Past projects 6
Literacy in STEM
Funded Jan 29, 2020These books have provided my students with real life examples of people who have used STEM to solve problems and make great leaps in science! The book "A Computer Called Katherine" showed my students that math is a huge part of science! Rockets flying to the moon couldn't have happened without math! It also taught my students about the advancements that have happened in computer science in just a few short years. I use these opportunities to tell my students that they can be the ones to take the next big leap!
I've been searching for books that highlight women in STEM in an attempt to show my female students that girls make incredible scientists and engineers. The gender gap in STEM is higher than almost any other field! So seven out of nine of the books I received are about women in STEM and five of those books are about women of color! It is my hope that these stories encourage my little girls of all colors, to aim for the stars!
I have had so much fun making design briefs to go along with these stories. Design briefs are activities and experiences that use the engineering design process to teach students about problem solving, reflecting and improving, communicating and all four areas of STEM. These design briefs are modeled after the problems in the stories, however, my students are focusing on creating something new - not copying the solutions from the story. I am preparing them to be innovators of the future!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Smith
Make It Magical!
Funded Feb 28, 2019My students are so excited every single time we use our virtual reality kits! Knowing that we will be able to go on virtual field trips more frequently has truly been a source of joy in my classroom. The kids love seeing places all around the world and exploring history and new cultures through the google expeditions and the iPod touches we received. I am so grateful to be able to give my students the opportunity have this experience. I think it makes them better citizens by gaining new perspectives.
I count it as a win if I can make my students excited to learn, excited to come to school, eager to participate and obtain a kind of motivation that is just not there when I pull out a worksheet. The materials we were given do just that. It's an incredible feeling to make education something that kids are passionate about.
Thank you for allowing me that privilege.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Smith
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose.org Community and 10 other donors.Stories That Inspire
Funded Jan 26, 2018It has been an amazing experience watching my kids fall in love with reading! After receiving these books I've watched kids who haven't shown interest in books all year long, get excited about a book. They've recommended books to their friends, asked to read books aloud of our class and others, reread the same book countless times and love even more with every read.
Not only have they found a love and excitement for reading, but they have connected with characters in the stories. I've over heard kids exclaim "Hey! That's just like me!" while reading. They see themselves in the shoes of the characters they read about. That experience is so valuable because they learn problem solving skills by reading about the characters attempts to solve conflict. For some of my kids, they've never been able to connect with a story in that way.
Finally, I have been so impressed by the curiosity my kids have shown while reading stories about historical figures who overcame their struggles. They've asked questions that blow me away! They have become so empathetic towards people of history and they've even learned how to relate their struggles to problems we face today. These books are helping my little learners become the people who give me hope for the future. Thank you so much for giving this gift. It has done more than you will ever know!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Smith
This classroom project was brought to life by The First Million Fund and 4 other donors.Wiggle While We Work
Funded Jan 25, 2018I am so thrilled with the new stools in my classroom! My custodian brought these huge boxes into my class towards the end of the day and my students immediately knew what they were. I had told them we were getting brand new wobble stools and they would arrive any day. They erupted in cheers and rushed forward to watch me open the boxes. We took turns sitting on the stools so that everyone got a turn.
It has been really cool to watch the kids work while sitting on them. Sometimes I can look at a kid who is struggling with their work and they will just rock back and forth on their stool until they finally get it. I love that they have that freedom - they can work out their nerves without being disruptive or annoying to their neighbors. The kids have commented on how much more they like them than the regular chairs. They've noticed that they don't feel as restricted.
The stools require them to sit up straight while they work which is a great habit for them to form at an early age. If they try to slump while they work, they might fall! Since I don't have enough for everyone, the kids have to take turns. While the kids are super excited when it's their turn, they have practice such incredible patience! Thank you so much for this incredible gift!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Smith
This classroom project was brought to life by The First Million Fund and 8 other donors.Science Technology Engineering and Math OH My!
Funded Jun 14, 2017The donated STEM materials have been a huge hit in my classroom since we started using them! Any time I mention a STEM project their faces light up and I know it's going to be a good day. My students learn best when they are able to guide their own learning by using trial and error and inquiry. The type of projects I can do with these materials allows them to do this more than I've ever been able to do before. We make STEM a regular part of our learning. By integrating the curriculum with engineering skills, problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork and technology, I am preparing my students for the jobs of the future. The best part is that I can see my students enjoy learning. Thank you so much for making my classroom a place where my kids can take their learning to the next level.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Smith
Creative Seating
Funded Nov 29, 2016Thank you so much for your generous donation! I cannot adequately describe the excitement on the kids faces when they saw the box in our room and I told them someone sent them a surprise. I explained the purpose of the wiggle seats and we decided upon some guidelines as a whole class. The kiddos decided that because they were a gift, they should treat the wiggle seats with special care and respect. They also decided to rename them "squishies". Our squishies have become a great lesson for our class. Since we have more students than squishies, we've learned how mimic your generosity and share the squishies with peers. They came up with a system on their own, to decide who gets which squishy. It has been amazing to see how the kids have shown maturity and kindness just by receiving this gift. I only wish you could see the impact they've had. I did not predict that they would teach the kids such valuable lessons. They have loved trading squishies every day and deciding which type fits their individual need. I've seen their posture and focus improve in the few short weeks they've used the wiggle seats. Thank you so much for letting my students wiggle and learn at the same time! I am so grateful that I can teach in an innovative and comfortable environment. Thank you again for you generosity!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Smith