Past projects 2
Utah Covid-19 Collaborative Projects That Bring Us Together
Funded Jan 26, 2022Thank you so much for donating to "Collaborative Projects That Bring Us Together". My students were thrilled to open all the collaborative projects you funded for our class. Since we have been in a remote setting for the last year and a half, it was extremely important for me as a teacher this year to find ways for the students to work more collaboratively. I wanted my students to learn how to listen to each other and to learn from each other in a more engaging manner. The projects you funded helped my students learn how to cooperate and listen to each other.
Our puppet show project was a huge success for developing several skills students need to work in a collaborative group. The groups were assigned a script, they had to work together to figure out what parts each student would take on to learn, they had to make puppets that represented their characters, create backdrops, and manage a microphone during their puppet show. They loved learning how to delegate roles and responsibilities as a group. The materials you supplied us to make our puppets helped the students be creative in making their own representation of their character. Each student was able to develop their own voice and perspective on how things should be done for their puppet show. This project was very engaging for my students and they loved performing what they created for their parents. It taught each one of them so many skills that they wouldn't have learned just reading a reader's theater.
Our science collaborative projects were a huge hit as well. The students had a great time watching the caterpillars go through the butterfly cycle. Watching them let the butterflies go was one of the sweetest moments I experienced this year. I was touched by how connected they were with this project. My students really wanted the butterflies to fly off and to pollinate all of our neighborhood flowers. They spent a lot of time making observations and pooling their knowledge together about the different science projects we did together. The students spent more time listening to each other while they worked on the projects. Each student was assigned a different role for each project and became an expert. The students then taught the class what they learned. Being an expert on a topic working collaboratively and sharing your knowledge with the class creates self confidence especially for students that struggle with academics to begin with. These projects helped me complete my goal of helping my students learn how to be a more collaborative group of self directed learners.
Thank you so much for for funding my project! My students were so grateful for the opportunity to do more hands on collaborative group work. These projects helped them learn how to socially support each other and to help us be a team of self directed learners. Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Ms. TUELLER
This classroom project was brought to life by Utah State Board of Education.The Flip Side of Learning
Funded Apr 16, 2009Thank you so much the Flip cameras. They were a huge hit! I started this year using them in my science unit, microorganisms. We had three 6th grade classrooms participate in this unit. The students went to a pond and gathered data by using GPS units and then going to Google Earth to incorporate their learning into a real life application. The students thought they were real scientists. I then had the students explore micros by conducting a number of different experiments. After four weeks of exploring and investigating micros, they began writing their own public service announcements. They chose their topic and teamed up with four other classmates to produce a commercial. They came up with the script, brought and made their own props, and then directed and filmed their own commercials. I then taught them how to use moviemaker. The students then downloaded their Flip videos and produced their commercials all on their own. They learned how to edit and attach music to their commercials. When all of the projects were finished we had a red carpet viewing of all the commercials. It was so thrilling to see how excited they were to share what they had created. This project was so meaningful to the students and it taught them so many real life experiences. I really enjoyed watching how engaged they were throughout the entire unit. The learning was very meaningful to the students because it required each student to be involved and they all had the opportunity to film, produce, act, and edit.
Our next project we are working on is writing math raps. The students will be creating math rap videos. They are really looking forward to finalizing this project. We also will be using our Flips weekly to produce news broadcasts for the entire school.
The students really get excited to incorporate technology into their learning. I am so grateful that you funded my project. I am very passionate about teaching and I know how important it is to incorporate real life applications to the learning process. To incorporate the technology into the classroom takes money and I appreciate what you have donated to my classroom. You have given students an opportunity to use their imagination and creativity to create something that they are proud of. They have also been given an opportunity to use technology that they might not have been able to use. I feel that giving them the opportunity to film and produce videos gives them an extra advantage when they go to junior high and want to try out for extra curricular activities.
Thank you so much for donating the two Flips to my classroom. They are being put to great use and we will enjoy using them. I really can't thank you enough, your generosity is greatly appreciated. ”
With gratitude,
Ms. TUELLER