The cost of these science kits and materials is $737, including shipping and <a target="new" href="http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm" onclick="g_openWindow('http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm', 300, 800, 'fulfillwindow');return false;">fulfillment</a>.
This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
It has been said that "children learn only 30% of what they see, 50% of what they hear and see, and 90% of what they do." It is for this reason that I am asking for the hands-on science kits, which will allow my students to not only see or hear it, but see it, hear it, and most importantly do it! It is truly amazing what 7, 8, and 9 year old students are able to do given the proper equipment to work with. Imagine third grade students learning concepts, such as, the laws of gravity, the difference between mass and weight, physical and chemical changes, and the list goes on. The science kits for young learners will give my students the opportunity to work hands-on with the tools and equipment that at this time, we are only able to view in pictures. The kits include hands-on activities that expose students to the following concepts: Scientific Measurement, Magnets, Weather, States of Matter, Volcanoes, Minerals, Light, Static Electricity, Plants, Mirrors, Fossils, and much more.
I am also asking for the literature to accompany the hands-on science kits. As an English Language Arts teacher, as well as a science teacher, I understand the importance of providing as many opportunities for my students to "see it, hear it, and do it" as possible. Being able to allow for hands-on activities and then reinforce the lesson with quality children's literature is priceless. The "Teaching Physical Science Through Children's Literature Kit" will reinforce the activities that we will be able to complete with the hands-on science kits.
As a first year science teacher, I am just as excited about the skills and concepts that my students are learning about each day. It is vital to me to see these students flourish and develop a true love for science. We do as many hands-on activities as possible with the limited equipment and funds that are available. When we do conduct experiments or investigations the equipment and materials that we use is purchased by me. My main goal as a teacher of any subject is to provide my students with opportunities that will spark an interest, activities that will make them life-long learners.
I currently teach at a low SES school with approximately 81% free or reduced lunch. The school has acquired 200 new students this year as a result of local school closings in our parish from Hurricane Katrina. Most of these students that have been moved to our school have lost everything from their belongings to even their homes. Our school has welcomed the new faculty, staff, and students with open arms, but the growing pains are obvious to everyone. Materials, equipment, and funds are always a problem. The hands-on science kits and Children's Literature set would provide my students with experiences that they could carry with them for the rest of their schooling.
The advantages to acquiring these materials for my classroom are priceless. The kits and literature will provide for cross-curricular activities, real-world experiences, a greater understanding of the concepts, and most importantly a love and curiosity for the subjects that we spend so much time trying to relay. At such a young age, it is vital that my third graders be exposed to these concepts with a creative and hands-on approach that will foster the rest of their learning experiences for the rest of their years in school.
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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. Hargrave and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.