My students need hands on materials, such as bar magnets, discovery kits and iron filling wonder windows in order to explore, discover and learn how magnets really work.
Can you imagine how a class of 20 children could possibly learn about the force of a magnet if all they had was the pictures and words from a science book and 5 magnets to teach them? That is the challenge I was faced with this year and I bought the 5 magnets. My magnetic field was weak!
Our school is located in a very small, rural, southern town.
My classroom children are very sweet and love attention. I do my best to teach them everything I feel they need to know while they are at school because I don't know if anyone will have time to work with them once they get home. We have a large ESOL population so, I've learned it is very important to teach vocabulary. Words and topics you and I think they should know about, they don't. Many have never been to the beach or the mountains. They lack worldly experiences that you and I may take for granted. That explains why they get so excited when we are able to do hands on projects and activities in the classroom. These children are seeing and doing many things for the very first time. They are learning the "how" and "why" of the world! These children need good role models to help lead them and guide them towards a brighter future. I want to inspire them to be doctors, teachers, lawyers or maybe even scientist.
My Project
What could change a student's understanding of a topic such as magnetism more that actually exploring what a magnet can do. The Discovery Board will define the difference between magnetic and non-magnetic objects. The bar magnets are excellent for visually investigating how like poles repel and unlike poles attract. With the Iron Filing Discovery Window, the children can observe what happens at the poles. They will understand that the magnets force is strongest at its poles. Using the Lakeshore magnet kit the children will be able to perform experiments with a variety of magnetic materials. The children will also be able to compare different kinds of magnets and test the strength of each. The Stack Magnets will allow the children to feel the power of a magnet. They will experience the force of repelling magnets and the pull when they attract. These investigations will lead the students towards identify all the different ways in which magnets are used in our everyday lives.
Your donations to this hands-on project will help 1st grade students answer this "Essential Question": How does a magnet hold a picture to your refrigerator at home?
You know the answer, but a 6 year old child is just learning! Remember, young children learn best by doing! If I can provide them with the tools, instruments and materials needed to teach this concept in depth, then I may have created a future scientist waiting to discover more about how magnets are used in his/her world.
More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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 Mrs. Anguilla and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.