Past projects 7
Board Games Build SEL Skills
Funded Dec 26, 2023Most people would agree that one of the toughest parts of life is middle school. It is a time when we are rife with insecurities and seeking peer acceptance. It can be hard to make friends, work with people you don't like, or even talk! Playing games is a great low stakes way to take the pressure off of social interactions. These games have not only impacted my classroom, but I have been able to loan them to other classrooms as well! Thank you for bringing some joy into our students lives!! Additionally, you are helping them build life long social skills!!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Olkowski
Build a Generation of Science Geniuses
Funded Dec 26, 2023Thank you so much for donating to our science classroom. Your donations allow us to go the extra mile in finding exciting up to date curriculum. Generation genius uses current information to teach students about important science concepts. The videos are a bit like modern day bill nye, albeit shorter and more focused. This program also comes with curriculum to extend the lesson. The students love the Kahoots that are tailor made to the video and subject. It helps reinforce the concepts in a game and students love playing it. Additionally they supply reading materials and lesson plans for hands on science to replicate and reinforce the demonstrations done in the videos. The students really enjoy doing the things they see Dr Jeff do!
Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Olkowski
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 4 other donors.Listen Up with Science
Funded Oct 11, 2023Thank you so much for donating to our science classroom. in our modern society, a lot of programs are delivered on students district supplied Chromebook and they often need headphones. Having the appropriate equipment makes much more engaging and interesting to students. it is because of donors like you that our students are equipped to engage in science. This donation will assist not only my classroom but another teachers classroom as well. We share them as needed. so really you have impacted 280 students and their ability to listen to the engaging programs.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Olkowski
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community & an Anonymous Partner and one other donor.Women and Minorities in Science
Funded Nov 28, 2022This year my class has done a deep dive into minority and women scientists around the world. We learned about Chien-Shiung Wu, a famous female scientist from China. We learned about Rosalind Franklin and her desire to pursue science for the good of the world. We read stories of Native people practicing ecology for a millennia, stewarding the land they live on and cultivating sustainable practices.
Being able to share people of diverse backgrounds and cultures that have made a scientific difference in our world enables my students to picture themselves in the role.
Representation matters, my students commented on how much they enjoyed seeing and learning about scientists that did not fit the traditional mold. They saw themselves as people who could make a difference in their world.
Thank you for helping them feel inspiration.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Olkowski
Crazy Circuits!
Funded May 9, 2023The day our project was fully funded I announced it to the class. They roared with excitement, cheering and clapping loudly! They asked immediately when we would start the planning journal that we use for engineering projects.
The next day they excitedly looked up project ideas that they could create using paper circuits. They sketched the ideas in their journals meticulously drawing their circuits, coloring and labeling their project ideas, and excitedly choosing their LED colors.
When the materials arrived we used the engineering design process to create the circuits and troubleshoot the build. The conversations they were having to help each other were priceless. The excitement in the room was palpable.
Thank you so much for bring this to our classroom!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Olkowski
This classroom project was brought to life by SONIC Foundation and 6 other donors.Doodle Notes for Bright Minds
Funded Oct 14, 2022Your contributions have added so much engagement to my student's science classes! The donation has allowed me to purchase task cards, doodle notes, escape rooms, and interactive google presentations.
With the task cards, questions are hung up around the room and students are able to move around and work with a partner to find the solution. My student's respond very well to kinesthetic opportunities while practicing the content.
Doodle notes are a great way to increase student engagement while taking notes. They are able to follow along and create their own notes while I help them utilize color coding and organization.
The escape rooms are a really fun challenge when my students are almost at mastery of content. Different puzzles and problems are hung around the room, they are able to walk around and solve them in an effort to "escape" or unlock the final puzzle. It is a great way to get ready for the test!
I've been able to purchase all of these activities thanks to your generous donations. I sincerely appreciate you all.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Olkowski
This classroom project was brought to life by Windows of Hope Foundation.Hear the Science Happening!
Funded Oct 19, 2018My students were so happy with headphones! In our modern world we use computers in the classroom. Headphones are essential because students need to be able to focus on thier own computers. We are able to utilize virtual labs, simulations and activities online that are not available in person.
During covid times, something as simple as headphones make the world of difference. When we return to in person instruction, we will have many students on zoom at home and in the classroom at the same time. Headphones are essential for this to work.
Thank you for providing these students an opportunity to learn and be successful.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Olkowski