Past projects 12
Headphones for Our Entire Class!
Funded May 8, 2023Thank you so much for supporting our class! I know these materials seem kind of basic, but they are such a necessity in our classroom and I am excited to put them to use. It is wonderful people like you that see a need and go ahead and help out that make this world great!”
With gratitude,
Mr. McFarland
This classroom project was brought to life by General Motors Corporation and one other donor.Exploring the Next Generation of 3-D Printing!
Funded Sep 22, 2021This year our after school 3-D printing and STEM technology class made great strides with the practice of 3-D printing. Due to the toxic nature of the polymers used in resin 3-D printing, students weren't allowed to participate in the physical act of 3-D printing. None seemed sad about not having to clean up and wipe down the machines. This presented an interesting opportunity: they had to ensure that their print was of supreme quality and then send it off digitally to be printed. It took a few tries, but many successful prints lit up students faces. One student figured out how to build his own models and set about on a project to print every Pokemon - and even invent his own. Resin 3-D printing will continue to provide fun and interesting challenges to students for years to come!”
With gratitude,
Mr. McFarland
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and 6 other donors.The Perfect Seat for Each Student!
Funded Jan 24, 2022The kids love all of the options they have now! With standing desks, yoga ball chairs, wobble stools, and comfortable wobble seats, they have many options to choose from. Students love to bounce in the yoga ball chair, giving those wiggly students a chance to move a little bit when they normally couldn't.
Students race each other to class in order to claim the best seat, so the number of students arriving tardy to class has gone way down just from that alone.
Additionally, it has a become a bit of a reward, so some students now have an incentive for good behavior. Thank you so much for this ooportunity!”
With gratitude,
Mr. McFarland
This classroom project was brought to life by Utah State Board of Education.Creating Board Game and Roleplaying Synergy
Funded Jul 28, 2021This year we have had a more inside-recess days than usual. It has been a blessing to have students be able to just pull out these board games and start playing. Students love being able to join their friends on adventures and conquer challenges.
Additionally, in D&D club we have been able to incorporate many of the items included in these board games. The students love using the miniatures to represent the various monsters and people they encounter in their afternoon gaming sessions. They love using the tiles to represent the areas that their characters have explored. I look forward to the continued synergy between these two clubs. Thanks you for generous support!”
With gratitude,
Mr. McFarland
This classroom project was brought to life by SONIC Drive-In and 8 other donors.Tools for Blended Learning and Student Video Conferencing
Funded Sep 17, 2020Prior to this project, I had to constantly put up with: "What did you say?" "What is that in your view?" "Where did you go?" and "Whose mic is doing that?" Since then, I have not had a single issue when using Zoom to collaborate with my fellow teachers, answer student questions, and even holding Parent Teacher Conferences.
I was never comfortable being in front of a camera before the pandemic hit. Even after, I still was uncomfortable. The ease of use and quality of the web cams has made me feel much better when using Zoom to communicate and Loom when making videos for my students. Thank you.”
With gratitude,
Mr. McFarland
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose 20th Anniversary Fund and 6 other donors.Serious Language Arts Game Play!
Funded Jun 1, 2020Our students loved using the Superfight cards during our argument unit. They loved being able to create interesting scenarios and arguing about who would win. This made learning more than just fun.
Students also enjoyed being able to study and look up roots using the Ninja Roots deck. This was especially helpful as students applied their knowledge of roots and affixes to new words.
Finally, the story dice made for some fun and interesting creative writing warmup exercises. Students had so much fun coming up with fascinating and funny tales based upon the roll of the dice.”
With gratitude,
Mr. McFarland
Printing Up Fun and Learning
Funded Dec 13, 2019My students and I are looking forward to printing up some fun! You have given a gift that will help several clubs and several students make some great memories - and some great projects. I look forward to what we're going to make! Thank you so much for all of your support!”
With gratitude,
Mr. McFarland
This classroom project was brought to life by Wells Fargo and 3 other donors.A Journey of Self-Discovery through Dungeons and Dragons
Funded Jul 10, 2019Allow me to set the scene: a group of over 50 brave swashbucklers, knights, wizards, archers, and rogues gathers in single room. There is nary an open chair. Dungeon Masters begin to weave tales of desperate villagers, despondent kings, missing princesses, waylaid merchants, and destroyed villages. These student adventurers are on the quest!
Their travels will bring them along a bevy of interesting paths, but they will all learn a little about other people and a lot about themselves. They will learn courage, tolerance, decision-making, planning, quick thinking, and character building.
But have they heard all of this before? Some of them have. That is why we are grateful for the new challenges these books and miniatures will bring. You have influenced a large group already, and over the years you will influence so many more.”
With gratitude,
Mr. McFarland
Igniting Imaginations Through Dungeons And Dragons
Funded Apr 12, 2018My Experience with Dungeons and dragons!
When I first joined D&D, I didn't know what I was heading into. Usually, when I went into a new Discovery class, I was happy. This time, however, I was nervous, freaked-out and honestly a little scared. When I first walked into that room, my world became Dragons, Mayhem, Wizards, Witches, Druids, Elves, Halflings, Screaming Guys, and Humor. I decided to play as a Druid. Anyway, I was totally weirded-out by all the figurines, dice, papers, pencils, books, desks and a LOT OF BOYS! Like, I was one of the 5 girls in that class! Eventually, I was able to start enjoying it and laughing right along with the other guys. My dad came in the first day and secretly took pictures of me. UUUUUUUUGGGGG!(that's my orc embarrassment cry) If you're looking for good ideas, here's one. NEVER and I mean NEVER mess with the Dungeon Master! He/She could send some pretty bad stuff at you, including the Beholder.(Yikes, don't EVER get the Beholder! You will regret it for the rest of your life, but the D.M. WON'T.) D&D is a great teamwork experience. You have to work together to fight monsters, decide on certain things, and help each other try not to die. One of my fellow D&D players almost died in a bubbling pool of lava. He was somehow saved by a Potion of Healing! I have learned so much through this project: how to use my spells, how to work together with my fellow teammates, learning how not to die, and how to learn to love this game. It definitely helped me become the person I am today. I thank you so much for giving Mt. Nebo the things it needed. I am so grateful for the Dice, Miniatures, Books, and Battle Mats you have given the Mt. Nebo Dungeons and Dragons Club. Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Mr. McFarland
Board Game Design for the Modern Age
Funded Oct 5, 2017Since my project was funded, several students have found a new love for the games "Loot" and "Hey! That's my Fish!" Both games are fun and easy to learn, and my students have enjoyed pulling them out and competing during Game On! board games club.
The 3-D printer has seen almost constant use. I've printed up a wide variety of tokens, markers, movers, dice, and other pieces for a variety of student game ideas. Students have brought some great print ideas to use in games. Other students have requested key chains, miniatures from "Stranger Things," a sorting hat, and a variety of other items.
Another great discovery was the game "Pocket Tactics," which is designed to be 3-D printed and played. Students love the customization options and the ability to choose what they wanted to print next. They even enjoyed the game so much they started creating their own features and incorporating them into the game.
Additionally, our school has started a Dungeons and Dragons club, and we have nearly 30 students regularly showing up to play. They all want 3-D printed miniatures of their characters. Thank you again for this great opportunity for so many students!”
With gratitude,
Mr. McFarland