Past projects 3
Sensory Sand for Savvy Structures
Funded Oct 28, 2015Thank you so much for your support of this project and for bringing this wonderful material into our classroom. The students were very excited when it arrived and were amazed that members of their community, near and far, contributed so they could have a sand table.
The students love working with the kinetic sand. They ask to use it often and it is always a popular choice at Open Work. The students began exploring with the sand, building large mounds that stood at first and then slowly began to crumble. They experimented with different shaped mounds and different locations in the table. Did it make a difference if the mound was on a bed of sand or if it was on the plastic bottom of the table? Did the width or height make a difference? After some time, families also donated sand toys for the students to use, including molds and shovels. As students began planning their own neighborhoods in our social studies lessons, they began forming their own neighborhoods in the sand, making roads and creating structures. Some students also enjoy taking time just to feel the calmness of the sand, letting it run through their fingers.
The students in my class will soon be learning about architecture, studying buildings in New York City and learning about construction. Sand builders will be encouraged to experiment with these concepts in the sand, constructing structures from their own imagination, as well as those they are studying. Beyond this study and for many years to come, students in my class will get to enjoy the sand thanks to your generosity.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Budesa
Creative Kids Crave iPads
Funded Dec 3, 2014The class was very excited to receive the iPads that you kindly funded. Previously we had one iPad for everyone's use and all were eager to have a turn. The students were shocked but also thankful that you, some people who they don't even know, supported their class and made this resource available for them.
For the past few months we have been using the iPads in all subjects in our classroom. After reading biographies, students worked on writing their own books about the person on the iPad, making pictures with digital ink and using images from the Internet to enhance their work. Students use apps that listen to stories and follow along with the words, practice high frequency words and work on their spelling. Students also use the apps to practice math facts according to their needs, some students working on basic facts while others are pushing themselves with more advanced work. We recently worked on projects about pollution and students easily used the iPads to research information about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and select photographs to use in their projects. One group used the iPads to make an educational film about water pollution. As we have moved onto to researching river animals, students have used the iPads to do further research as well as watch educational videos.
These iPads have added so much to our classroom. They are tools to be used by students to practice skills as needed, providing targeted practice as well as instant feedback. The iPads have offered the students an easily accessible way to research and obtain information to support their interests and projects. They are able to do so independently, something they feel proud of. Their confidence shows as they navigate the apps, excitedly share information, and help each other.
Thank you for making all of this possible. The students and I greatly appreciate your support and for making all of these projects possible. We look forward to continuing to using and learning with the iPads.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Budesa
This classroom project was brought to life by NBCUniversal and 16 other donors.Oh The Things We Could Do With A 3D Printer!
Funded Nov 22, 2013Thank you for your support and donations to this project. The students were in awe when it arrived and excitedly watched various projects get printed. Their minds instantly started working on what other types of items they could design and print. Toys? Games? Action figures? Eating utensils? They are at an age where their imaginations are powerful and this tool has given them the ability to turn ideas into realities.
Our first 3D class project was one of team "buildings". As our year long social studies curriculum is about communities, neighborhoods, New York City and architecture, the students worked with others at their tables to design a building. If they could work together to draw it, we could print it. They shared ideas, listened to one another, and collaborated to add details, such as pyramids, cones, and words as well as helped each other to draw a picture that would convey their vision as closely as possible. I used a 3D design program to create 3D digital images and we began printing. The kids were very excited to see their ideas come to life, to go from a 2D sketch to a 3D model which they could hold and explore. Many counted windows to see just how accurately the models matched their drawings.
As we continue into our architecture study, we will again be using the printer to design structures. We will follow the steps of architects: designing, planning and making a model of what we envision. While we are still dedicated to hands on learning with cardboard, tape and glue, this 3D printer is allowing the children to explore and design ideas that they physically may not able to make. Projects do take time to design and print so students will continue to work together and support each other on group projects so as many students as possible can be involved. In addition, as little minds and hands get more comfortable with technology, I hope to have students use various 3D designing programs to begin the digital renderings themselves.
It is an exciting Spring in our classroom! We have learned a lot, supported each other, and thanks to your generous donation, we have exciting tools to help us further explore and develop ideas!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Budesa
This classroom project was brought to life by MakerBot and 6 other donors.