Since we are located near two military bases, many of my sixth grade students are the children of deployed military personnel. They live in an area that is a pocket of poverty and they are handicapped by a lack of resources. All my students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch. Our school is an older, urban, public school that is coded as high poverty. The public library that was across the street closed several years ago.
Our school is not a Title I School, but my students have needs that are not being met by our school.
The majority of my kids do not have access to technology or reading materials outside of school. They cannot afford to go on field trips.
I have a very transient student population and a number of my students are homeless or live in shelters. Over 50% of my class comes and goes during the course of the school year. Several of my students are here in the United States for the first time, and English is not their first language. Many of my kids do not read at grade level. Anything dealing with researching and writing is a struggle.
My Project
My sixth graders are fascinated by science but we generally don't have the time or resources to explore the world around us. Science is the forgotten part of the sixth grade curriculum. Since many of my kids do not read at grade level, it is difficult to find appropriate print materials for them. My classroom library does not have any science materials. Most of my kids so not have access to technology outside of school. I am asking for a variety of books, DVDs, three Chromebooks and a charging cart to keep the Chromebooks ready for research. These resources will enable my students to learn and write about insects and bugs.
I hope to harness my students' curiosity about crawly things with their interest in technology and trick them into reading, writing and learning the scientific method.
We recently had a problem with lice in our room and my students were both disgusted and enthralled---we had some pretty heated discussions.
I plan to create a quarter-long unit on insects. We will begin by looking critically at A Bug's Life and other popular animated films; taking notes; comparing/contrasting it to Bill Nye's factual film. Next, we use the Chromebooks to study Alaskan bugs and insects. We will study specimens and take notes. Finally, students will create an Insectopedia about Alaskan bugs that will send shivers down their spines.
My school district is caught in an economic downward spiral and my school does not have the budget for this type of creative, hands-on science exploration. My students need the help of DonorsChoose.
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. Tennyson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.