Past projects 3
Discover the Food Chain With Owl Pellets
Funded Nov 12, 2023Thank you so much for allowing my students to learn more about ecosystems and food webs using owl pellets. Students were fascinated to learn about how owls regurgitate the indigestible items they have eaten. They were also amazed how many bones were in the owl pellets.
I enjoyed watching students who were initially hesitant get into the process. I think most students would say their favorite part was the second day of the lab when they glued the bones they found onto black paper. Some students were able to complete almost a whole skeleton, others categorized and labeled the bones they found.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Kruse
This classroom project was brought to life by Nevada Department of Education and 3 other donors.Books To Help Us Grow
Funded Feb 8, 2022Thank you so much for your generosity. Our students are enjoying "Letters from Rifka" and "Wonder". As teachers we are enjoying seeing our students excited about reading. Both of these books lead to great discussions about how we treat others that are different from ourselves and how kids can can have a positive impact in our world.
We are currently using "Wonders" in Mrs. Larson's ELA class. Students are working on reading comprehension, writing about reading and how to discuss their thoughts on what they are reading.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Kruse
This classroom project was brought to life by Dollar General Literacy Foundation and 12 other donors.Fifth Grade Hands On Learning Supplies
Funded Oct 11, 2021Thank you for your contributions to our classroom. This has been such a unique year as staff and students navigate the new normal. Finding the right balance for students who need social and emotional support along with academic recovery can be a challenge. It is extremely important for teachers and students to have stakeholder support.
One of the students favorite donations was the worm farm. We have been able to use it in conjunction with our decomposer project, better known as Jack In A Jar. After we let nature take its course to decompose Jack, we added worms in hopes that they would fertilize the soil and more pumpkins would grow. Since the worms do not like light, we know they are working, but we can't see them. Our worm farm allows us to see worm tunnels and gives us an opportunity to see up close the work of these powerful decomposers. My students don't realize they are having rich conversations about academic content, they just enjoy the worms. I love seeing them make connections between the ideas that surround decomposers and the human impact on the environment.
We also appreciate the very practical supplies you have donated. Flexible seating options have been a lifesaver this year. Classroom favorites are the bicycle pedals and wiggle seats. Both give students the opportunity to enjoy movement while sitting in class. For some students, the ability to pedal or wiggle while they learn engages their body helping them bring their thoughts into focus. I have been overwhelmed by the respectful way the students share them, looking out for each other when someone may need a little extra wiggle support.
For me personally, I am very appreciative of the recycling bins. The opportunity to make students aware that their small choices can have a huge impact on their world is one of the joys of being a science teacher. Having visible recycling bins in the classroom allows us to make a daily choice to improve the environment.
Thank you again for your support, your supplies have provided academic benefits along with the encouragement that we are not in this alone!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Kruse
This classroom project was brought to life by Nevada Department of Education and 2 other donors.