My students need hands-on materials for middle school science labs on earth science, basic chemistry and physical science topics.
FULLY FUNDED! Mrs. L.'s classroom raised $510
This project is fully funded
Three days before school was officially over for this past school year, I found out that I would be teaching 8th grade earth and physical science in September. As a 7th grade biology teacher for the past seven years, this presented itself as a new challenge and I've been taking stock of the materials left for me in my new classroom. Other than an enormous uncategorized rock collection and some measurement apparatus, I have nothing to teach minerals, crystals, simple chemistry, the electromagnetic spectrum, heat transfer and electricity with.
The title of this proposal mentions being stuck and this is exactly how I am feeling at present. My budget just won't allow for any of the materials I've asked for and I'm hoping to hit the ground running in September with at least a lab or activity every couple of days.
Our district continues high-stakes standardized science testing this year and I am fully aware of the consequences should my students not meet certain learning targets. The best way to teach science is through hands-on, inquiry based activities and labs. The materials I currently have are insufficient and the text book was published in 1995.
Most of the materials I've asked for are reusable and will form the backbone of my curriculum for years to come. I am actively pursuing grants and organizations that may also help alleviate the supply problems we have. There is no guarantee, however, and you are my best hope.
The rock collection will help me teach sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks within the rock cycle. The sun print collection and temperature cards will help with hands-on labs associated with the light spectrum and transfer of energy units. The crystal kits will help explain atoms, molecules and minerals. Finally, the electricity kit will help my classes the most, as I have never experienced this learning before myself and I haven't an inkling of how to approach it. I am positive that once I learn the basics of circuitry, we could reuse the materials in this kit for sustainability and science fair projects, harnessing the power of the cells for energy for things other than powering light bulbs.
Your generosity will make it possible for my students to be engaged weekly with hands-on, experiential learning that I cannot provide on my own. I am grateful for your consideration of this request and look forward to teaching with your gift.
More than a third of students from low‑income households
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