The goal of this project is to enhance 5th grade science instruction by providing students with hands-on materials that promote inquiry-based learning. Students will investigate scientific concepts through experimentation allowing them to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while meeting state science standards.
Friction: Students will investigate how different surfaces affect the movement of objects by testing carpet squares, artificial grass, and tile. They will compare the amount of friction produced by each surface, collect data, and explain how friction influences motion in everyday life.
Forms of Energy: Students will explore electrical, sound, and static electrical energy using circuit switches, bulb holders, tuning forks, silk cloth, PVC pipes, and balloons. They will build simple electrical circuits, investigate how sound is produced through vibrations, and observe static electricity through interactive demonstrations and experiments.
Rocks and Minerals: Students will investigate Earth materials using a rock and mineral testing kit. They will identify and classify rocks and minerals by observing physical properties and conducting hardness tests.
This project will increase student engagement by transforming science concepts into meaningful, hands-on learning experiences allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of concepts while strengthening skills.
The items in this grant will help students develop a conceptual understanding of friction, energy, scientific investigation, and rocks and minerals through active exploration. In addition, it will
improve critical thinking and build confidence.
By providing durable, reusable science materials, this grant will benefit current and future fifth-grade students, supporting high-quality science instruction for years to come.
Grant funds will be used to purchase durable, reusable science materials that support hands-on instruction for 5th grade students. Since these are reusable items, the impact is much greater than the 70 students it will benefit this school year. Last year was my 1st year teaching 5th grade science. The students loved all the hands-on investigations and truly felt it led to a greater understanding. The items in this grant would help to provide a deeper understanding of standards.
