Welch Algebra Bridge iFly STEM Trip

Hello, My name is Devin Adams and I am a Math Teacher at my alma mater, Welch MS, in Houston ISD.  Although this is my first year at Welch this is my third year in education and I love it so much. The impact that these kids have on my life is something I cannot express in words. They are why I come to work as the first car (most days) in the parking lot and why I leave work everyday brainstorming on how I can do better. 

Toward the end of the school year I realized we needed to become more competitve. When I get to work in the morning, I see middle school aged students lined up getting bused to other magnet schools in the district.  
We have a charter school within a block of our school as well as another opening up this fall within view of our front doors, that can begin to attract some of our kids. I began to ask myself what can I do to make parents and children choose Welch. That is when I thought of the idea to begin a 7th grade Algebra I class, with the intent of threm being an 8th grade Geometry class the following year.

Since this happened toward the end of the year, I had about a week and a half to two weeks to plan everything out. I administered placement exams to all 6th and 7th graders, began calculating matrix scores, solicited teacher recommendations and sent out invitations to our Summer Algebra I Bridge Program. Its focus would be to bridge the gaps they would miss by moving from whatever Grade Level Math they are supposed be in to Algebra I. Upon successful completion of the program, which ends with a culminating exam, they would be placed in my Algebra I class in the fall.

I am pleased to say that I have 38 hardworking 6th and 7th graders coming to summer school of their own volition. They are actively participating, answering questions, having academic discourse, and present everyday for their own enrichment. I thought to myself as I monitored a teachback a 6th grader was giving to his peers, "What can I do for them?" They have no incentive besides the hopes of being placed in my Algebra I class which is not promised. So I did some research and saw the STEM Educational Experience at iFly Houston. They can put the math they're learning to action AND participate in indoor skydiving. I called the representative and asked about the program and was told it would be $35/person. This of course worried me because many of my students cannot afford this especially not in time for the field trip. So I am asking you all to donate $38 to sponsor one kid to go, and share with your friends, and have them sponsor a student as well. I would appreciate it and I know the kids would as well. 

If you look below you will see what is included in the package:

-Presentation for elementary to high school students by a certified teacher.
-Ball demo where the instructor tosses objects in the wind tunnel and the individuals have to calculate wind speed vs mass vs frontal area.
-Safety class with a certified IBA instructor
-Single flight option
-Drawstring backpack with ruler, pens, pencil and return flyer packages that are only offered to STEM classes

The total amount of the campaign includes 38 students, 4 chaperones, and the standard GoFundMe fees (which is where I calculated the $3 difference)

The total amount of the campaign does not include the bus or food.

Even if you cannot sponsor a child any contribution or share helps.


Here is a link to a youtube video of what they students would participate in!

https://youtu.be/c_fMd315-ws

We will be accepting donations until June 25th, 2017

Thanks!