Eureka! We've Discovered Science Experiments for Everyone!
Help me give my students lots of hands-on science experiments and projects to spark their curiosity. The Snap Circuits Light kit has dozens of experiments with lots of bells and whistles! The kits cover most fields of science.
I work with three very troubled 5th and 6th grade elementary students who have emotional and behavioral disabilities. Working with such a small group of children may seem odd, but the level of trauma and abuse they have endured is unimaginable. My students have lived through abuse, depression, anxiety and loss . These events are shaping their life experiences. One student has lived in 5 different group homes since the beginning of the year. All have had to deal with loss of a loved one. They need help to work through their emotions and learn how to cope with difficult situations.
Each student has gone through tough times so when they share their stories with each other, it lets them know they are not alone.
They need help learning how manage their behavior in safe ways. I'm in awe of their ability to persevere and take risks. We do a lot of community building activities and games. The students are learning how to be part of a group. My students have big hearts and express kindness every day. They want to express their emotions in positive ways. They don't want their emotions to control their lives in a destructive way.
My Project
The science experiments that I have carefully chosen cover Life, Physical, and Earth Science as well as Chemistry. Hands-on activities provide a way to cover key concepts in science with the added "wow" factor of the experiments. The Circuit Light Kit is a good example. It contains dozens of experiments, one including dancing lights when music is played, and it also covers the topic of electricity. Students often retain information better when it is presented in an interactive way. Hands-on activities also keep students engaged for longer periods of time.
These science kits, along with some other social/emotional games and puzzles, will improve class cohesiveness and develop skills and behaviors needed in today's world.
Experiments and games help kids learn social and emotional skills like cooperation, patience, coping and sharing. They safely encounter frustration, irritation, impatience and fear when doing an activity that requires trust and teamwork. My students need to develop skills that have been challenging, given their personal circumstances.
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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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 Ms. Niedzialkowski and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
