Teens Learn Better When They are Healthy and Well Fed
Help me give my students a healthy and safe learning environment. My students do scientific labs like dissections or growing bacteria, and they need to wash their hands. My students are often sick, hungry and low on sleep.
Every student at my school takes Biology in the 9th grade. These students come from a variety of middle schools, socioeconomic backgrounds, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and preparation for scientific learning.
As their first high school science teacher, it is vital for me to make Biology as interactive and fun as possible!
My students easily disengage when they feel that lessons are monotonous or abstract. On the flip side, they dive deep into lessons that are hands on, and allow them to see science in their own world.
Having the basic classroom materials like hand sanitizer, tissues, paper towels, and especially snacks is essential to my students success. Students who are hungry or sick cannot learn. Help me make STEM accessible to all students.
My Project
When my students learn about the teen brain in our Brain and Stress Unit, they realize why they are always tired, hungry, and sick. Teens circadian rhythm gets messed up which keeps them up late and makes it hard to get up early for class. Their bodies are growing and need more food than they are used to having to bring to school. Then we learn how stress can weaken our immune system. The stress of being hungry, low on sleep, and having to keep up with the demands of school takes a toll on the 9th graders in particular. My students and I are frustrated that we can't change our school system to accommodate the changing needs of their body. What we can change is providing students with small tools to keep them healthy.
When I tell my students that I pay for all the snacks, hand sanitizer, soap, tissues, and paper towels out of my own pocket, they are shocked that schools cannot support their health needs.
I don't make enough money to keep my classroom fully stocked with what I need to keep my students healthy. So I am here to ask for help.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Donaldson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
