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Science Experiments on a Budget

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Erin Garman Erin Garman 1060 Points

As a future Educator, I understand that to some extent, that varies from school to school, that Teachers recieve a budget for materials needed for their classroom/ activties or other learning tools. More often than not however, teachers are left to contribute their own funds into for their classrooms: activities, books, msterials, etc. My question for all of you is, what are some tips or suggestions you have when it comes to putting together a fun and informational science expirement but one that won't brake my personal bank? Thank you so much in advance! 

Amanda Aguirre Amanda Aguirre 680 Points

HI Erin!

I want to share a story with you that maybe will give you an idea. My mom got a small circular container with a lid. She bought glitter, and small items you put in aquariums, as well as laminating the students photos. What she did was they created thier own personal snowglobes. It was a fun interactive project that was less than $20. Hope this helps with a fun cheap project that you can do with your students. 

Mary Lynn Hess Mary Hess 14043 Points

Erin, I'm so glad you'd like to incorporate hands-on activities with your students. I've started to reuse recycled items. Your lesson does not have to be a cookie cutter idea. Have them use recycled items and repurpose them. Let kids get creative and save the environment at the same time. Good luck!  

Abigail McGrane Abigail McGrane 735 Points

The best part about science is that it is everywhere! Experiments can be made and modified to fit whatever materials you do have. Asking other teachers in the building to borrow resources they may have, like microscopes, is one easy solution. Another way is to post on Facebook or send a message home with the students. There are so many people in the community who would love to contribute to the classroom, they just do not know how to do so! Hope this helps!

Erin Garman Erin Garman 1060 Points

Thank you so muh! These are extremely helpful tips and suggestions. 

Jessica Thomas Jessica Thomas 320 Points

Depending on the price of produce where you live, red cabbage or red onions can be used to make a cheap universal pH indicator lab. You can use less than a single red cabbage and easily make over a gallon of indicator - not that you'd need that much at all. You can use common household materials, add a few drops of red cabbage indicator, and see the color changes based on pH. It changes to some pretty colors, too.

Jessica Thomas Jessica Thomas 320 Points

I've also put out messages to other teachers and the community, 'Looking for ____ materials for an activity.' Cardboard, paper towel tubes, film canisters, etc etc etc. Call your local businesses and look for donations - I had students that wanted some styrofoam blocks for a project. At the store, the prices were outrageous. I went to a local furniture store and they had piles of it they were going to throw away. 

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