I hear and I forget.
I see and I remember.
I do and I understand.
- Confucius
My students are all very unique, but one factor that they all have in common is a desire to learn.
I teach STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) to two different classes of fourth and fifth graders in a Title 1 school in Pasco County, Florida. 76% of the students in my school receive free or reduced lunch. 54% of students are working below grade level in Mathematics and 58% of students are working below grade level in Science.
The traditional classroom setting has not worked for many of the students in my school and that is why I am piloting a new classroom environment next year – the Learner Active Technology-Infused Classroom based on Nancy Sulla’s book “Students Taking Charge.” This innovative learning environment focuses on increasing academic rigor, fostering student engagement, and increasing student responsibility for learning. I want to empower students through problem-based learning and differentiation, where students pose questions and actively seek answers.
My Project
I am requesting Learning Science Activity Tubs and Owl Pellet Discoveries Kit so my students will have opportunities to conduct hands-on experiments. Each kit includes experiment cards involving activities based on national science standards that students can work on in small cooperative groups at their own pace. In my school there is little funding available for materials that help encourage scientific inquiry, and the biggest obstacle I face as a STEM teacher is the cost of purchasing the materials needed for experiments for two different classes. These kits contain all the materials for students to complete each experiment and explore the concepts in depth—including light bulbs, a static electricity tube, thermometers, beakers, spring scale, levers, ramps, carts, measuring tape, stopwatches, microscopes and slides, and 3-D models of body systems, real rock samples and erosion trays, and an Earth/moon rotation model.
By helping provide these science kits for my students, you will help me have the resources needed to engage students in hands-on experiments.
Students will take ownership of their learning so they can achieve at high levels and meet the rigorous requirements of our science standards.
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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 Mrs. Craver and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.