I teach at a large middle school in Idaho, many students are from low socioeconomic backgrounds. In our district we have over 50 different languages spoken at home, seventeen are spoken in my school. I have an array of those languages in my classroom. I encourage students to be free thinkers and become advocates for their learning. The diversity enhances how students see science contributing to the world around them. Besides students who are English Learners and different economic backgrounds, I have student's who are social, emotional, special needs, gifted, and dissimilar levels of academic knowledge.
The one common factor that helps our classroom succeed is their love of science, knowing that our classroom is a safe place where chances can be taken.
When students enter the classroom and are able to utilize the periodic table on the wall and make connections in chemistry, their level of learning increases. Students’ barriers come down, inquisitive minds begin to emerge, and our class become young scientists in the making. I love when they go to the table and show others what they are learning, true synthesizing takes place. Being able to bring accurate information to their fingertips is imperative.
My Project
It is imperative in a science classroom that the materials are relevant and not out of date. Currently our Periodic Tables are missing elements that have been around several years with elements containing proper names. The use of a Periodic Table is understandable by all students, no matter what their language barriers are; the elements are universal and my English Learners are appreciative of a learning device that spans across the world. During the course of the semester, students frequently teach a section of the periodic table and utilize the chart. Having a chart that is current, easy to read, and relevant will help students synthesize their learning objectives. I appreciate when students voice their needs in my class. This year students immediately asked if I would buy a new periodic chart for the wall and have individual charts to use at their desks. Having a set for both rooms would be ideal, the charts students use are taped because of extensive rips because of being handled for weeks. The life span for student used individual charts is about 5 years, our charts are 10 years and in horrible shape. I become excited when students are engaged in their learning; voicing concerns about the materials in their classroom is a sign that they care and want to do their best. With a new classroom chart and student charts that are current, students will be less concerned about having out of date materials and more interactive with a current Periodic Chart.
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