Past projects 6
Provide Equity With Hands-on-Learning to Students Growing Plants All Yearlong
Funded Sep 18, 2024Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom hydroponics project! Your contribution has transformed our learning environment and given my students an incredible opportunity to engage with science in a meaningful, hands-on way.
When the hydroponic systems and supplies arrived, my students were immediately excited and full of curiosity. The classroom buzzed with energy as they unpacked the materials, asking questions and brainstorming how we would set up our garden. One memorable moment was during our first planting session. As students carefully placed seeds into the hydroponic pods, they marveled at the technology and couldn't wait to track the plants' growth over the coming weeks.
We are now using the hydroponic systems to study plant biology, sustainability, and the science of food production. Students are monitoring the plants' progress, analyzing data on growth rates, and connecting their observations to broader environmental science concepts. They've taken ownership of the project, working together to maintain the systems and troubleshoot any challenges.
Next, we plan to expand this project by incorporating lessons on water conservation and the global impact of sustainable agriculture. Your support has planted the seeds—literally and figuratively—for deeper learning and exploration. Thank you for helping my students grow!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. McClurg
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community & an Anonymous Partner and one other donor.Gardening Lowers Stress and Anxiety Improving Mental Health
Funded Aug 12, 2024I am thrilled to share the incredible impact your support has had on my students through the implementation of our hydroponic plant systems, grow lights, and iPad. These tools have transformed our classroom into a vibrant, engaging space where students are not only learning about science but also improving their mental well-being. The integration of technology into our daily lessons has allowed students to explore the science of hydroponics in a hands-on, interactive way. The iPad, in particular, has become a central resource, enabling students to track plant growth, research best practices for hydroponic farming, and analyze data, all while developing essential digital literacy skills.
The hydroponic systems have sparked a newfound enthusiasm for learning among my students. The most exciting aspect of this project has been the hands-on experience of caring for the plants. Students are deeply invested in the growth and health of their plants, eagerly checking on them each day and making adjustments to ensure they thrive. The grow lights have been particularly effective in creating a sustainable growing environment, allowing the plants to flourish even in our classroom's limited natural light. This has given students a tangible sense of accomplishment as they see the direct results of their efforts in the flourishing plants around them.
Several students have particularly warmed to the use of the iPad in this project. One student, who had previously struggled with traditional learning methods, has excelled in using the iPad to document plant growth and analyze the data collected. This student's confidence has soared as they've taken on a leadership role in guiding their peers on how to use the technology effectively. Another student, with a keen interest in technology, has been exploring advanced hydroponic techniques and sharing their findings with the class, sparking curiosity and discussion among their peers. These experiences have not only deepened their understanding of science but have also fostered collaboration and communication skills.
Overall, this project has had a profound impact on my students, both academically and personally. The combination of technology and hands-on learning has made science more accessible and engaging, while the focus on plant care has provided a calming, therapeutic environment that supports their mental health. Your generosity has empowered my students to take ownership of their learning and well-being, and I am excited to see how this project will continue to shape their educational journey.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. McClurg
This classroom project was brought to life by Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation and one other donor.Biology iPad, Hydroponic System and Other Supplies for Interactive Activities
Funded Aug 8, 2024I want to sincerely thank you for your generous support of our high school science classroom. The iPad, hydroponic growing system, coloring posters, and markers you provided have made a significant impact on my students' learning and engagement.
The iPad has transformed our classroom into an interactive and dynamic learning environment. It has made complex scientific concepts more accessible, allowing students to explore topics in-depth through apps and virtual experiments. This has sparked a newfound curiosity and excitement for science among my students, who are now more engaged and collaborative than ever.
The hydroponic growing system has been a highlight, offering students hands-on experience with plant biology and sustainable agriculture. Watching the plants grow has instilled a sense of ownership and responsibility in my students, motivating them to learn and work together. This real-world application of science has inspired several students to consider careers in environmental science and biotechnology.
The coloring posters and markers have allowed creatively inclined students to express their understanding of scientific concepts visually, boosting their confidence and inspiring others.
In short, the resources you provided have transformed our classroom and had a lasting positive impact on my students. Thank you for making this possible.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. McClurg
This classroom project was brought to life by Governor Jared Polis.Microscope and Supplies
Funded Oct 31, 2023Thank you so much for your generous donations. Students have been able to get more hands on with the color manipulative that I have been able to make. On top of it, they are able to share with the class, their observations through the microscope and camera.
Students have also been able to take their projects to the next leave. Several students that need computers to help them due to a disability or even students that just struggle putting together projects on paper have been able to use technology for their assignments and still be able to share their work with the class.
Students love being able to see what they should be looking for through the microscope with camera. There are no question on what students should be looking for through their observations on a microscopic level. The microscope with camera allows me to project to the class what they should be observing, as well as having students point pout, take pictures and record their observations.
These classroom materials will greatly enhance their learning through engagement, curiosity and interactions.
This could not be done without your generosity, thank you.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. McClurg
Next Level With Colored Printing for Printing & Research
Funded Aug 31, 2023Thank you so much for your generous donations. Students have been able to get more hands on with the color manipulative that I have been able to make. On top of it, they are laminated and so they are lasting all day and into the next years.
Students have also been able to take their projects to the next leave. Several students that need computers to help them due to a disability or even students that just struggle putting together projects on paper have been able to use technology for their assignments and still be able to share their work with the class.
Students love being able to see their work come alive in color. Students are not worried about their abilities and limitations when it comes to designing and creating. Add the colorful manipulatives have helped more students stay engaged and retain the information.
This could not be done without your generosity, thank you.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. McClurg
This classroom project was brought to life by Colorado Department of Education.Technology to Help Three Science Classes!
Funded Jan 13, 2020Thank you so much for your help purchasing 4 iPads for my classroom. The iPads arrived two weeks before our school went into quarantine due to COVID, so the iPads have not been used entirely how I intended it yet, however, they have still impacted students in a positive way!
The iPads where used two weeks before our school went into quarantine due to COVID. Students were able to use them for interactive physics simulations and collaborate to solve problems. I had 2 students who have very limited English vocabulary, able to use the devices to translate handouts, and communicate with their peers so they could participate in group work. I had a group of students use the iPad to edit videos they create for a State Technology Student Association competition. I also had a few groups use the iPads to create videos of their virtual worlds they made to demonstrate what they learned.
Two students who did not have technology devices, other than their phones, where able to borrow the iPads to complete classwork. These students only had phones to complete schoolwork. I am sure you are aware, but phones are not a good substitute for writing papers, working with interactive simulations and working with online classes. The iPads allowed these two students to finish out the school year strong so they were able to graduate.
Although I have not returned to the classroom, the iPads have still impacted the students in a positive way. I use the iPads on a daily basis to create videos for my remote students. I also use the iPads to draw on, so my students can see real-time examples of me working on tasks, so they understand the assignments.
Thank you so much for your help. When I do return to in-person learning, the iPads will be able to continue to help students in so many more ways, and this was made possible by you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. McClurg