My students need access to outdoor education! 8 pairs of binoculars with bird field guides will allow students to work in small groups during outdoor adventures to experience birding and explore our natural world.
30 3rd grade students from a Title 1 school in a rural community come to school each day eager to learn. 50% are Hispanic, 20% are Native American, and 30% are Caucasian. 75% of them quality for free and reduced lunch. They burst through the doors each day with anticipation and excitement. They want to know more, and do better. They are the future.
When they grow up they will be our leaders, the voice of tomorrow.
They will be teachers and doctors and lawyers and singers. They will be business owners, farmers, ranchers, and someday Mothers and Fathers. Graduates. But first they need to be 3rd graders.
Students in my community need to see that the world is a big place and they are an important part of it. They need to know that they can make a difference and that they can set an example for their families. They need to see that they are in charge of their future and it starts with their education.
My Project
When students are asked what they do on the evenings, the weekends, or over a holiday break, the answers are always the same: They played a video game. They watched a movie. They did something indoors. Now is the time to get them outside!
With the help of binoculars and field guides, 3rd grade students will develop an infatuation with the natural world and want to spend more time outside.
I have had the opportunity to receive professional development locally which has supported the initiative to make outdoor education a priority for my students. Having tools like binoculars and field guides will enable outdoor education for all students. Students will be able to work in small groups to experience birding firsthand, and learn about the birds who live in our area. We will then take that research back to the classroom where we will develop a deeper understanding of local birds, their needs, their habitat, and what we can do as a community to support conservation efforts. Students will share their newfound knowledge with their families which will encourage conversation and further exploration!
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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. Fiero and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
