Thirty curious members of Kingdom Animalia crowded around a single microscopic microscope, hoping to catch a glimpse of a false footed amoeba, can be mayhem.
Louis Pasteur would be proud of my enthusiastic sixth grade students who love studying microorganisms.
They are the leaders of a group of K-6 students from an elementary school in Utah. I truly believe that within this group of students are future scientists and researchers. They have an endless supply of questions about their environment and the world around them. They are truly concerned about their peers, their families, and those who need their help. They are innovative, eager to learn, and they are not afraid to fail in order that they may succeed by learning from their mistakes. They celebrate their successes together and support each other.
My Project
Identifying microorganisms in pond water can be a bit challenging with only one or two microscopes that must be shared by thirty students at a time. It takes almost an entire science session for students to view a single specimen. The noise level is generally high due to the excitement that abounds during such an activity. With a digital microscope with an easy to view screen, many students at a time could view the magic of what is being viewed. We could also capture still images and moving video images of microorganisms. These could be saved on the computer and used in our later discussions. We could "relive" the digital moments together as a class. My students would be "up close and personal" with their unseen world. They will learn about the hidden world that they are immersed in each day. They will gain an appreciation for biology, research, and discovery. They will gain an appreciation for scientists past and present who dedicate or have dedicated their lives to better mankind.
Thank you for considering making the wish for a digital microscope come true for my sixty sixth grade science students.
The fact that the future scientists will be able to comfortably and clearly view the magic of pond scum, bread mold, and buzzing compost will really make a difference in their lives. With your help, many students will be motivated to continue exploring, observing, and discovering their world as they move to junior high, high school and for the rest of their lives.
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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. Vantussenbrook and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.