Project: Stuck on Science
Resources Needed: Lab coats and safety goggles so that we may safely conduct science experiments to further their understanding of topics taught in class.
School Poverty Level: Highest
Location: Johnson Elementary School, Kansas City, Missouri
Total Cost: $599.38
Still Needed: $174.69 Completed! Please move on to the long-term project.
Expires: May 10, 2014
Teacher's Comments from Mrs. Keith:
My Students: If you were to walk into my learning community you would hear and see a buzz of activity. Scholars are working in teams to help solidify their learning. One of their favorite times of day is Science because they get to feel their learning, not just sit and watch!
I teach in an urban school district and my scholars have few experiences in life. A major challenge for some scholars is coming to school with a full belly or with clean clothes. My school is high needs, many scholars take food home from school on the weekends to ensure that they are able to eat when not with us. Their families want to be as supportive as they can, but sometimes they just do not have the means.
My particular scholars are hungry to learn and to have experiences to talk about at the dinner table. They know that I care about them and love them and try to give them as much attention as they need. One of our favorite things to do in class are experiments, which can get pricey, but it is even harder when you need to worry about safety and cleanliness. My kiddos are excited to learn and to share what they have learned with other kids in the school and with other teachers. I see the potential for engineers, scientists, teachers, authors and congressmen in my class.
My Project: I am asking for lab coats and safety goggles for my classroom. The exciting part of this request is that the scholars I have now will be with me for the next 3 years, so the materials will be used many, many times with them! I am hoping that by having the coats and goggles that we are able to increase the number of hands on Science experiences that my scholars have. This year there have been complaints from parents that the uniforms were too dirty after an experiment and they they can not do laundry daily, as a result I have had to cut back on the experiments and experiences my scholars receive. With these materials we can conduct weekly Science experiments and learn many things. Scholars will learn the scientific method, how to write a hypothesis and design an experiment, they will learn multiple ways to collect and record data as well as how to write a lab report. These materials will give scholars a change to experience Science, Writing, Math and Reading in a meaningful way.
Donations to this project will give scholars more opportunities to see themselves as Scientists, a Science book and a Science Notebook, do not make the scientist. Questioning, designing experiments, watching how your hypothesis works or doesn't work make Scientists. If the scholars in my class are allowed the opportunity to work, think and behave as a Scientist, then I know they will be hooked and want to pursue a career in Science or Math and look for ways to go to college and fulfill dreams.
COMPLETED. Thank you!
Donations of ANY size DID make a BIG difference!