My 8th grade students are a diverse group, representing a variety of socio-economic levels, academic ability levels, nationalities and more. We are a full-inclusion school, so I teach all students, including those with special needs, gifted, and English learners.
All of them receive a rigorous STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and humanities education, along with a wide variety of engaging and relevant elective courses.
Following STEM principles, we have developed activity-based science courses in which students are guided through the topics while acquiring skills in experimentation, measuring, and lab techniques.
I believe science class should be fun, relevant, and engaging. I want students to love science so much that they choose to study it in high school and college.
My Project
My students need a variety of astronomy themed items to inspire them and help them gain confidence in their ability to solve real world STEM challenges. All of my students will be reading the novel "The Martian" to understand the challenges of living on Mars. Even my reluctant readers will be eager to get started when they receive a solar system bookmark to use with the novel! The timer will help us stick to a schedule with all of our astronomy related activities. Once they have an understanding of space travel and Mars, students will be ready to face an engineering and design challenge. They will use the poster boards, markers and modeling clay to design a sustainable community on Mars and must address the real needs of keeping humans alive long term on another planet.
The astronomy-related picture books will allow me to introduce challenging concepts to students in a way all students, even English Language Learners, can relate to.
Picture books are not just for elementary aged students! We will be able to have lively discussions about crosscutting concepts from NGSS like cause & effect, patterns, and structure as we examine these books. Many of my student's love Legos. They would be thrilled to explore the Lego model of a space shuttle and the Saturn V rocket. The details of the rocket with sections that come apart and let you see in side are really impressive. Interactive models help my students understand the structure and function of rockets. The scale model marble set of the sun, moon and earth will help students see actual size relationships. The crystal ball model of the solar system helps students see the relationship between the sun and planets.
Half 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
LEGO Ideas NASA Apollo Saturn V 21309 Building Kit
• Amazon Business
$104.99
1
$104.99
Crayola Washable Super Tips Markers (58-8106), 20/Box
• Staples Advantage
$5.79
10
$57.90
3D Crystal Ball with Solar System model and LED lamp Base, Clear 80mm (3.15 inch) Solar System Crystal Ball, Best Birthday Gift for Kids, Teacher of Physics, Girlfriend Gift, Classmates and Kids Gift
• Amazon Business
$31.99
1
$31.99
48 ~ Laminated Solar System Bookmarks ~ Size: 2" x 6" ~ Inc. Ribbons ~ New
• Amazon Business
Elmer's White Poster Board, 22"H x 28"W, 50/Carton
• Staples Advantage
$26.50
1
$26.50
LEGO Creator Space Shuttle Explorer 31066 Building Kit (285 Piece)
• Amazon Business
$23.99
1
$23.99
Mission to Mars Space Shuttle Playset for Kids with Rockets, Satellites, Rovers & Vehicles
• Amazon Business
$19.95
1
$19.95
Earth, Mars, Moon To Scale Marble Box Set
• Amazon Business
$19.62
1
$19.62
Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover
• Amazon Business
$15.83
1
$15.83
Sharpie Fine Point Permanent Markers, Black, 1/Dz (30001)
• Staples Advantage
$7.22
2
$14.44
A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars
• Amazon Business
$14.23
1
$14.23
My Journey to the Stars
• Amazon Business
$13.27
1
$13.27
The Sun Is Kind of a Big Deal
• Amazon Business
$12.75
1
$12.75
XREXS Large Display Countdown Up Timer Clock Digital Kitchen Timer Magnetic Loud Alarm Cooking Timer with Stand (White-Battery Included
• Amazon Business
$9.00
1
$9.00
Materials cost
$424.63
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$38.85
3rd party payment processing fee
$6.37
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$499.85
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$88.21
Total project goal
$588.06
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$588.06
6 Donors
-$349.66
Donations toward project cost
-$348.91
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$0.75
match offer
-$177.62
Match offer toward project cost
-$150.98
Match offer 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 Mrs. Kirshen and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
