This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
Sunburn hurts! Too often children do not think about the Sun's harmful rays when they are having fun playing outdoors. Many of our students take medicines that have repercussions when the students are exposed to too much sunlight. They need a visual indicator that reminds them to apply sunscreen.
Our K-12 students have emotional/behavioral disorders and attend a public school in Southeastern Florida.
They have a wonderful curiosity for science but also have deficits in reading and math. Our school helps educate them and helps them learn to deal with their disabilities on their way back to their home schools. Over 78% are on free and reduced lunch programs and many are from middle/lower socioeconomic neighborhoods. Most of our students are males who do like to play sports outside.
My Project
This project ties in reading, art and science by having students read books, The Mixed Up Chameleon and Hello Red Fox by Eric Carle, to learn how our eyes see color and how light waves could be harmful. Students will learn how white light is really made up of a rainbow of light waves and which of those light waves are harmful to our skin. Because we cannot see those harmful ultraviolet light waves, we need a way to determine when we are safe. Students will create a chameleon pony bead keychain out of UV solar beads. These beads are white in the indoor artificial light but change colors, almost immediately, when exposed to sunlight or UV light! They will test the beads to see if a variety of sunglasses really protect their eyes. A second experiment will have students test a variety of sunscreens to see which one provided the best protection for the longest period of time. Their UV chameleon reacts to the sun's light and provides a visual reminder to protect their eyes and skin.
With an emphasis on science and technology for children with disabilities, this project uses science, reading and art as tools to help students manage their health risks.
The fast color-changing beads makes the chameleon almost real in a sense that it is warning the student when there is a health risk from the sun's light. Students have a pet that does not need to be fed but does need paying attention to if they want to stay healthy! The chameleon and the life-lessons last for years.
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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. Rody and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.