Past projects 14
Making the Student a Scientist
Funded Oct 7, 2016Thank you so much for donating to our classroom! The students were so excited when they learned that they were going to get so many opportunities to use authentic materials to perform scientific investigations. Many of the materials were for a new "science research" course designed to get our students more interested and confident in STEM areas. The students have consistently reported how much they enjoyed being able to do so many hands-on investigations.
One of the resources, the prepared frogs, were used for a dissection. Having real frogs let them touch the tissues and organs to see and feel structural differences that lead to different functions. It also allowed them the skills associated with careful dissection as we talked about careers in the medical field that use the very same skill set. It was so incredible to see the students apply their knowledge of body systems think critically about how and why the systems are interconnected with a real specimen in front of them.
Coming up in our genetics unit, we will setting up an experiment with the Wisconsin Fast Plants. It will be so powerful for them to collect and analyze their own data and then be guided toward turning abstract genetics concepts into concrete knowledge that they have built for themselves. I am looking forward to seeing their skills and confidence continue to grow through out the rest of the year! Thanks again for your role in making that happen for all of the students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Bainsmith
Lights On And Lights Off
Funded Nov 2, 2016The resources changed school for us because we were able do our science experiment even though it was expensive and challenging. If we wouldn't have been able to get the materials we wouldn't have been able to do the science fair. It also helped us because we would maybe able to go to district and compete against others.
The stage of our project is that we are finished with it. We had our project judged, sadly we did not go on to the district science fair. Though we had lost the science fair we had lots of fun doing it. We would have had liked to look for more ways to make are board better. We are very grateful we got to do this project so we'd like to thank you for this opportunity.
From our science project we learned that more cold temperatures help the flashlights last longer. Then in more hot/warmer temperatures the duration decreases. we also learned how to ask questions. We also learned that we have to the process of the scientist. Another thing that we learned is that it does matter what type of batteries we use and to not change up the processes. Finally we leaned that science is cool and fun and doing the science fair wasn't so scary.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Bainsmith
Igniting Scientific Inquiry
Funded Oct 6, 2015Thank you so much for your generous donation. The materials from this project have enriched their science learning with many hands on elements, and have provided a foundation for actually doing science.
Many of the materials for this project were used in a frog dissection lab for my 7th graders. We learned dissection techniques, traced the pathway of air molecules through the organs in the frog, and had comparative anatomy lessons. The students were amazed to see the inside of a vertebrate organism and closely examine all of the structures we had learned about in class. While the frogs are gone, the tools like the scissors, forceps, pins, and dissection trays will be here for the students of years to come!
You truly have helped to build a pool of student scientists who will look critically at the world, question, investigate, and problem solve.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Bainsmith
Bringing Science To The Hands Of Students All Year Long
Funded Oct 20, 2014I'm not sure that words can adequately explain the impact your gift has had upon the students in my classes. When I told them the news, that we had been funded to get over 1,000 dollars of supplies, they were so excited. At the time, they weren't exactly sure what that actually meant for them, but they saw that I was excited, and knew that whatever would be arriving in boxes would be use specifically for their education. They felt privileged to have their learning be a priority.
Science is a subject where doing provides the best opportunities for learning. It is so much more meaningful for a student to actually perform a scientific investigation and have the chance to analyze data and arrive at their own conclusion than it is for them to simply read about and memorize laws of nature from a book. The resources we received allowed for more hands-on, inquiry based learning.
Some of the resources, such as the chemical bromothymol blue, vinegar and baking soda, or the simple organism daphnia, have afforded one time demonstrations or experiments. Other resources such as new sets of beakers and microscope slides have been there for students to have repetition with similar investigation procedures. Those types of materials also help them get more comfortable using scientific tools.
Thank you so much for your gift to our classroom. You have provided students with the resources to test their knowledge and expand their curiosity, and the educational experiences will not be forgotten.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Bainsmith