Christina's LIS Giving

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I really appreciate your help and support in funding my project "Understanding Simple Machines Isn't Simple". The children have been so excited to explore the many different simple machines. They seem fascinated to learn how each one works! One of the kits we received allows the children to make simple machines independently.

The favorite machines so far have been the pendulum and the inclined plane. We did an experiment with both machines using homemade objects and materials. For example, the boys and girls timed how fast matchbook cars traveled when released from different heights on an inclined plane. We also measured the distance the pendulum swung using different lengths of cord. Several children have told me they are doing similar experiments at home.

Thank you so much for helping us get real examples of these simple machines. Your help has made it possible to begin creating a lifelong love of science in many of the children.”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Allred

I have received and been using the Webster Merriam dictionaries that you all so graciously helped fund for my classroom. I must tell you that they are certainly a hit. Students use their dictionaries when writing their own pieces and/or editing each others writing. In addition to writing, we also have vocabulary races using our dictionaries. This helps my students get familiar using guide words to realize how quick and easy it is to use a dictionary. They also use them quite frequently to challenge each other when playing Scrabble on Fridays.

I've also seen a dramatic change in my student's independence. At the beginning of the year, they were so used to relying on me or their peers to figure out how to spell troublesome words. But now, they know if they ask me how to spell something, I'm just gonna tell them to grab a dictionary. They hate that, but I've definitely seen a shift in their behavior. Now, most of them will just go grab a dictionary before they even ask anyone. Just the other day, a student asked me how to spell a word and before I could refer them to the dictionaries...another student did so for me. I simply giggled to myself as this interaction occurred and thought how great it was that they are finally starting show some independence. They are learning how to problem solve simple issues, such as spelling, by using the resources around them.

Thank you for bringing such a necessary educational resource into my student's lives. It has truly impacted them in a positive way. I am so grateful to all of you.

Thanks so much!”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Geis

Thank you for funding our trip to the Chesapeake Children's Museum. My students had so much fun and learned a lot about the animals and environment of the Chesapeake. They were able to pick up live turtles and observe their characteristics. They enjoyed watching them swim and move about in their pond habitat. The students were able to become fishermen and board a boat with life-jackets. They pretended to drive along the Chesapeake as they took the helm.

In one area, the students used recycled materials to create works of art. They used dress up clothes to become workers of the Chesapeake. The students put on hard hats and became construction workers and smocks to become doctors. In the construction zone, the students used pipes to put together a water system.

This hands-on trip could not have happened without your donation. The students were given an amazing opportunity to experience the Chesapeake. They had a wonderful time and learned more than they could have in the classroom. Thank you again for bringing the Chesapeake to life by funding this trip!”

With gratitude,

Ms. Rowe

Thank you so much for your generous donation. You made it possible for each student to receive and keep a copy of the book, "Red Kayak" by Priscilla Cummings. For many students, this is the first book that they have ever been allowed to write in! They learned to mark up their texts with thoughts and personal connections. They also learned to underline important passages. The students got so "into" the book that by the end they were asking me if it was a true story or if there was a movie version. This is a clear indication that they are learning to visualize as they read and that they are becoming better readers.

Through this novel, students learned about the environmental implications of urban sprawl and went on a field trip to the Chesapeake Bay. They were able to experience the lifestyle of the characters for a day as they canoed down a river and dredged for oysters on a fishing boat. For many students, this experience will be their fondest memory from their freshman year of high school. They will always remember that they read and enjoyed "Red Kayak," and they will be able to reread it for years to come.

Donors like you are vital to the success of students and teachers in under-resourced public schools. Thank you again for your support.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Goetzl

I would like to thank all of you for helping recharging my students interest in science. Without your donations my students would not have had some of the learning experiences they had with the equipment your donations helped to obtain. The materials will also be available to numerous students in the upcoming years.

I introduced the unit on electricity by demonstrating how the Van de Graff generator works. All of my students enjoyed being able to see the spark of electricity travel from the generator to the discharge wand. A few brave students even tried it themselves with my supervision. My students were better able to understand how electric charge builds up and to be able to experience what a small electric shock feels like. The students also got a kick out of watching some of their fellow peers have their hair raised.

As my students learned about how to measure voltage it was nice to have actual voltmeters that the students could actually use. They enjoyed testing whether various sizes of batteries were good (working) or bad (dead). I had several students comment that it helped them understand voltage and resistance better than just reading about them in the textbook and doing calculations.

Again, my students really appreciated that these materials were available to them. Your donations made it possible for me to really engage my students in learning about electricity. The materials allowed my students to have fun learning and better retain what they learned. ”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Selby

Your generosity has spiced up our READING and has made our classroom library much more exciting to our students. Every week we are blessed with exciting current events magazines to read and discuss in class. Our students are learning about world events, geography and many more interesting facts while improving their comprehension skills, vocabulary and fluency. All in which, inspire them to grow into well-rounded students and future leaders.

In addition, your kindness has sparked an interest in reading among some of my most challenging students. They now enjoy reading because they can choose from a varied selection of high-interest magazines with engaging topics that maintain their interest.

And finally, this contribution also teaches my students how important it is for businesses and individuals to fulfill a social responsibility and give back to communities, just as you have.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness, and for supporting my students to develop a love for literature of all kinds!

”

With gratitude,

Ms. Stork

THANK YOU!!! This project was slow to gain momentum and then POW! I had a hard time keeping up with the flurry of donations that came last week. I am looking forward to having these resources on hand that will make teaching science easier for me and enjoyable for my class. This takes a dull, flat curriculum and makes it so hands on that I might inspire one or two of them to become a doctor or researcher!

Thank you for providing me with these wonderful resources that will not only make science real for my class but fun too!”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Vaughn