"When will I ever use this in the real world?" This is probably the most common question that a math teacher hears from his or her students. Bringing the math to life through modeling projects is necessary to keep kids motivated and to continue learning.
My students are bright, energetic, and inquisitive 9th through 12th grade Algebra II students.
We have a very diverse population from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds and our parent education level is little to no college. The students in Algebra II are on the academic path to go to college, but don't necessarily have academic support at home. Our community has been hit hard by the foreclosure epidemic and the economic downturn. Unfortunately, many of my students families can not afford basic school supplies, so what limited budget we have in the math department is spent on supplying these kids with binder paper, pencils, and notebooks. In addition, our class sizes are growing because of the state budget crisis and the cuts to education spending. There is new technology and classroom materials that can help us reach ALL our students on an individual level, and support their college aspirations!
My Project
Imagine you are sitting in classroom listening to the teacher drone on and on about the seemingly pointless mathematical procedures you will be asked to demonstrate on the next test. Wouldn't you want to know why you were learning it? Wouldn't you want to know what this math was used for?
Modeling the math through hands-on projects is a great way to inspire kids to explore mathematics. The seemingly pointless procedures become a clear pathway to reaching a specific end goal and achieving in real life situations. I am requesting graphing calculators, scissors, paper, colored pencils, and other classroom supplies to implement hands-on projects with my students. Having the supplies necessary to be able to conduct such projects in class will make the classes more interesting, thus motivating more students, and raise the achievement levels. Ideally, these projects will inspire students to continue their math education and enter careers in the math and science fields.
My students are all capable of going to college.
Algebra II is one of the last hurdles required for admission. The intrinsic motivation of interest in math will ensure more and more students seek college admission.
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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 Ms. Frugaletti and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.