Our school serves students in grades K-6. We are a Title 1 school, with over 50% of our students getting free lunch. Despite any socio-economic disadvantages, our school is a diverse community of learners...with each student having his/her own unique learning style. We strive every day to engage students and tap into their natural curiosity and potential. Our students have what it takes to succeed in the 21st century...they just need someone to fan the spark that is already there.
My Project
The Library Media Center is a hub of activity at our elementary school - we have books aplenty, a Lego Wall, and a variety of STEM resources that encourage students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on activities. What we DON'T have are dedicated resources and materials that encourage students to unplug from their devices and get outside to explore the wondrous and fascinating natural world around them. I'd like to change that - by creating a "Naturebrary" in the Library Media Center.
Science and discovery are all around us - if we just take the opportunity to look.
The Naturebrary would house a small collection of resources that encourage students, staff, and their families, to get outside and explore. Resources would include "Discovery Bags" filled with all the items needed to go out and explore their own backyards, and beyond. These bags could be borrowed, just like library books and other materials in the Library Media Center. Each bag would contain a field guide, a journal, a couple magnifying glasses, and perhaps a few other related items. The Naturebrary would also contain rocks, minerals, fossils, and a host of other items from the natural world, that students could see, touch, and examine up close.
My hope is that this small collection of resources would continue to grow as students and staff get out into nature and find interesting things that they want to share with others. I know there are budding naturalists in my school - hopefully the Naturebrary will give them the tools they need to continue their path of discovery.
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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. Iverson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
