Our advanced 4th grade class is very excited about exploring renewable energy alternatives. They have been studying energy use and realize that dependency on fossil fuels is damaging the environment.
Students at our school in North Carolina are excited about learning new knowledge and skills, and are especially excited about understanding the challenges facing us and our planet.
We believe that the math, science and reading skills we learn are best put to use by solving real-world problems. Having computers available to learn about, analyze and present our findings is especially important. Unfortunately, our computers are getting old, and without connection to the Internet, they are not very useful.
Students at our school come from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, with a roughly equal mix of African Americans, Hispanics and white non-Hispanics. We also have a growing Asian population. Parents are very supportive of the school and children’s’ education. We are proud of being the recipient of the Parents Encouraging Responsible Choices (PERC) grant for two straight years and are a past recipient of the Superintendent's Character Matters Award.
My Project
We will use technology to learn about renewable energy alternatives and present what we learn in an engaging manner, all while using skills that will be in demand in the future. This grant requests networking equipment and keyboards so that donated computers can be connected to the district's network and the Internet.
Students will research alternative energy solutions and recommend ways to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and other non-renewable energy sources. The best ideas will become part of our “Green Economy” plan. When complete, the “Green Economy” plan will offer a blueprint to new jobs and improve the economy by making energy and products that we use less harmful to the environment. Each student will tell us why they feel their solution is a good one, what makes it “green,” and how it will impact our climate. The plan will include the cost, and how it will produce new jobs and boost the economy. Finally, they will explain why other solutions were not chosen.
A growing number of economists believe that the development of “green energy” renewable resources is a key to a strong economy in the future.
In addition, many scientists believe that the health of our planet is dependent on the development of “green energy” renewable resources. Without the ability to connect our classroom computers to the district network and the Internet, our ability to research this issue, find and publish solutions for the environment and our economy will be a problem.
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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 Mr. Musumeci and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.