Who doesn't enjoy hands-on learning, especially when it comes to Science? Many of my students have not yet had that experience, or if they have, it has been limited.
My 7th grade students are curious and enjoy hands-on activities that enhance their learning experiences.
My classes are diverse, and our school is over 60% free and reduced lunch. Many of my students do not have the opportunity to enrich their educations when required to use their own (or their families) funds; and, they do not have Internet access at home nor access to other technology. They deserve the same opportunities as students who attend schools where the population has a higher income on average. Students have already asked me if they will have the opportunity to dissect animals this year; and, they continue to ask, "when do we get to do another lab?" When I reviewed the units of study we would have this year, the weather unit sparked a lot of interest as well. From experience, I know that the hands-on activity requested will help these students grasp this unit more deeply than in years past.
My Project
The dissection resources will allow my students to clearly identify organ systems, understand how body systems work together, and compare their own bodies to other species. This project is very important as it will be the only opportunity my students have to dissect an animal until they reach high school. Middle school students want this opportunity, but our instructional budget does not allow for the purchase of the specimens. Until now, only the GT students have had this experience which I believe ALL students should have.
The weather visual activity will enhance this unit tremendously. Wind currents, fronts, weather patterns, etc., are challenging for students to grasp. Being able to interact with the simulation will be the only way many of my students will understand at the level required by common core standards. Students will be able to better predict the weather in the future.
The dissection activity will enrich my students' lives by making them think about their own bodies and how they work; and by, hopefully, encouraging them to take better care of themselves when they understand the intricacies involved in a body system.
The weather activity will broaden their minds and allow students to more accurately identify weather patterns keeping them safe in dangerous situations. Both will give students a visual for future classroom reference.
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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. Eversole and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.