A typical day in the physics classroom involves filming dropped bowling balls and using frame by frame video analysis to find the acceleration of gravity, using force probes to monitor real time force interactions between students, or using a motion detector to track the motion of students. None of these types of probeware are operable without working computers.
My students are highly motivated and intellectually curious young adults, who thoroughly enjoy the types of experiences that working with probeware provides.
Many of our students have big dreams and aspirations; yet with 41% of our students receiving free or reduced lunch, not all of them have the resources necessary at home to achieve these dreams. I want to be able to provide these students with the best possible learning environment to achieve their goals.
My Project
My students need three computer towers. The students will use the computers in physics, to operate and control Vernier probeware, such as motion sensors, force probes, photogates, voltmeters, and ammeters. They will also use the computers in conjunction with Logger Pro to perform video analysis on the motion of various objects, such as dropped bowling balls or tossed basket balls. We currently have a large variety of highly sophisticated digital devices for use in the classroom, yet we no longer have the computers able to operate them. Without the kind of experiences these types of technology provide for the students they will also not be prepared for the new AP Physics 1 exam that requires students to use probeware in a minimum of 25% of their laboratory activities. College prep students will also get the exposure to all of these devices that will better prepare them for their science experience in college.
With these types of devices, students will attain a deeper more comprehensive understanding of physics, while using more industry specific technology; thus, better preparing them for STEM jobs of the future.
Physics Education Research (PER) has consistently shown that interactive engagement with the physics topics leads to significantly higher gains in understanding the difficult topics of physics. Without adequate lab equipment we cannot provide students with the necessary hands-on experience needed to acquire the depth of understanding required for the rigors of college.
HP Compaq Prodesk 6200 Pro Slim Business Desktop Computer Small Form Factor (SFF), Intel i5-2400 Up to 3.4GHz, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, DVD, Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit (Certified Refurbished)
• Amazon Business
$299.00
3
$897.00
Materials cost
$897.00
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$82.08
3rd party payment processing fee
$13.46
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$1,022.54
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$180.45
Total project goal
$1,202.99
Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.
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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. Meijer and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.