My students need math and science tools for hands-on exploration of fractions, force & motion, light, animals, plants, rocks & minerals, erosion, and the solar system.
"Classity Class!" "Yessity Yes?" It's time to get ready for science and the kids erupt in enthusiastic cheers, "Yay!" "Ms. Howell, science rocks!" and "Finally!". Little do they know that I'm purposefully integrating the other core subjects into their favorite subject.
I teach in an urban, Title 1 elementary school - meaning that the majority of students are deemed low socioeconomic status and at risk.
My 5th graders are the kinds of kids who didn't grow up with yards. They didn't play in sand boxes. Their parents didn't take them on weekend trips to the museum or the zoo. They missed out on seemingly "normal" activities like digging in dirt and zooming toy cars across the floors. Likewise, they missed out on the foundations of science that kids get to build with those kinds of activities.
At our school, my colleagues and I strive to provide hands-on experiences for our kids. We scoop and measure and pretend like we're planets floating in space. We have classroom pets and make messes and bring in dirt for the kids to play in. All the while, we guide and facilitate their learning through those experiences.
My Project
The requested materials will fill workstations and small group activity stations. They will provide activities for Science Club - our before school science tutoring for kids struggling with a concept. And they will supplement the science curriculum with hands-on experiences to help solidify understanding and knowledge.
Particularly exciting is the opportunity for every 5th grader to participate in engineering, designing/redesigning, and racing a mousetrap-powered car. We are over the moon to have a national competitor from the Annual SECME Summer Institute coming to mentor the kids and share secrets from his winning mouse trap vehicle.
Having students, whose parents may not have even graduated from high school, setting goals that involve careers in math and science is an amazing thing to behold.
It happens because of enthusiasm from adults around them and from students' confidence in conquering new challenges. Making learning fun and engaging goes a long way towards building that confidence. Your generosity in helping us provide that kind of learning environment is most appreciated.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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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 Ms. Howell and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
