Thread: How do you teach without supplies?

Chemicals/labs should be included in the curriculum. In MD we have a Voluntary State Curriculum (VSC), which isn't really voluntary since we're required to follow it, that has required labs and enrichment labs included. Schools, including charters, are expected to follow it. The charters do have some leeway but if they don't do the minimum the charter is pulled.

Quote: Originally Posted by Ivorytickler Unfortunately, I can't count on kids having computer access at home. We do have lap top carts for my hall but they're shared so I can only have them some days. I could build something on line for those days. I believe I have access to blackboard through the county education organization. I've never used it but I'm pretty sure I just have to ask for it. The manuals I'm referring...

Quote: Originally Posted by North Beach Person Honest to God IT, how does your school get past the state requirements to be certified/accredited? No ideas about your question, I'm Social Studies. There are no state requirements for funding chemical purchases. Just for material taught. As long as I teach the core content expectations, no one cares how it's done. IMO, chemistry without labs is boring. I only did about 14 labs last...

Quote: Originally Posted by Ivorytickler Anyone out there ever taught chemistry without books? This is my second year teaching and I'm teaching a lower level chemistry class (something like Chemcom which is the only one I'm familiar with) but it appears I will be getting no books. I also don't have a chemical order yet. I'm being told I'll get that as soon as they verify we have budget for chemicals but I"m...

Unfortunately not an immediate solution, but for longer-range plans, try posting on Donors Choose and see if you can find someone to fund your class. Regarding paper, what I've done in the past is head to WalMart in the couple weeks before school starts. They typically sell 70-page spiral-bound notebooks for 15¢, and packs of looseleaf paper for 75¢ (150 pages, I believe). I'll stock up on as many of these as I can afford and have...