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.
I teach science to junior high students in a small rural district in southwest Mississippi. The majority of my students comes from low-income, rural households. Most seldom see the world beyond their own small community.
I want to open up the world to my students, starting with the unseen world of atoms and DNA. I can talk about these things all day long, draw cute little diagrams on the board, and have the students color photocopied diagrams. But for meaningful learning to take place in this age of TV and video games, I need 3D models of these things to grab my students' attention and get their minds wrapped around the concept of the microscopic world that can't be seen with the naked eye.
What I am requesting are plastic models of an atom and a DNA molecule. I also would like a magnetic model of the Bohr atom for my students to use to build atoms of their own. By using these materials, I can teach them the difference between inorganic atoms and organic DNA, visually explain the basics of chemical bonding, and incorporate the Periodic Table into the lesson to include the concepts of atomic mass, atomic number, and elemental classification. In short, these simple plastic models can bring the unseen to light and let my kids actually get involved in discovering the world of chemistry and biological cell structure. That beats a boring lecture any day of the week!
My students are mostly low-income, rural people with pride. I want to add a solid educational foundation to that sense of pride, to foster in them the hunger for learning that will elevate them beyond their low-income lifestyle. A simple plastic model can have an unending impact on a child's curiosity! Your generous gift can help set this process in motion for a child from the "sticks". Thank you in advance for your consideration of my proposal.
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. Felder and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.