My students need this dissolved oxygen meter and this water quality testing pen to test how much of an impact our school yard has on our local water sources.
Our science lab isn't just a classroom, it's a real lab where real testing is going on! Our latest adventure involves gathering water samples from the local water ways and testing water quality parameters to measure human impact on our nearby water.
My students represent a large range of ability levels.
On one end of that range, many of my students are well on their way to becoming scientists that will make a real impact on the world. On the other end of that range, some of my students are just discovering how much fun science can be! All of my students are hard-working sixth graders who adore "doing" science instead of just "learning" it. They want real-life instances where they can apply their budding science skills. Unfortunately, my sixth graders attend school in a "vintage" building in a state where reading, math, and history are all tested subjects. There is less emphasis placed on science so they've not had the opportunity to "do" as much as they have had to "learn". They deserve a chance to explore the world of science.
My Project
We are requesting this dissolved oxygen meter and this water quality testing pen to test how much of an impact our school yard has on our local water sources. I will be gathering samples from the local waterways and bringing them in to class. From there, my class will divide into small groups and test their parameter to determine the quality of the water sample. They will have to share data with other lab groups. They will have to work together to divide the work. They will have to learn how to work the meters. They will have to BE scientists!
My students are from a very small, rural school district.
They will see that even the smallest places can have an impact on the world around them. I hope that inspires them to take an interest in and make a difference in the world around them. This project will allow us to have a set of tools in the classroom this year, and for years to come. By awakening their inner scientists, I hope that my students will see the much larger world around them.
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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. Peterson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.