So these new lessons require materials to do them. My science budget hasn't changed. So how to finance?
Write grants.
There are often small grants available designed for teachers to get money to implement unique integrated curriculum. The problem is sniffing out those grants, and finding the time to apply. 15 years ago, I was fortunate to have had a job in which a large portion was devoted to getting money to support performing arts. Knowing that most grants are thrown out for not following the directions is a big leg up in the competition process.
So here I am applying for grants to support my new activities. I ask everyone. I have no shame. When it comes to getting money so that my students can do real science, or integrate the arts into science, or to help students 'give back' to their community, everyone is a fair target.
Since I came back, I have submitted one grant. The grant request is for developing a common curriculum that can be shared between my school and other schools. It would also go to finance a field trip so that the students can actually collect samples and do science like scientists. As I went through the e-mail history for this grant application, I printed out 10 pages. 10 pages! I also connected with the grant provider to confirm that my project was doable and might get support. So how many hours have gone into this grant application so far? I would say at least 40. There is no promise that I will get funding. If I don't that means 40 hours of my life, mostly stolen from summer 'vacation' is down the tubes.
I am just about to work on another grant, this one to create an integrated drama/science/math/language arts unit about global warming. I'd like to bring in a youth theater so my students could see what real theater is like. I would like to be able to provide materials for props and costumes for the play. I would like to be able to provide other materials for the teaching stations my students will attend before and after the performance. The total cost of my wish is about $2500 dollars.
The thing is, it will take another 40 hours to create the application with no promise that I can get funding. Am I willing to go through all this in order for my students to authentically learn about global warming and teach what they learned to the community at large?
Of course!
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