My students need journals, writing utensils,books on nature and science, and a classroom digital camera that will bring their "nature observations" to life.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Gomez's classroom raised $336
This project is fully funded
Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
Nature sets the stage for children to learn all about Scientific Inquiry. It provides them with a "visual" outlook on living things, and peaks their curiosity. This enables them to ask questions, which is the primary goal of Science. I currently teach 5th grade Math, Science and Social Studies. About 7 years ago, I came up with a program called "Nature Buddies". This program started with a desire that I had to see older students become more interested in Science, in addition to making them work cooperatively with younger students. I saw a need at our school, because our school is located in a low-economic area and our students have little opportunity to just sit under a tree and observe nature and the wonderful living things that are part of it. Nature Buddies gives them a chance to go outside on our school grounds, sit with their "buddy" and write, discuss and illustrate what they observe.
Throughout the years, I have found that due to my students economic situations, in addition to other factors such as dealing with family problems (in some cases which have included homelessness), my students needed an outlet that would encourage their love for their own neighborhood, and school community. Since I started "Nature Buddies" I have found that they are so appreciative of living things; they look at plants, trees, bugs, butterflies and other parts of nature with a caring attitude. They help their buddy, and can't wait to be with them observing nature. This thrills me as their teacher, because as a student I really never liked Science. Since moving to a farm about 9 years ago, I too started to learn through observation and found that this was a great way to have my kids begin to love Science, which they have. It also has instilled in them a "reverence" for all living things, and I find it inspiring when they come to me and ask me about "saving" a butterfly or small bird that has fallen from a tree. I know that this program has made them more interested in Nature.
If provided with more resources, I will be able to better serve my students. Having journals and writing utensils will provide them with instant access to begin their observations and keep record of them. It will also serve as a reminder when they leave me of a time that they were able to "teach" their younger peers about the importance of nature and it's role in Science learning. A camera will provide me with the opportunity to bring what they observe to "life". I can put up the pictures instantly and in doing this, will encourage them to want to continue "going outside" to observe Nature. In addition, the books will enhance my instruction on Nature, and provide a variety of activities that can be added and implemented to make "Nature Buddies" a successful program.
Your donation will make it possible for my students to grow up appreciating our world. They will no longer see where they live as plain apartment buildings, or an unstable environment. It will provide them with an outlet that encourages them become more responsible regarding their community, loving where they live, and recognizing that Nature is all around us if we just take the time to sit back and observe. Your help will ensure that my students will continue to grow in their Science learning and this memory will be a seed planted by you, that will continue to grow because of your generosity.
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
Office Depot(R) Standard Composition Book, 80 Pages (40 Sheets)
• Office Depot Inc.
$0.97
45
$43.65
Office Depot(R) Brand Wood Pencils, #2 Medium Soft Lead, Pack Of 72
• Office Depot Inc.
$3.91
1
$3.91
Science Adventures: Nature Activities for Young Children Sherwood, Robert A. Williams, Robert E. Rockwell
• Barnes and Noble
$22.45
1
$22.45
Science Wendie Hensley, Annette Licata
• Barnes and Noble
$8.09
1
$8.09
The Everything Kid's Nature Book (Everything Kids Series): Create Clouds, Make Waves, Defy Gravity and Much More! Kathiann M. Kowalski, Adams Media Corporation Staff, Kathie Kelleher (Illustrator)
• Barnes and Noble
$7.15
1
$7.15
Science Notebooks: Writing About Inquiry Campbell, Linda Gregg, Lori Fulton
• Barnes and Noble
$13.50
1
$13.50
Who Was Albert Einstein? Jess M. Brallier, Robert Andrew Parker, Robert Parker (Illustrator), Nancy Harrison (Illustrator)
• Barnes and Noble
$4.49
1
$4.49
KODAK C813 DIGITAL CAMERA Kodak Digital Cameras; EasyShare C813
• Quill
$107.99
1
$107.99
Learning from Nature: Cross-Curricular Activities to Foster Creative and Critical Thinking Myers, Robert Myers, R. E. Myers
• Barnes and Noble
$17.95
1
$17.95
Materials cost
$229.18
Vendor shipping charges
$22.92
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$5.73
Fulfillment labor & materials
$17.00
Total project cost
$275.00
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$60.37
Total project goal
$335.37
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$335.37
2 Donors
-$323.53
Donations toward project cost
-$275.00
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
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 Ms. Gomez and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
