Help me give my students a chance to connect to one of the world's natural wonders right in their backyard. As they experience the beauty of Lake Tahoe, they will make memories to last a lifetime.
Our class is a multi-age, diverse group of students in a public, Montessori charter school in Reno, Nevada. These 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students work both cooperatively and independently to challenge themselves. Our focus on cooperation and peace education fosters a close, caring, productive learning community. Students are highly-motivated- choosing work, moving freely through the classroom, managing time to practice skills they learn in lessons, and investigate questions that arise from these lessons.
All students receive lessons according to their needs and interests and our classroom hums with engagement and creativity.
Because of the multi-age and diverse nature of our class, older students and those who excel in an area may invite younger or struggling students to work together to solve problems, read a book, do a science experiment, or conduct research. With guidance from the teacher, students take the initiative to lead groups, work on projects, organize meetings, and take charge of caring for the classroom. This Montessori environment is often only offered through private schools, but our school is tuition free and serves families from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds.
My Project
We live in an urban setting at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains near Lake Tahoe. Many of our students have little or no opportunity to experience and explore the great natural wonders in their backyard.
We have three upper elementary classes that wish to attend science camp on the shores of Lake Tahoe.
This will provide meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for students. They will be staying in cabins, playing games, and creating lifelong memories together. It is our goal for every child to take part in this wonderful opportunity regardless of their family's ability to pay.
Great Basin Outdoor School provides well-trained natural science educators familiar with teaching elementary-age students in an outdoor setting. The camp has cabins, a common meeting area, a dining hall, and beautiful property on the shore of Lake Tahoe.
At least 17 of our students are in families who receive some form of public assistance. We know many more struggle financially and could not afford $150 for science camp. Our close-knit community depends on all students participating in all activities. $1000 in scholarship money will partially or completely fund 10 students from my class. The other two teachers are also submitting projects for $1000 to fund 10 students in each of their classes. Families will apply for the scholarships and indicate if and how much they are able to pay. With this money, every child who wishes to attend science camp will be able to, and we will all have an experience to remember for a lifetime.
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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. Elyse and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.