Help me give my students access to ISS-Above so they can track the International Space Station, learn about the astronauts living in space, and view live videos of our planet via the Space Station's external cameras.
My students come from diverse backgrounds and that provides us with wonderful learning opportunities. Some of my students have special needs, and others are gifted learners. We also have children from military families, as well as some who speak English as a Second Language or English Language Learners (ESL/ELL). We are very fortunate to have such a beautifully diverse classroom community.
Although our school is faced with an increasing number of students from low-income families, my students are highly motivated to solve problems and make the world a better place.
My students are the scientists, artists, engineers, and mathematicians of the future. They care about others and want to make a difference in the world. I can't wait to see the amazing things they accomplish in their lives!
My Project
Parents and guardians are a child's first teachers. Research shows that parent engagement in the learning process creates a culture of learning that increases students' motivation and achievement. My students will use ISS-Above to track the International Space Station, learn about the astronauts currently residing on ISS, and view Earth as seen from space via live video provided by the Space Station's external cameras. Students will share their knowledge and enthusiasm for space exploration with their parents and siblings, setting the stage for increased family engagement as they achieve their learning goals throughout our astronomy unit. Having the ability to track ISS's visible passes will give students an opportunity to share their newly acquired skills in reading data and coordinates, measuring angles, and documenting scientific observations with their families. While students and their families are outside making observations, they will also extend their learning to finding and identifying visible planets, moon phases, and constellations in the night sky. Motivation creates success, and success creates more opportunities for success. Increased student achievement for this project will be measured by comparing pretest and posttest scores on the unit assessment.
This project is sure to provide opportunities for shared family time filled with thought-provoking conversations and will create memories that will last a lifetime.
My students will benefit from additional time spent with family and the additional support in their learning experiences. They will teach their families what they learn in class, which will create further opportunities to learn together at home.
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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. Norris and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.