The Violinist's Thumb, Inspiring Reading in Science
My students need a class set of The Violinist's Thumb. This is a book that will motivate reluctant readers to read and spark their interest in science at the same time.
Reading should be pleasurable, a concept many students don't believe is possible. The Violinist's Thumb author, Sam Kean not only makes reading pleasurable but is educational too! This book has been described as being witty and clever while still maintaining a serious scientific thread.
The donations of this project will benefit my AP Biology and my Crime Scene Science students.
There are a variety of students that take AP Biology, all for different reasons and motivations. Some students choose to take this course because of their interest in science, others may take the course to prepare for college, and some are encouraged by former teachers to challenge themselves and rise to their potential. The students who take Crime Scene Science are looking to fulfill their science graduation requirements and have wider range of ability and motivational levels. They all come from different backgrounds and socioeconomic levels. There are about 1800 students enrolled in our school and 60% of the students receive free and reduced lunch.
My Project
Teens are busy, busy with school, busy with sports and many of my students are busy with jobs. They don't find reading enjoyable so they do not want to dedicate their time to what they see as a task. However, literacy is a key component to academic success and helps to prepare students for college and careers. I will provide the students with the time to read by dedicating class time to reading Sam Kean's "tales" contained in The Violinist's Thumb. Kean takes what can be difficult and dry scientific concepts and transforms them into narratives that tell the story behind our genes. These narratives will then be used to foster class discussions on the scientific concepts. These narratives will be used as the hook that will catch the students attention to spark their interest. Not only will they become excited about science but they will soon find themselves enjoying reading as well.
Your donations will help me provide a reading experience that many of my students may never experience on their own, a chance to read, discuss and enjoy a non-fiction, science book with their peers.
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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 Mrs. Mullock and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
