Even in the time of COVID-19, middle school is the perfect time to get students excited about science: exploring the world around them, taking on environmental stewardship, and imagining future roles they can play in solving challenges using science, technology, engineering, and math.
As a magnet school, we serve students throughout the district, encompassing a wide range of home language, academic proficiency, and socioeconomic levels.
We are also a full-inclusion school, so we teach all students including those with special needs, the gifted and English language learners. We teach a rigorous STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) curriculum constructed on a foundation of hands-on learning and real-world application including career exploration. Distance learning has been a huge challenge for teachers and students alike. We will continue to modify our lessons and make supportive connections with our students during distance learning until we return to the classroom.
My Project
I teach two sections of a marine science elective this year. One section is at the same time as an English Language Development class. When students reach a certain level of proficiency, they transfer into my class. The course has also welcomed all Special Day Class students, as well as students with academic and behavioral difficulties. A hands-on STEM elective class offers students the opportunity to broaden their horizons, build academic, lab and collaborative skills, and a successful experience in school.
My school is unusually diverse and the Aquatic Studies elective has many students of color.
From the year it began, I was surprised at how few students had visited tidepools, SF Bay and our local waterways, had been sailing, had a fish tank at home or had visited a public aquarium. The Bay Area is diverse and rich in marine experiences, yet the majority of students had never been exposed to it.
We know that people of color are underrepresented in STEM fields worldwide. During the 2019 Capitol Hill Ocean Week, Sea Grant hosted a session: Creating a Diverse, Equitable and Inclusive Coastal and Ocean Science Workforce. One speaker commented that "efforts to increase diversity, equity and inclusion can’t just happen in the workplace or in graduate schools. It has to happen from young kids all the way through.” My Aquatic Studies class exposes around 150 students per year to real marine science issues and career opportunities.
With the Foldscopes, students will build skills during distance learning. They will perform observations, measure, sketch and discuss findings. They will study adaptations of marine organisms and learn about Foldscope inventor Manu Prakash, frugal science and appropriate engineering. They will gain confidence and competence in their ability to take on future challenges and change the face of marine science.
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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. Horne and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
