Visualize the World with Molecules, Atoms and Elements

My Students

I am a science teacher, for students in Grades TK-5. They come and see me once a week for 40 minutes. I have 40 minutes a week to help them want to be curious, explore, and love science. In those 40 minutes, we have discussions, do experiments, and we have hand-on activities in all areas of science.

My school often gets overlooked, compared to other schools in my district.

We are not a program improvement, high poverty, or a title one school. We are the newest school in the district, so we do not have materials, or a stash of science supplies, that other more established schools do. The students at my school are a dynamic, culturally diverse group, who strive for high academic achievement. My learners also range in ability levels and needs. However, they always have positive attitudes about learning, and consistently give their best. I am always attending science workshops to learn more to help my students, but with a slim budget of $350 to spend on 800 kids, I can not provide as many hands-on activities, as I would like too,

My Project

The kids are so excited to learn about matter, elements, and chemistry, We have videos and books, but not enough materials to do hands-on activities. I have tried to buy consumables at the dollar store, but after being touched and used by so many students those materials don't last. The molecular models are plastic balls that will hold up unlike marshmallows, gumdrops, and toothpicks. To understand chemistry, one must understand matter, elements, atoms, and molecules. The models will help in trying to visualize the tiniest of substances, and our very beginnings. In a very hands-on way, they will be putting together molecules, with different atoms, helping them to, not only understand the structure of atoms and molecules, but also the Periodic Table.

Real molecule model making kits will add to my classroom.

The students will be even more excited about science and the world around them. Their lives will change and evolve, as they understand and make sense of our world. These supplies will help build self-confidence, and help show them that they really can be successful in science. America needs more engineers and scientists. If I can get my students to love and appreciate science, they may fill that quota.