Do you remember reading boring science books and not being able to use real life science instruments???? Everyone of us learns better when we can apply our knowledge that we read in the books to hands on opportunities. These balances will give us the chance to practice how to measure matter.
I teach both seventh and eighth graders in an urban public school in Pennsylvania.
My students are like most middle schoolers who have a great deal of energy and don't want to be stuck behind a desk all day! Our school is a K-8 school, so there are many times when the kids are not treated like real "middle schoolers". The chance of using real science tools will benefit them both academically and in their maturation process.
My Project
Imagine a class full of students measuring different items with the balance scales instead of reading the directions in a textbook! These balance scales can be utilized by all of my students as they practice measuring solids with the scales to prepare them for the science fair. Unfortunately, the students don't get much exposure to the metric system, but they are required to measure in metric for the science fair, and they often feel unprepared to do this type of measuring. The gram weights are a great visual tool for the students to learn what one gram, five grams, etc. looks like. compared to the weight in ounces, pounds, etc. The first chapter in the 8th grade book is measuring matter, and these instruments will provide the students with hands-on real life learning activities that they will remember more than if they just read about scales in a book.
Your donation will make a difference in the way my students will learn science and possibly make a difference in their lives and the lives of others .
Middle school is the perfect time to introduce different professions to students, and there is a good chance that students will pick a career in science if they enjoy science class. We need more people to choose science careers, and one way to motivate people to enter the science field is to provide them fun, hands-on, real life lessons.
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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. O'fee-Powers and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.