Tornado Tubes, Crystals and a Cross-Section of Planet Earth: Special Ed Class Needs Earth Science Materials

I am a high school special education science teacher in desperate need of earth science materials that will facilitate and supplement my classroom instruction, as well as help my students to process the concepts presented in class and apply them to their daily lives. Learning basic facts about geography, atmosphere, climate and other earth science related topics is difficult for most people. The various disabilities afflicting special education students make it even more difficult for them to understand these concepts. My students are teenagers who suffer from mental retardation, emotional disturbances and Down's syndrome. I teach science to five separate classes made up of 50 bilingual students, ranging in age from 15 to 21. I have taught Health and Life Science. This year I will also be teaching Earth Science, and I have virtually no resources or materials to aid me in this new task. The study of rocks, minerals, the weather and other earth science components is a daunting task for most people. For special education students, this problem is compounded by their inability to comprehend or process concepts they can neither see nor feel. My proposal is for earth science equipment and materials to facilitate and encourage engaged science study in my classroom. Among the materials I am requesting are a mineral study kit, a Sedimentator and cross-section earth model. Having these items in the class will allow my students to compare rock and mineral samples; see how they were formed; and study their respective properties, similarities and differences while evaluating their usefulness to humans. We will also be able to discuss erosion, recycling and water conservation, and learn ways to care for and maintain our planet. I'm also asking for a guide to the sky poster that shows various cloud formations, as well as one that depicts the planets in our solar system that will allow my students to see with vividness images of our solar system. Creating tornados in tubes and growing crystals will enhance the learning experience and make our classroom a more interesting place to be. I am particularly excited about the volcano model. I can hardly wait to see my students' faces when I create an actual volcano eruption in the classroom. The acquisition of these materials and manipulatives not only will provide much needed motivation but will also help to facilitate group discussions, research projects and oral presentations. Both my students and I will be most appreciative of any resources that may come our way as a result of the generosity of prospective donors. Thank you.