The cost of miniature greenhouses is $1692, including shipping and <a target="new" href="http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm" onclick="g_openWindow('http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm', 300, 800, 'fulfillwindow');return false;">fulfillment</a>.
This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
I would love to set up a series of miniature greenhouses so students can conduct experiments and investigations to understand scientific and
mathematical principles and applications in an authentic setting.
These greenhouses will be used continuously all year, although the contents will change
according to objectives being taught.
Exposure to science, math and technology will increase because
1) concepts will come alive for students who currently rely on books and videos,
2)students will experience practical applications for all science, math, and
technological topics instead of just reading about them,
3) students will see themselves as scientist as we refine our experimentation, presentation
and thinking skills, and
4) all data and presentations will require the
use of scientific/ mathematical understanding and technology use.
Goals for Students:
1) To see themselves as scientist,
2) To learn importance of science and scientific careers in our community,
3) To learn practical applications for science, math, and technology,
4) To understand and be able to use scientific inquiry and the scientific method.
5) To love learning about science and math!
Series 1: What shapes the lithosphere? Each greenhouse will contain different soil types which will be introduced to a variety of variables
such as decomposers, irrigation, light & heat changes, presence of rocks and minerals, and more, so that we may see how these changes affect pH, moisture, fertility, consistency, salinity, nutrient balance and overall appropriateness for a variety of plants and animals. We will investigate other variables such as crustal plate movement, folding, faulting,earthquake and volcanic activity.
Series 2: How does matter cycle? Each greenhouse will focus on a different phase in the cycling of matter. Photosynthesis, transfer of matter from
one organism to another, role of decomposers, producers and consumers, and adaptability will all be experimental topics.
Series 3: How do population dynamics affect the world around us? Population dynamics will be represented in each greenhouse. We will see
how overpopulation and under population impacts the environment. Coexistence, cooperation, and competition of organisms will be experimented with in this unit.
Fifty 6th grade students will be impacted each year.
The long term impact will be a greater understanding of scientific and mathematical
principles, a love for science and math,increased career opportunity awareness, development of a steward's attitude towards the environment,
sharpened critical thinking skills, and experiment design fluency.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Thomas and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
