Mrs. Borders' Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 29

• Our Home Planet: Extreme Weather

  Funded Feb 13, 2010

  Thank you very much for your generous donation. My students had so many opportunities to engage in hands-on activities with respect to weather and climate.

  We used the ultraviolet beads to investigate ultraviolet light. The electromagnetic spectrum can be a difficult concept since we only see visible light. The ultraviolet beads helped my students to understand ultraviolet light. The beads are white until they are exposed to ultraviolet light. Then, they light up in various colors. What a great visual! My students devised investigations to test the effects of different materials in blocking ultraviolet light. They also took the beads home and tested materials in their home environment. Some of the materials tested were: water, glass, sunscreen, fabric, paper, and aluminum.

  We also built hydrological cycle models. We used gravel, saltwater, cotton balls, plastic cups, pans, and saran wrap to make models of evaporation and condensation. The students were thrilled to come in the next day and find that their models actually produced condensation.

  Thank you for your belief in science education!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Borders

• We're Going to Mars!

  Funded May 4, 2010

  Thank you very much for your generosity and your belief in education! As you know, middle school students are so curious and engaged in Astronomy. Due to its very nature, many of the objects of study are out of reach. Therefore, models, simulations, and labs are so crucial for the study of astronomy.

  In the past, we had just one Mars globe for a class of 30. Now, we have nine! Each group has their own Mars globe to use during our "Mission to Mars". The students explored geography, geology, space exploration history, and much more. They were amazed to see the size of Olympus Mons, the tallest volcano in the solar system. Many used the canyons and mountains of Mars to plan their own mission.

  We are also enjoying the Mars game. It is so exciting for me---moving between groups and hearing them plan out their mission. The students get very animated as they discuss the possibility of running out of oxygen, dealing with mechanical failures, and finally experiencing mission success. The teamwork is amazing.

  Many thanks for funding our project!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Borders

  This classroom project was brought to life by JP Morgan Chase Foundation and 2 other donors.

• Reach for the Stars: Astronomy at Its Best!

  Funded Oct 20, 2009

  We have been enjoying the astronomy materials quite a bit over the last month. The Sunspotter Telescopes have transformed the solar system portion of science for my students. Each day, they ask if they can analyze solar processes and features by using the materials!

  We set the Sunspotters up, open up our lab notebooks, and track solar features. My students exclaim each time they note a solar flare or sunspot. It is really powerful when they are able to track changes over a period of time. This truly brings dynamic solar processes to life for middle school students.

  We are now moving into extending our learning to other stars. My students will have a firm foundation of knowledge of our own star and will soon hypothesize about other stars. Thank you so much!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Borders

• Empowering Science Students Through Reading

  Funded Dec 1, 2008

  Thank you very much for supporting educational excellence. Your donation is making it possible to integrate reading and science with high-interest materials. We will be using the reading materials, such as "The Perfect Storm" as we study the mechanics of storms. The video about hurricanes will be much more relevant as students are also reading about storms. My students are anxious to begin. Thank you”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Borders

• Solar Analysis

  Funded Jan 31, 2009

  I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for funding my project, "Solar Analysis". My students are thoroughly enjoying their exploration of our very own star. I know that increased understanding occurs when students are able to combine hands-on learning with higher-level analysis.

  We brainstormed pre-existing knowledge related the structure and processes of the sun. Students were surprised to learn about the role that our sun plays in weather. They were also surprised to learn about the different layers of the sun. We had so much fun using the sun foam puzzles! Learning certainly comes alive when students are able to engage in relevant hands-on activities. The conversations were lively as students discussed mechanisms of heat transfer, the lives of stars, eclipses, and characteristics of our atmosphere. Science is so much more engaging for students when they are working with hands-on materials.

  Thank you for your positive impact on education. I look forward to our continued partnership. ”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Borders

• Shoot For the Stars: An Analysis of Far Away Galaxies

  Funded Oct 29, 2008

  Thank you very much for your generous donation! My students are very anxious to begin their analysis of stars. The spectral analysis kit and spectrum tubes will truly bring this study to life. I have several astronomers that have offered to come into the classroom during this time---so the connection to the science workforce will be even stronger! I know that my students need to be prepared for 21st century science and your support is helping to make that happen. It is rare that middle school students get to work with materials like this, so again, thank you very much for making this possible”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Borders

• Engineering Challenges For 8th Graders

  Funded Sep 16, 2008

  Thank you so much for funding my project. My students really get excited about engineering challenges! It is a perfect way to increase the math and science skills that our students will need to be competitive in a global workforce. I know that we will have a lot of fun and will be engaged in high-level thinking. Thank you for supporting education”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Borders

• Rock On! Empowering Math and Science Excellence

  Funded Aug 6, 2008

  Thank you so much for funding the "Rock On" proposal! I know that my students will be very thrilled to work with the labs from the videolab kit and the rock cycle kit and classifying rock kits. They get so excited each time they see the lab supplies out. It will be especially relevant as we live in Washington State--home to Mt. St. Helen's. In addition, Mt. Rainier is also a volcano and we can see it from the highway. You will be hearing more after we complete our activities this school year and the kids write thank you notes. Thank you again!

  Mrs. ”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Borders

• Chemistry Connections

  Funded Oct 21, 2008

  Thank you so much for your generous donation! My students are very excited to engage in the hands-on experiments that your donation will enable. We will be exploring mixtures, solutions, and chemical changes in a variety of lab investigations. In addition, my students will be better prepared for high school chemistry by engaging in my laboratory investigations such as this one. Thank you for making science fun and applicable for kids”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Borders

• The Milky Way: An Analysis Of Our Galaxy

  Funded Oct 24, 2008

  Thank you so much for your generous donation. My students will be very excited to begin our study of galaxies! I know that the math and science skills that will be emphasized in this project will benefit my students as they enter high school. Astronomy is such a motivating subject for middle schoolers! Thank you for allowing me to bring more engaging astronomy into my classroom”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Borders

  This classroom project was brought to life by Susan and 16 other donors.