For the past two years, students have been forced to learn science and do labs on a computer. Most computer simulations are not very engaging and do not mimic the real world uncertainties that arise when conducting an experiment. The data students collect is often "perfect" and does not allow them to think critically about fluctuations and variations that occur when the lab is done in person. I want to re-engage students in becoming passionate about science through hands-on learning and explorations. The items I have requested will be used to implement some new and exciting hands-on labs related to space exploration, climate solutions, and more! Space exploration: the altimeter will allow them to collect real-time data as their rockets fly through the air, the spring scales will allow for them to do some preliminary investigations of forces prior to their rocket launch, we will use the inertia kit to learn about how the gyros on board space ships work; Climate change: the polarizing film, funnels, post-its will be used to create a map of a mock city, investigate heat transfer and develop possible solutions; Collisions: the ballistic pendulum will help students investigate the transfer of momentum during a collision as they engineer a safety device; Electricity and Magnetism: the light bulbs, exacto blades, screwdrivers and funnels will be used to investigate the strength of the electric field, learning how electronics use electromagnetism and for constructing electric circuits; Sound and Light Waves: the rubber mallets for tuning forks and mirage toy will be used to investigate wave properties; Lastly, the plastic bins will be used to help give us a place to store the equipment and student projects.
About my class
For the past two years, students have been forced to learn science and do labs on a computer. Most computer simulations are not very engaging and do not mimic the real world uncertainties that arise when conducting an experiment. The data students collect is often "perfect" and does not allow them to think critically about fluctuations and variations that occur when the lab is done in person. I want to re-engage students in becoming passionate about science through hands-on learning and explorations. The items I have requested will be used to implement some new and exciting hands-on labs related to space exploration, climate solutions, and more! Space exploration: the altimeter will allow them to collect real-time data as their rockets fly through the air, the spring scales will allow for them to do some preliminary investigations of forces prior to their rocket launch, we will use the inertia kit to learn about how the gyros on board space ships work; Climate change: the polarizing film, funnels, post-its will be used to create a map of a mock city, investigate heat transfer and develop possible solutions; Collisions: the ballistic pendulum will help students investigate the transfer of momentum during a collision as they engineer a safety device; Electricity and Magnetism: the light bulbs, exacto blades, screwdrivers and funnels will be used to investigate the strength of the electric field, learning how electronics use electromagnetism and for constructing electric circuits; Sound and Light Waves: the rubber mallets for tuning forks and mirage toy will be used to investigate wave properties; Lastly, the plastic bins will be used to help give us a place to store the equipment and student projects.