I teach in a math and science academy in a large urban area in Illinois. The school and the students reside in a low income area. 98% receive free breakfast and lunch.
Even though they have few possessions our students are eager to learn how to use the technology our school has been fortunate to acquire. My 5th grade students currently use spring scales to measure the force needed to lift a weight at different positions on a lever. They must learn to read the scale in Newtons, which is an important skill in both science and math. With shaky hands and jerky movements, sometimes the readings are not as accurate as they could be.
Digital data collection is a step up into the 21st century. Computers and sensors give more accurate measurements. By the time these 10 year olds reach high school physics classes, sensors will be common scientific equipment, and understanding Newtons as an SI unit for measuring force will be required. I can give them a leg up in an area where they will need to compete. They might not have many material possessions but this learning can never be taken from them. They can draw on it when they need it in the future.
As a math and science academy, and because of generous donations from Donors Choose grantors such as yourself, these wonderful students learned to use temperature probes and voltage meters in the 4th grade. Force sensors will add to their understanding of digital data collection, complement their 5th grade curriculum, and shoot them upward in their quest for a good education. Thank you.
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. Reeves and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.