Mr. Petuskey's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 45

• Authentic Scientific Glassware for Authentic Student Scientists!

  Funded Sep 7, 2017

  Very few of our projects to-date have been so well-used (and well-abused) as this Authentic Glassware project!

  In our science laboratory, "abused" is a positive word, because, yes, we have already broken a few of the small beakers, but, just think of the learning that we are experiencing!

  Everyday, in every class, our hands are touching these essential science tools; every touch has an enormous impact on every student brain.

  Best of all, (and most importantly), your hands have touched our hearts with your support!”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Petuskey

• Our Environment is a Boomerang!

  Funded Aug 17, 2017

  All of the materials for this project have arrived, and our science laboratory students are thrilled with the possibilities that these resources offer!

  First, not only are these model materials perfect for constructing known molecules, but they are equally as handy for building unknown molecules. Picture this: when students make a slight mistake in shaping their assigned molecule, these three-dimensional materials clearly guide students (and teacher) in what needs changing.

  Most importantly, the black carbon pieces are truly inspirational when we need to build organic molecules, like pollutants in our atmosphere!

  We thank your generous, and far-sighted support!”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Petuskey

  This classroom project was brought to life by Tom's of Maine and one other donor.

• Gravity is Great!

  Funded Jul 28, 2017

  It is truly amazing how simple things relieve stress. Remember empty refrigerator boxes? They were the best, right?

  Well, our gravity and marble run resources are excellent tools for both relieving classroom anxiety, and for working through engineering problems! The fine folks at Lakeshore make really durable stuff: neither my kindergartners, nor my 8th-grades have so much as put a dent in any of these supplies, and that is a major miracle!

  The best news is that we will have these valuable resources for a long while, thanks to your kind souls. Bless You!!”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Petuskey

• Science Fair (Easel) Hoopla!

  Funded Mar 11, 2017

  our three classes of fourth-graders are so busy right now, gathering together their science fair data and assembling all the necessary elements of their tri-fold easels!

  Here is a fascinating, real-world fact about these easels: my fourth-grade science co-teacher agrees that our budding science students feel way more confident and motivated this year; because these easels are supplied, each student already has a guaranteed, dynamite project!

  This project has been long in the planning and executing, but all of us could not be prouder of our results, thanks to all of you brilliant and loving supporters!!”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Petuskey

  This classroom project was brought to life by Stavros Niarchos Foundation and 5 other donors.

• Ultraviolet Light Made Visible (At Last)!

  Funded Jan 16, 2017

  it is a beautiful thing when a good idea becomes a great reality, and this project proves that point splendidly!

  You, our patrons, have outdone yourselves this time; at long last, we have all the beauty of the ultraviolet spectrum at our hands' reach. Under the glow of our new, souped-up UV lamp, anything and everything that can fluoresce, does fluoresce!

  Thank you all for your steadfast support. Thank you also for your devotion and dedication to the sciences, especially the Physical Sciences!”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Petuskey

• Rocks and Rolls!

  Funded Nov 14, 2016

  We have been truly enthralled with this project!

  Not only have we had the particular joy of unpacking this wonderful, scientific apparatus, but we have also, gleefully, ransacked our rocks and minerals stock for gorgeous, tumbling candidates.

  It is our dear hope that you enjoy the attached pictures of our rocks and minerals selections (these selections may be labeled "BEFORE", as they will look so much better after four weeks' polishing in our tumbler.

  Absolutely, we owe these science experiences to you, our miraculous patrons, and fellow scientists!”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Petuskey

  This classroom project was brought to life by the estate of Dorothea Lutz and 8 other donors.

• The Walls Have Eyes (and Ears, and Colors)

  Funded Oct 4, 2016

  It is now January, and I have some good news and some bad news.

  First, the bad news: the installation of our new, state-of-the-art science laboratory has been delayed. However, the following good news more than offsets this slight hiccup.

  Because of your vision and support, the once-barren walls of our room (see the attached photographs for proof!) now give students a complete science story. Thanks to your munificence, we have access to new and potent Kindle Fire tablets.

  We may not have a modern laboratory, but we are open for science business, all because of your kindnesses. Thank You!”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Petuskey

  This classroom project was brought to life by the estate of Dorothea Lutz and 5 other donors.

• Do You Hear What I Hear?

  Funded Apr 19, 2016

  As a teaching tool, active listening is vastly overlooked.

  This "Do You Hear What I Hear?" project is a prime example of active classroom listening. With music created by Bill Evans and Horace Silver, from jazz's Golden Age, my students actually hear a learning objective.

  Beginning with an opening theme, a question is asked, inviting students to respond, in turn, based on their individual world views. Being an American creation, jazz encourages all responses, and rejects none; all statements have value. This back-and-forth debate continues until the original question is answered, in full.

  Our students continue to enjoy these aural exercises, in every grade, across every demographic. Most importantly, we owe everything to you, our like-minded friends and patrons. Bless You!”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Petuskey

• Kindle Fire Fanfare

  Funded Mar 20, 2016

  Dear Public School Supporters,

  Many of you are already in-the-know about how Amazon Kindle Fire tablets immerse curious students in a never-ending stream of technological access.

  How dare I make such a brazen claim? Easy: practice. My students well know that one purchased, digital copy of "A Tale of Two Cities" (a bargain) will deliver instantly to our entire fleet of Kindle Fire tablets.

  How easy, and how accessible, audiobooks are now, for every student, everywhere!

  We are indebted, and grateful, to you all, every day.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Petuskey

  This classroom project was brought to life by #BestSchoolDay and 3 other donors.

• All About Audiobooks

  Funded Dec 4, 2015

  This is the first project, among a series of projects, that focused specifically on Amazon Kindle Fire tablets as technological resources for high school Learning Support students.

  Thanks to all of you, these tablets have become a wellspring of literacy understanding for my students, as well as an uber-versatile tool for the ingenious student. For example, I witnessed one intrepid student take pictures of their copy of the play, "The Crucible", while listening to the audiobook version, all for the purpose of keeping useful notes for later studying.

  Bless You All,”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Petuskey

  This classroom project was brought to life by Google.org and 3 other donors.