Do you remember using paper test strips to determine the concentration of chemicals in labs? Today's technology allows students to use high tech data collectors with various sensors for their experiments. The only problems is they are very expensive.
My students are grades 10-12 in a public school from a rural Iowa farm community.
The teacher/student ratio is around 1:18 for most of my science classes. My classes are taught using the 5-E model of inquiry. Exploring and experimenting are common tools used in my classes by my students. They are given hands-on opportunities to learn science in ways that are meaningful to them.
My Project
This carbon dioxide sensor will add to the list of inquiry labs my students are able to do each year. A couple of years back, I was fortunate to acquire 6 sparks units (data collectors) for use in my labs. There are many different sensors that can be purchased for these units. If you go to http://www.pasco.com and look under "Sparks", you will see what a wonderful tool they are. My goal is to have 6 of each type of sensor, one for each sparks unit, for my students to use. I have most of the less expensive sensors, but the biology sensors are much more expensive. I have already received funding for an oxygen sensor and am now seeking funding for a carbon dioxide sensor. I hope to eventually have 6 of each but am only asking for one at a time due to the cost. This sensor will allow my students to observe changes in carbon dioxide concentration in experiments involving respiration of living organisms, both aerobic and anaerobic.
This sensor will have use in biology, chemistry, earth science, and anatomy/physiology.
Respiration is an essential process to all living organisms. This sensor will allow my students to visually see how changing different factors can effect the respiration of organisms. This will help them to understand the process of respiration much better than by just reading about it.
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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. Baker and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
