Past projects 4
Documenting Our Chemistry Journey
Funded Aug 3, 2023I wanted to take a moment to express how the recent additions of a new pencil sharpener, composition notebooks, pencils, periodic tables, Expo markers, and Clorox disinfection wipes have greatly enhanced the learning experience for my chemistry students. These seemingly simple items have had a profound impact on our classroom dynamics and the quality of education we provide.
The new pencil sharpener has ensured that our students always have sharp, reliable pencils at their disposal. This may seem trivial, but it has significantly reduced distractions caused by broken or dull pencils, allowing students to stay focused on their work. Furthermore, the composition notebooks have provided a structured and organized platform for students to record their class notes, work for chemistry problems, and lab experiemental data. This increased organization and clear documentation have not only improved their understanding of chemistry but also allowed for more effective peer and teacher assessments.
The addition of periodic tables in the classroom has proven invaluable. It has become an essential tool for students to quickly reference atomic structures, properties, and periodic trends, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject. Moreover, the Expo markers have enabled more interactive and engaging lessons. Students can now actively participate in problem-solving on mini whiteboards, fostering collaboration and boosting their confidence in solving complex chemical equations. Lastly, the availability of Clorox disinfection wipes has helped maintain a clean and safe learning environment. In these challenging times, it has given both students and teachers peace of mind, allowing them to focus on learning without worrying about hygiene.
In conclusion, these simple yet vital additions to our classroom have positively impacted the learning experiences of my chemistry students. They have facilitated better organization, more engaging lessons, and a safer environment, contributing to a more successful and productive academic year. I am truly grateful for these enhancements and their role in our students' educational journey.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Roach
This classroom project was brought to life by Alaska Department of Education & Early Development.Inspiring Future Medical Professionals with Hands-on A and P Lessons
Funded Nov 20, 2021Thank-you for your generous contribution in funding my Donor's Choose project supporting future medical professionals! I pride myself in providing rigorous, engaging, hands-on lessons and activities for my students and the materials obtained from this project are essential to this endeavor.
My students are excited to participate in the variety of activities these materials will provide. Just last week students used the new Snellen chart to measure visual acuity and the new tuning forks to assess the function of their cochlear nerve. Without these specific items, students would have had a more limited learning experience.
The major learning activity for this semester includes a major dissection. The new dissection tools will help students make more precise incisions and more accurate examination of the specimens. My students are anxiously awaiting using the new suture kits in a lesson coordinating dissection, surgery, and the basics of autopsies.
I am humbled to be a part of these students' educational journey. I promise your contribution to my efforts will not be in vain and you can rest assured our collective future is brighter because of these students. I can't wait to see the great things they achieve. The items purchased from this project will help set them on a path to their amazing future. Again - many, many thanks.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Roach
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 22 other donors.Safety Is Job #1 - Safety in the Chemistry Classroom
Funded Sep 23, 2021Thank-you so much for your generous contribution to my "Safety is #1 - Safety in the chemistry classroom" project. My students' eyes will stay protected during all lab experiences thanks to your generosity.
The new goggles are replacing goggles that I have had for years. Many of those goggles were scratched, yellowed, and had frayed and stretched out bands. No more! When the goggles arrived this week, despite doing a learning activity with m&m candy, my students insisted on wearing the new goggles. "Safety First Mrs. Roach!" they exclaimed as they excitedly donned the brand new goggles. With straps tightly snug against their heads keeping those goggles in place, my students were quick to let me know these goggles were "so much better" because they could see clearly. One said, "you know how a new car smells? That's what this is like - except instead of 'new car smell', we get 'new goggle smell!'. I know I'll never again have to sing the song "Where Oh Where Can My Goggles Be" to remind my students to put these on.
The new Bunsen burners have yet to be taken for a test drive, but the fact that they are so shiny and easy to adjust will make future labs that use flame so much better and safer! Having a base that makes the burner more stable should help my students feel more confident when working with flames. I anticipate the flame test lab, where students light saturated splints to observe the color flame produced by the metallic salt will be a big hit.
On behalf of my students - thank you so much for helping support safety in the chemistry classroom! "A Day Without Chemistry Is Like a Day without Sunshine!"”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Roach
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 4 other donors.Using FIRST Robotics to INSPIRE Alaskan Engineers
Funded May 7, 2021My FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team is extremely grateful for their two new DaVinci Jr 3D printers and laptops. Thank-you from the bottom of our hearts for your generous support of our program. FIRST is an acronym for "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology", a worldwide program created by innovator Dean Kamen to promote and celebrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. While building robots is often the centerpiece of the robotics program, FIRST is so much more. The major tenet of the FIRST program is "gracious professionalism", defined as a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community."
Your support of this program through your donation for the purchase of the 3D printers and supporting laptops will help my students bring their design ideas to life. In the past we have had to rely on "Commercial, Of the Shelf" components to build our robots - this greatly limits the creativity and ingenuity in the engineering design process. The new 3D printers will allow my students to design and creat custom parts for their robot to help them maximize the performance of their robot. The new laptop computers has allowed them to more easily access Onshape - a free computer aided design software that is crucial for creating their custom parts.
I'll never forget what one of my freshmen said upon opening our new printers: "Wow! I've never even seen a 3D printer before. Do I get to use it?" Of course!, I said - I wish words could accurately convey his enthusiasm and excitement. Both of my own sons were members of our robotics program and when I told them of our good fortune in getting these 3D printers they both expressed how they wish they had them when they were in high school. I have no doubt that the new 3D printers and laptops will unleash a flood of creativity and inspiration and in the long term create a brighter future for all of us.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Roach
This classroom project was brought to life by SONIC Drive-In and 15 other donors.