My students need supplies to observe light spectrum (colors present in light) to allow them to explore methods used to collect data about the objects in the universe such as planets, stars, and galaxies.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Morris's classroom raised $577
This project is fully funded
My Students
My favorite parts of teaching are the “Ah ha!” moments where a child’s face lights up as he/she finally understands a difficult concept or accomplishes something they once considered impossible. Every day is a grand learning adventure as my students and I explore our state curriculum using methods that bring science to life. We search for answers together, laugh together, create together, and, most of all, learn together.
My students are energetic, fun, and diverse.
Our school qualifies as a Title 1 school (which means that we are a lower income population) with about 39% of our students being in a minority groups. Unfortunately, this means that many of my students struggle with academics because they have other life concerns on their minds. However, it also means that these “Ah ha!” moments are even more powerful and often more meaningful as I know that the things they are learning can have a great impact on improving their lives. It’s a joy to watch their enthusiasm, excitement, and growth each day, month, and year.
My Project
It's easy and exciting to see stars and planets as we look up into the sky. However, to the naked eye, they appear as blotches of twinkling light. It's difficult to learn much more about the nature of them without specialized tools. One of the tools that scientists use are called spectroscopes. These tools divide the light that we see into individual colors. Each element has a different color pattern. By using spectroscopes, scientists are able to determine which elements are present in the stars, planets, and other objects in the universe.
Using these spectroscopes and supplies, my students will be able to make real life observations of light sources similar to observations made by astronomers while studying the universe.
These observations will help them understand evidence supporting the Big Bang Theory such as the abundance of hydrogen in the universe and red-shifting (moving outward) galaxies. We also study why Earth is habitable while other planetary bodies in the solar system are inhabitable. By studying light spectra, they will better understand which elements and substances (such as oxygen and water) are present on different planets that are too far to visit.
My classroom has a few spectrum tubes (such as helium and oxygen) but is missing some key spectrum tubes (such as hydrogen and water.) We also need a class set of spectroscopes so that each student can make observations with ease. Your donation will help provide these valuable tools to the Earth Science students throughout my school. They will most likely also be used by the 8th grade science students and teachers during their unit on light. Thank you for your help!
Half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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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. Morris and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
