Young Scientists Tapping the Amazing Power of Microbes
My students need MudWatt kit to facilitate the understanding of the nature of electrogenic bacteria to power the microbial power cells (MFC) and converting organic materials into usable energy.
The old saying, "It takes a whole village to raise a child" still holds true despite the 21st century advancement in technological and information superhighways. I value the vital role of school stakeholders' active involvement in the development of my students. Educating and molding our young adults is indeed a shared responsibility. In Hawaii, family means "ohana" which does not only pertain to immediate family but also the extended family members. Providing my students and their "ohana" an opportunity to work on fun science activity at home will support my educational philosophy of family involvement in education!
My school is a Title I school where students are culturally diverse.
About 80% of the students commute from an outlying area of 112 square mile to the campus. School data shows that the percentage of students who receive free and reduced priced meals continues to increase each year. Due to the type of community we have, our school is eligible for federal funding for free lunch and transportation this academic school year. Despite the fact that most students are from low income high poverty status and community challenges, they show their love for learning and are excited to do hands-on activities.
My Project
Students along with their family members will tap the amazing power of electricity-generating bacteria from food, drinks and from different soil samples using the Mudwatt kit. After knowing pertinent background information, students in a group of five will perform one MudWatt investigation entitled " How does a microbial fuel cell work?" for 20 days. They will apply the steps of the scientific method. Students then will be asked to redesign an experiment using the insights gained from the class activity and/or explore other variables. Afterwards, each student will take home the Mudwatt kit, and the approved experimental design they created. Students will do the MudWatt exploration at home. They will provide proper documentation of the experiment and share with the class after. The next group of students will do the same until all my students are able to do the same protocol. However, accommodation or differentiation for some students will be provided. For evaluation purposes, students will do the pre-assessment and peer/teacher evaluation using experiment rubric. Students will also be writing their learning log and reflection on what work and did not work, and how they overcome the challenges encountered while doing the scientific investigation as a family.
This exploration project will help bridge the gap between theories and practice , thus provide fun way of learning STEM as a family!
The technology requested will help me promote fun family activity through collaboration and enhancing inquiry skills among them, thus supports my passion for STEM education.
The Mudwatt kit will also facilitate the integration of concepts in Microbiology, process of decomposition, biogeochemical cycles, soil chemistry, Biochemistry, clean energy, and electrical engineering. This Mudwatt exploration will power up my students 21st century skills and family involvement in their children's learning process! This will also catalyze career and college readiness culture.
More than half of 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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