Past projects 6
Learning How to 3D Print - Printing for a Purpose!
Funded Mar 9, 2016Dear Donors,
At my school technology is used in the classroom all the time. We use computers, Ipads, and even our own cell phones for classroom activities on a regular basis. But we had never seen a 3D printer in real life or used one before this project was funded. Ms. Reilley had us put the printer together so we could be completely responsible for it. We have currently been printing different items that were already programmed by other people as a way to learn about the 3D printing process. If you did not know already the way 3D printing works is a digital plan is sent to the printer and from that plan an item is printed from liquid plastic layer-by-layer according to the plan. The material hardens as it cools.
The most exciting part about the project is seeing how the 3D printer works and being able to chose to print things we are interested in printing.
We are looking forward to learning how to use ThinkCAD so that we can design our own items to print in the next few months using plans we have created on our own.
Thank you again for your support with this project!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Reilley
This classroom project was brought to life by ExxonMobil & Think It Up Supporters and 3 other donors.Brain Based Instruction for Diverse Learners
Funded Mar 24, 2015I want to thank you for contributing to my Brain-Based Learning Professional Development Project. Through the project, I received many books and resources about using neuroscience to inform practices in the classroom. I also received many books on differentiating instruction to meet the needs of the special education students I teach. I learned a lot about what is happening in the brain and how that can translate into the classroom. I also learned ways to be more creative in the ways I use formative assessment. Several of the books provided me with more information about differentiating science content information for special education and English Language learners. I also learned more about different learning disabilities and strategies to address learning disabilities. The materials that I received through this project, gave me ideas about how I can use the current brain research to strengthen my practice as an educator.
I am using the materials that I received through the Donors Choose project to support my components of my teaching from assessments, to instruction, to classroom environment. I am varying my methods of formative assessments. I am incorporating new techniques and strategies for getting students to learn content specific vocabulary. I also developed and facilitate a professional development workshop on the brain research related to learning styles and meeting the needs of diverse learners.
Student learning and engagement has benefited greatly as a result of this project. I have learned many new techniques that I can use with all levels of students. I have learned new ways to properly assess skills and content in a more meaningful way. I have also tried to improve my classroom environment based on the reading I have done about the brain and creating a stimulating environment. I am also talking with my students more about the brain and learning.
I want to thank you again for providing me with the opportunity to learn more about the the current brain research and how it relates to education. I know that I will continue to grow and develop as an educator by using the materials and resources, which will in turn provide opportunities of growth and development for my students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Reilley
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 5 other donors.Fizz Wizard and Jammin Jelly Reaction Class Experiments!
Funded Sep 18, 2014I want to thank all of you for donating to my class's project. We have been using the experiments that you funded as part of an after school enrichment program and science club. The students were so excited to be able to try out the chemistry experiments, especially because the experiments were edible!
Several students now stay after school for science help and the use of the materials that came with these experiments. The students are excited to conduct the experiments and because the materials are safe I can allow the students more autonomy when trying out different experiments. Just last week the students made a fizzy drink and also learned that they could change the pH of the drink by adding different materials to the drink. The students really enjoyed getting to try out different combinations of the materials see what happened.
My students are very grateful for the opportunity that you have provided them with! The students are very learning about what is happening as they observe their experiments. Thank you again for allowing them be excited about doing science!!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Reilley
Making Topographic Maps
Funded Nov 21, 2013I am so glad that we received the landform models from Donors' Choose. These models have greatly impacted student understanding of creating topographic maps and determining the elevation of a location using a contour interval and contour lines. Students really enjoyed using the landform models to create topographic maps. At the end of the unit I had students reflect on the activities we completed in the unit, many students chose creating topographic maps from using the landform models as one of the most fun and most engaging activities we did. Students were also able to articulate what they were doing when they did the topographic map lab using the landform models. Using the models, helped the students be able to describe the science concepts related to topographic maps as well.
The students used the landform models when we completed our unit on views of the Earth. We used the models to create topographic maps. Students then had to find the elevation of different locations using their topographic maps. Students exchanged maps with other groups and had to find the elevation of locations on the other group's topographic maps. Students were able to apply what they read about in class to a lab that made the information more tangible for them. Students participated in a hands on lab that involved working as a group. In addition to the students that I teach being able to use the landform models to create topographic maps, the high school Earth Science teacher has also used the materials with his classes.
I know that I had trouble understanding that a topographic map represents a landform when I was first learning these concepts. It was hard for me to realize that the as the contour lines became smaller, the landform got steeper and also increased in elevation. I know that this was also difficult for my students. However, using the landform models made it easier for students to understand these concepts. The landform models are a great resource because they can be reused each year. The landform models have really impacted my students' understanding of these difficult topics!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Reilley
Learning About Vision and Light Through a Cow Eye Dissection
Funded Feb 19, 2013On behalf of my students, I would like to thank you for donating to my class project, Learning about Vision and Light Through a Cow Eye Dissection. My students loved being able to actually dissect cow eyes. Students still talk about this activity long after they completed the dissection.
Students completed a virtual eye dissection before completing the actual cow eye dissection. After the actual cow eye dissection, students had to write an argument essay explaining whether or not students should be able to dissect animals or animal parts in class. Many students said that they learned a lot more from the actual eye dissection compared to the virtual dissection. The students explained that even though they thought the cow eye was disgusting and smelled awful that the dissection was a great experience that they would want to do again.
My students would not have had this opportunity if it was not for your generous support. Last year, I only had enough cow eyes to demonstrate the dissection for each class. This year, each group of students was able to complete the dissection. This made the experience more exciting and worthwhile for all the students.
I truly appreciate your generosity and know that my students feel the same way too!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Reilley
Student Scientists Need More Lab Equipment
Funded Oct 13, 2012On behalf of my students, I would like to express my gratitude for your contribution to my Donor's Choose project. My students have greatly benefited from having the lab materials that your donations paid for. Not only have my students used the lab materials for many experiments but students in other grades have used the materials as well.
My students really enjoyed looking at and touching the fossil replicas that I acquired as part of this project. Allowing the students to see fossil replicas made the material we were learning about more engaging for the students. The graduated cylinders and beakers have been very useful for experiments. We recently made volcano models and then caused an eruption using baking soda and vinegar. Students determined the mass of the baking soda and the volume of the vinegar using the lab materials that were so generously provided for us.
Students are also able to come after school to repeat any labs done in class. Students also have the opportunity to conduct experiments after school that are enrichment activities related to topics we may or may not cover in class. This allows students who are more interested in different topics get to explore more about those topics. It allows the students to develop their own experiments and sometimes just conduct exploratory labs.
Without your donations, my students would not have gotten to see fossil replicas or use graduated cylinders and beakers on a regular basis. This project has allowed me to purchase plastic beakers and graduated cylinders which are better for middle school students to use safely. I also now have materials for students to work in smaller groups than I did before which allows them to gain valuable lab schools. Again, I want to thank you for providing my students with the fossil replicas, graduated cylinders, and beakers.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Reilley
This classroom project was brought to life by Kia Motors America and 5 other donors.