Past projects 5
Biology & Forensics Supplies to Last a Year
Funded Oct 18, 2024Because of your immense generosity, this year will have more opportunities for hands-on lab experiences and innovative teaching strategies. The kids have already been talking around school about how fun forensics is this year, and this funded project through Donors Choose enables me to keep providing these memorable learning experiences. Already several of the seniors have decided to pursue this as a career path!”
With gratitude,
Ms. deCardenas
Braiding Sweetgrass Reading Opportunity in Biology
Funded Sep 20, 2023I apologize for the late update. Circumstances beyond my control pulled me off my school-work routine and I wanted to express my gratitude now for having funded this earlier in the school year. The class set of books has been remarkably inspiring for the students. We read a chapter at a time then discussed the topic being addressed and connected it to their life experiences and world view and current events.
Some of the students asked to take the book home and read it again on their own and several students made connections that I'm sure will stay with them for life.
The images and easy segmented reading makes this book approachable and the way this book bridges science, society, and personal perspectives into the stories is unparalleled.
It's been wonderful. Thank you again.”
With gratitude,
Ms. deCardenas
The Perfect Pairing Of Science & Hot Cocoa!
Funded Sep 19, 2022The supplies used for the student tea & cocoa station has improved student behavior and focus in the classroom. Students have something to look forward to enjoying and I think that it helps students associate their time in biology class with the enjoyment of sipping a warm drink. (I also provide a toaster and bread for them as well)
The lab equipment has been incredible in improving quality of their lab experience. The sparse supplies available were always difficult to put together and never enough to provide for all groups equally. Now we have done more than one lab using the glassware and a much enjoyed microscope lab, which I forgot to get photos of I apologize. Nothing brings me more joy than getting students out of desks and into a hands-on experience where they discover and find learning fun.
Thank you tremendously for helping to make this class so successful!”
With gratitude,
Ms. deCardenas
The Basics for Tomorrow's Biologists!
Funded Sep 1, 2022The supplies used for the student tea & cocoa station has improved student behavior and focus in the classroom. Students have something to look forward to enjoying and I think that it helps students associate their time in biology class with the enjoyment of sipping a warm drink. (I also provide a toaster and bread for them as well)
The lab equipment has been incredible in improving quality of their lab experience. The sparse supplies available were always difficult to put together and never enough to provide for all groups equally. Now we have done more than one lab using the glassware and a much enjoyed microscope lab, which I forgot to get photos of I apologize. Nothing brings me more joy than getting students out of desks and into a hands-on experience where they discover and find learning fun.
Thank you tremendously for helping to make this class so successful!”
With gratitude,
Ms. deCardenas
Real Science for the Next Generation!
Funded Nov 5, 2021When I walked into this classroom at the start of November, things were in sad shape. The built in cabinets were haphazard and filled with tipped over shelves and literal trash and old binders and ripped text books. Dust everywhere. Junk piled on the front desk. I felt like Mary Poppins walking into the messy playroom, time to roll up the sleeves and get to work.
I managed to clean and organize every shelf, designating a cabinet area to each class and buying all the kids who needed it a new binder for notes and handouts. The colored pencils and paper and other craft items are all available to students at any time. The electric kettle was a huge hit at the hot cocoa & tea station! Students constantly comment how it is now their favorite classroom to be in and I have frequent visitors who aren't even in my biology class but still pop in to enjoy the atmosphere.
The posters were put in frames and the gives the class a sense of pride in their learning environment.
The constant availability of hot cocoa lets them know they're appreciated. We have really created a great classroom culture and I couldn't have created this aesthetic without the generous donations from you.”
With gratitude,
Ms. deCardenas
This classroom project was brought to life by General Motors and 4 other donors.