My students need 60 recorders to aid their understanding of the physics of sound through music.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Garcia's classroom raised $220
This project is fully funded
Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
Have you ever met an activity that has challenged you mentally, emotionally, and physically? Creating music is very powerful because it challenges on many levels. Physics shows my students the mathematics and science of sound, but not the creative side of it: the music, the wonder.
My students don't have a music program due to lack of funding.
They don't even have art. The art credit is satisfied with a theater class, but this isn't enough for most of them. Many would love to dance or paint or sing, but they have nothing. Many are juniors and seniors and they feel as if they are now too old to learn. Their physics projects are sometimes the only opportunity they have to show their creativity and innovation. Many comment on the fact they didn't even know they had such creativity within themselves. They can't wait until we reach the unit on waves where they will learn about colors and sounds. This is the only exposure many will get.
Their school is composed of 100% ELL students. Every waking moment is spent learning the English language. Even though I have tried to create an after school music program so that they can have more creative opportunities, many are unable to attend because their extra-curricular activities consist of extra English and Math classes.
My Project
In physics class, students will learn about sound waves. They will see their familiar math applied in a totally new way. Many never believe me that music is very mathematical. In our short time together I can't teach them everything about music, but I can start with something simple. I can teach them how to play the recorder in a class period or less. I've told the students many times that I can custom write a piece of music for them. If I had a few recorders of each color, I can have different "sections": Blues can be the woodwinds; reds, the brass, etc. I think the students will be amazed at how simple it can be to learn something new, especially music. The feeling of working as a part of a team to create something beautiful and the concentration one has to use to make it work right is indescribable. Many have not experienced what it's like to be in "the zone". Making music as part of a group will introduce students to this unbelievable feeling and reinforce their physics as well.
When I was a student, I attended a music class everyday.
I made beautiful music that has stayed with me throughout my entire life. Often I think that if it wasn't for the music, I wouldn't be here today. Often, music was the only reason I came to school. My home life then was similar to that of my Latino students now: lonely, sometimes abusive, and frustrating. I want to give the gift of music to my students to help shine the light on beautiful places they never knew existed.
Nearly all 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. Garcia and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
