My students come from diverse backgrounds and that provides us with wonderful learning opportunities. Some of my students have special needs, and others are gifted learners. We also have children from military families, as well as some who speak English as a Second Language (ESL/ELL). We are very fortunate to have such a beautifully diverse classroom community.
Although our school is faced with an increasing number of students from low-income families, my students are highly motivated to solve problems and make the world a better place.
My students are the scientists, artists, engineers, and mathematicians of the future. They care about others and want to make a difference in the world. I can't wait to see the amazing things they accomplish in their lives!
My Project
Some children are fascinated by insects, while others are "grossed out" by them. Many children feel both ways at the same time. Insects are interesting to children, and my students are no exception.
Some insects are pests, but many of them play an important role in our ecosystem.
Our grade level will learn about insects by building an insect zoo that includes butterflies, ladybugs, ants, and worms.
Our zoo will help students understand what insects are and how they impact our environment. They will better understand the life cycles of insects, how they benefit the environment, the impact they have on our daily lives, and the important roles they play in our ecosystem and food webs. They will also learn which insects are helpful and which ones to avoid.
My students will participate in hands-on activities to incorporate science, technology, engineering, art, and math in their research about insects using the requested life cycle models and real insects.
The ladybug kits, painted lady butterfly set, ant farms, and worm farm will provide opportunities to make scientific observations in a controlled environment. They will research insects and classify "bugs" as insects or not insects, identify adaptations that help them survive in the wild, and explore symmetry in nature. They will also keep records and create graphs based on their observations.
My students will conduct research and use technology to write informational texts and create multimedia presentations to teach others what they have learned. They will also apply their knowledge as they participate in an engineering challenge where they design an insect zoo with special habitats for each insect.
With your help, my students will gain important knowledge that will help them separate facts from misconceptions. More importantly, they will take their knowledge beyond the classroom and out into the real world.
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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. Norris and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.