I teach in a public elementary school in New Orleans, Louisiana. We are one of the only accredited French schools in the country that is free. We, like many, lack resources and there is no science lab in the school. I would like to set up a small laboratory in my classroom for science projects.
Our school is very unique.
In fact, our mascot is called the Rarebird, because we are a rare school. We are an inner city public school with both a Montessori program and a French program under one roof. Our students come from modest backgrounds, but we are, and have been, one of the most successful schools in New Orleans. We have no bus service for the school, and some students travel great distances to be able to attend one of the programs. We face the same challenges as other public schools. Our resources are limited and the condition of our main school building is deplorable. Many classes are taught in dilapidated portables, and there is no room for a science lab in the school. Teachers make due with what they have or with small donations from PTO funds. Our students enter the French program in Pre-K or Kindergarten and quickly master the language due to their young age. The school is testimony to the fact that all children can learn regardless of race or economic status.
My Project
Due to the fact that there is no science lab in the school, I would like to set up a small laboratory on one side of my classroom. We will be continuing to learn about Earth Science and I would like for them to be able to view slides of different material as well as do science projects in small groups or pairs. The slides that I would like to use are a beginning for them to view earth matter up close. They can then collect material to be viewed under a microscope and present findings to the rest of their classmates(in French of course!) I have also requested a scale in order to compare the weights of matter collected as well as for some mathematics lessons. The better equipped my "petite laboratoire", the more interesting the lessons will be.
I would like to continue making a difference in the lives of the students at this school.
I arrived here 2 years ago not knowing what to expect. It is amazing that even with limited resources, the students here do very well. However, the science curriculum is one that is lacking indeed due to limited space and funding. With additional equipment in the classroom, I believe that I can improve my lessons and the impact that they will have on my students.
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