Motivating Students in Engineering, Science, and Math!

My Students

Were you really ready to enter the "real world" when you graduated high school? My passion is to have my students ready for the challenges they will soon face. Technology is increasing at a rapid pace. Our students need to be confident using the metric system and "real world" tools. PLEASE HELP:)

My students attend a rural public school.

Many come from middle to low income homes. They get excited when I bring technology and new hands-on experiences to the classroom. The motivation-to-learn barometer clearly rises on those occasions as measured by their enthusiasm. Unfortunately, resources are limited in our science lab, so I have been looking for low or no cost options to provide the equipment we need. Many of my students will go on to college or technical school, but even for those that go straight to work, the requirements for technical knowledge will be high. The manufacturing in our area of the country has taken an exponential turn toward metric measurement, robotics, technical maintenance, and the like. Many of my students are self-motivated and want to achieve their best. However, I want all my students to be excited about their future and what they can achieve.

My Project

Imagine how excited you were going into a workplace and applying for and getting your first job. Now imagine how you would have felt on your first day to discover everyone in the facility spoke a different language than you. That is what is happening to many of our high school graduates. They enter the workplace and find out, "What are they talking about? I don't know how to use the metric system." The United States is stubbornly hanging on to the English system of measurement while most of the rest of the world is using the metric system. The tools I am requesting include measuring devices used in industry in our area: metric calipers, metric rulers, metric micrometers, metric spring scales, and a sound meter (used by OSHA for safety tests). My students should not have to enter the 'real world' unprepared for technology they will encounter. I plan to use these instruments in a variety of labs in chemistry, physics, and physical science to ensure they are ready.

Fulfilling this request for measuring devices for our school will impact students for years to come.

My goal is to obtain mostly reusable equipment that will not become obsolete over time. Also, using this type equipment will motivate my current students to recommend the physical science classes to their peers. I expect student requests for these classes to increase over the years. Your money will be well spent for this project and I am forever grateful for any support you can provide.