Help Supply Our Chemistry Lab with A Modern Electronic Balance
Help me give my students an electronic balance that can be used in both traditional experiments or computer-linked lab procedures.
FULLY FUNDED! Mr. V.'s classroom raised $766
This project is fully funded
Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
Our urban public high school is as diverse racially, culturally, and economically as our large metropolitan city.
Our student population is by majority, Hispanic (70%), followed by Asian, White, Black, Pacific Islander, and various other groups.
Almost all my students classify in our state's lowest economic category, which qualifies them for financial assistance such as reduced-price lunch and free tutoring programs. For nearly 50% of my students, the primary language that their family speaks at home is not English. Many of our students were classified as ESL students (English as a Second Language) when they began high school, but have now been reclassified as English Proficient.
Class sizes at our public high school have slightly decreased lately, but our district is currently allowed to assign us up to about 40 students per class- still a large number. We are not a private school, so in order to give these young students the best college prep environment, our science lab programs truly survive from outside donations and grants.
My Project
One of the most wonderful, inspiring aspects of a Chemistry course is the privilege to conduct lab experiments. Students need electronic balances in almost all of their Chemistry experiments. Unfortunately, most electronic balances usually last just about 4-5 years and have only a 1-year warranty. It is difficult for our public school to get enough funds to keep us stocked with balances. Often, I have Chemistry experiments planned for all my classes of 30-40 students, but we'll have only 1 or 2 working balances, so students will have to wait in long lines to measure out their chemical samples.
In searching around for equipment, I have found a dream item for our lab, a good quality, electronic balance, which comes with a 2-year warranty and has the ability to link as a probe with our computers!
For several years now, thanks to DonorsChoose, I have been modernizing the lab experience for my AP Chemistry and Chemistry students by providing them with computer-linked lab probe equipment. Electronic balances are the most expensive, but important lab items that we need.
Six years ago, a local university donated 20 used iMac computers to my classroom. Now we have moved to a newly constructed Chemistry lab! Thanks to contributors through DonorsChoose, we received many different computer probes - much like your doctor's office digital thermometers or blood pressure instruments- for students to measure temperature, pH, and electrical conductivity.
The specific electronic balance that I am requesting also comes with the capability to connect directly to computers. This makes it easier for students to record and analyze their data. Also, their technology skills will be better developed, preparing them for computer equipment that they will use in college labs and in science careers. We greatly appreciate any assistance.
More than three‑quarters of 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
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 Mr. V. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
