Past projects 6
Build and Code Robots in the Classroom
Funded Aug 9, 2022My students were so excited to extend their love of building with legos. With the lego robotics kits, they can now combine their passion for lego building and coding.
Recently, we had a robot dance-off. Students built the robots and programmed dance moves with a few songs. They were able to get creative and add accessories to really individualize their projects.
Our next project will focus on building robots that can be programmed to be classroom helpers. I plan on having students list the jobs we have in our classroom and think of ways we can build and program robots to help.
It should be an enjoyable unit. I can't thank you enough for your generous donation to our classroom and for providing my students with learning opportunities.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Newton
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and one other donor.Headphones With Microphones to Help Us Learn!
Funded Feb 7, 2019Our classroom is so appreciative of your generous donation to our project requesting headphones with microphones. We use technology routinely throughout our school day, and the headphones help with our everyday learning.
A lot of our learning is done at individualized student levels. The headphones help students learn at their level without it being broadcasted with speakers to the rest of the class which level they are working at. Students working below grade level are able to receive the extra help they need while keeping their dignity.
We also use the microphone feature to make connections with students in other places. Most recently students were able to connect with students from a classroom in South Carolina to find commonalities.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Newton
Bring Art and Play to Make Our Day!
Funded Oct 5, 2017My students were so excited when the items from our Donors Choose project arrived. We started the year with no headphones. You can imagine the noise level in a classroom with 29 Chromebooks all listening to different lessons at the same time. We also had limited art supplies in our classroom. When we opened to boxes with headphones and art supplies the students were amazed that people who didn't even know us personally cared enough about our classroom to support our learning.
My students were even more excited about the robotics items that were delivered. Most students have not had the opportunity to explore robotics in any capacity up to this point. The Lego Boost robot is an excellent beginning robot that combines the students' love of lego building with robotics. We have already completed one of the robot builds and are looking forward to the more challenging builds that come next.
We have not had a chance to use the Makerblock robot, which was a substitute item because another item was out of stock. We are looking forward to experimenting with it when our skills have grown a little more. Again, thank you for the generosity that you have shown to our classroom.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Newton
Keep Us Clean-Help Us Learn
Funded Dec 9, 2015The students at our school were so excited when the boxes containing the supplies for our project arrived. It might not seem like detergent, towels, socks, and underwear would get junior high and high school students enthused, but they really did. When they rely on school facilities to shower and wash laundry small things really do matter. Having a nice fluffy towel to wrap up in, and fresh socks to put on mean a lot to students who are lacking these necessities.
Students have replaced the ratty old towels and washcloths for the fresh, new ones that were donated through this project. The laundry soap is being put to good use, and students have noticed a difference in the smell of the laundry since receiving the nicer brand that was donated. I haven't asked too many questions about the use of underwear and socks, but do know that the students with need of these items have made great use of them.
By donating to this project you have let these high risk students know that people do care about them, and that they are still kids that we can believe in and support the future of. It was hard to get long thoughtful thank-you letters from them because, for most of them, academics isn't their strong point. I can assure you that they are very thankful for your generosity, even if they have a hard time expressing it.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Newton
Help Us Get Technology
Funded Oct 7, 2014My students were extremely excited to receive the classroom gift of 4 iPads. They wanted to begin using them the minute the box arrived. I was barely able to fit in a lesson of responsible online use, and proper care and handling of electronic equipment before they were in their hands.
Since then we have found countless ways to use them in our classroom. I have been able to download a number of educational apps that students use both within a teaching lesson, and as a reward when their paper and pencil work is completed.
The iPad donation gas boosted teaching and learning in so many ways. Students who were once reluctant to practice basic math facts have loved incorporating the iPad app Splatmath and will practice facts all day. We have also found a number of apps that are adaptive to students' individual math levels. They are able to work on what they need help with.
Thanks again for your donation! It really is making a difference for my students.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Newton
Project iPads For The Classroom
Funded Nov 5, 2013My students were awestruck when we received the iPads in the classroom. They couldn't believe that there was really someone out there, who didn't know them, that would care about their education so much as to provide our classroom with 2 brand new mini iPads. I really wanted to wait until I had purchased protective covers before I turned the iPads loose around the room, but there was no waiting with this bunch. I quickly gave them a tutorial on finding learning apps and the process of downloading them. Students were trying out and evaluating the usefulness of various apps in no time at all.
Students are now using learning apps to practice skills that we are working on. We started having class historians whose job it is each week, to record and photograph important happenings in our classroom. Students cross their fingers on Friday afternoons when I choose jobs for the following week, hoping the job will land to them.
I have struggling students who just need to hear a math procedure a few more times than the rest. It is nice to be able to place the iPad and headphones on a students desk and let them watch the algorithm for division, or whatever math concept, those extra few times privately while I move on with the rest of the class.
You have made such a difference in our classroom with your generous donation!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Newton