Past projects 2
Students to Biologists: A Way of Learning
Funded Oct 9, 2015The materials donated through this project were fundamental in helping my students understand the concepts of DNA replication and Protein synthesis. These concepts typically are difficult for students to grasp as they are abstract in nature and do not lend themselves to students' abilities to apply to real world scenarios. By having the model kits this project supplied, they were able to take what they learned through lecture and actually build new DNA through replication and also synthesize proteins. Additionally, students in future classes will benefit from this donation as they too will be able to work with these kits.
Students were shocked to find such a plethora of materials were provided from donations. Very few times do students receive donations from an outside source. As teachers we find to provide meaningful learning environments for our students materials often have to be purchased by us if and when we can afford them. Teachers do collect class fees, but these only pay for a small portion of the materials needed to offer the genuine enrichment necessary to speak to the hearts and minds of all learning types. The students were so thrilled to know they would not only be able to experience the DNA replication and protein synthesis first-hand, but also to be able to print out their project work throughout the year as many of them do not have these resources at home.
Our next project involves more complex review of DNA and bio technology. Since students have had the opportunity to work with DNA first-hand, they will have a better understanding of the topics to come. Your efforts to enrich the learning for the students have truly made a difference in these students' lives. Thank you for your donation and for supporting the efforts in education.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. LeBlanc
Research In The Now: Technology To Good Use
Funded Dec 4, 2013I would like to take the time to extend a sincere thank you for the generous funding for the classroom project; the purchasing of two Asus laptops and a Brother laser printer. Due to your generous gifts and dedication to education, my students have instant access to information during class via the Internet (from their desks). Also, students are capable of printing their student work without having to go to the library or place burden on parents to buy expensive printer cartridges. With funding for technology at an all-time low and restrictions on class fees, being able to provide opportunities for extended learning in our classrooms through the use of laptops would not have been possible. Lastly, students who have dysgraphia, no longer have to struggle to hand write their journal entries or constructed responses for test questions.
Gifted students need to be challenged. Each student provides a unique challenge during instruction as well. Many times, students ask questions about content extending far beyond what is covered in the curriculum. As a facilitator of learning, I strive to create an environment within the classroom, which embraces their inquisitive nature. Providing opportunities to search for answers to their questions immediately as opposed to asking students to "write down their question" or "look the answer up when you get home" shows my dedication to their learning. The use of laptops to search for answers to student questions advocates for self-directed learning and provides opportunity for student-student classroom engagement. This process involves higher order thinking skills and also helps to increase my knowledge of the content as well.
There are also many times students will find a resource, whether a diagram or an explanation for content online they think is helpful. In the past, it has been a process for me to take note of the resource, print out the file, and make copies at a later date. With the laser printer, copies are not costly and they do not take long to print. This allows me to print class copies for students to use as soon as students find something they feel is valuable to helping further their understanding of content. In my classroom, students take part in their learning. With students having varied learning styles, differentiation is very important. I want students to be able to use research skills to improve study habits, while advocating for their learning. Having access to both laptops and a classroom printer is vital for students to accomplish these goals.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. LeBlanc