging hands-on activities, such as building "eco-columns" and conducting plant growth and pollution experiments. The kids (and their teacher!) love to get their hands dirty and observe the growth and development of living things in the classroom. The experience my students gain by constructing and observing model ecosystems is invaluable, but we are limited to exploring systems that are suitable for our classroom environment. My students' understanding is incomplete without some investigation of the incredible diversity of environments and ecosystems found on our planet.
I see this further exploration of different ecosystems, and of the threats and pressures that many of them face, as a perfect opportunity for student-directed, independent reading and research. Unfortunately, my school does not have the technological resources to allow for this type of Internet research on a consistent basis. The only available computers are in our one lab, which is used for IT classes. Science class rarely coincides with a time the lab is free, and our library does not offer current resources on environmental or ecological topics.
With a classroom set of "Earth Matters," however, my kids would have everything they need to design and conduct their own research projects right at their fingertips. "Earth Matters," from the excellent DK Publishers, is a phenomenal resource on Earth and environmental science, especially for middle-school students. The information is presented in the format that is most engaging and accessible for readers of their age. Every page is full of eye-catching images. Captions and sidebars supplement the main text. I have one classroom copy of this book, and every one of my students, from struggling to advanced readers, has been drawn to it.
A classroom set of "Earth Matters" would enable my 5th and 6th graders to take control and ownership of their own learning. It is so important for these children to exercise choice and independence. It is equally important for them to extend their learning experience outside the classroom and to understand the beauty and complexity of their world. Your generosity can help to ensure that both of these goals are met.
This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
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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