My high school science students have faced some extremely challenging situations. Some come from difficult homes, some are raising children as teenagers, and some have been involved in gangs or drugs. All of them ended up at our school for a last chance at receiving their high school diplomas. Despite the troubles that our students have faced, we believe it is our job, as teachers, to continue challenging our students by bringing them the most rigorous education possible. With smaller class sizes we provide our students with more individualized attention than they would receive at a larger school, and we have a counselor on staff at all times. Academically, though, we expect our students to reach and surpass the standards set at regular schools.
In order to do high level science problems, my students need scientific graphing calculators. Currently, my students are doing their work on calculators that are only able to do basic arithmetic. While these are great for multiplying and dividing, it has put a stop to the high level of science education that will prepare my students for college. We are unable to find the pH of acids and bases because the calculators are not equipped to find -logs. We cannot calculate how many moles of a substance are present because we cannot raise our numbers to the 23rd power! Hypothetically, my students know how these calculations are completed, but they will not be able to practice the math without capable scientific calculators.
In more affluent communities, students are required to purchase TI83+ calculators for use in their math and science classes. While we cannot expect our students to buy this equipment because of their financial constraints, we should not let this affect their education. Each of my students needs to know how to find pH and how to analyze a graph of acceleration. If my classroom had one graphing calculator for every two students, each of my students would get the problem solving practice they need and deserve. They would be able to complete more complicated and more realistic problems. My students would be able to receive the same quality of science practice as their more affluent peers.
Your help will ensure that my students will have the tools they need to solve real science problems. With half of a classroom set of these calculators, the curriculum will not have to be altered to allow for outdated electronics. My students need to be exposed to the types of mathematical equations expected of them in entry level college science courses. You will make it possible for my "last chance" students to succeed doing realistic, complicated, mathematically based science!
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