Past projects 2
Bouncing for Better Learning
Funded Mar 29, 2017To say that my students were excited to get these on their chairs would be an understatement! Your donations brought my class a set of Bouncy Bands for each chair. My fourth graders could not wait to get them on the chairs, and once the bands were in place, my students began bouncing away! Students who switch into my classroom have loved them as well!
Although my kids may not notice, they have continued to bounce over these past few weeks. Some will even stretch the band or wrap it around their feet, which has given them a positive outlet for that physical energy.
When asked how they felt about the Bouncy Bands, students said things such as:
"I like it because it helps me focus and gives me a chance to move around."
"I love the Bouncy Band because I would be sleepy in the morning, and when I bounce, it keeps me awake."
"When I am taking a test and I am stressed, I just use the band to calm me down."
"I love them because they help me not play with the stuff inside my desk."
"They help me so I don't shake the table when I bounce my feet."
I truly feel that these bands have met my goal of allowing my students to keep moving while they work. I have noticed that students who usually feel the need to get up and move around the room (at less than appropriate times), have stayed in their seats. My students seem more engaged mentally and physically. Thank YOU for that!
Our project will continue to reap benefits as new students enter my room for the 2017-2018 school year. My dream is that my students will grow to be better people and reach their own personal goals, and I believe that projects such as this one will help them get there.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Casto
This classroom project was brought to life by Aspect Ventures and 8 other donors.The (Natural) Energizer Classroom!
Funded Oct 11, 2016I cannot express to you how much my students and I have appreciated your donations. With your support, I was able to purchase 6 wind turbine kits and 7 solar robot kits. The intention of these projects was to help my students learn more about the Engineering Design Process as well as renewable energy resources. I wanted to give them the opportunity to have a hands-on experience as young engineers.
At this point in the project, students are in the process of building their robots and turbines. They were beyond excited to open the boxes and take out the pieces. In past years, students have watched videos, read about, or looked at pictures of such projects. BUT, this year, my kids get to actually become engineers themselves. I have already seen the positive impact of your donations as my students collaborate with their peers, look closely at complicated directions, determine why something isn't working, and ask scientific questions. More importantly, my students are engaged and excited!
I hope that my students' letters and pictures give you an idea of what your donation and support has meant to them. Our project will continue to reap benefits as they complete the building process and learn about how wind and solar energy can change our world in so many ways. My dream is that my students will grow to be better people and reach their own personal goals, and I believe that projects such as this one will help them get there.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Casto