Past projects 2
Student Studying Structures Need Healthy Hydroponics
Funded Nov 28, 2023Thank you again for funding our project! We recently set up our new indoor hydroponics garden. Students were challenged to follow the limited instructions that came with the system as they attempted to put it together using the engineering design process they have practiced on other activities this year. Each class brainstormed and looked up answers to questions that we needed to research in order to become successful hydroponics gardeners. We identified that we needed to obtain better growth medium, different types of seeds, a Ph test kit and nutrients to add to our tap water, and a timer for the light.
Once we got the additional materials, each of my four classes voted on what to plant. Every student got to place at least two types of seeds in the growth medium. I have put a smaller class of fifth grade students in charge of maintaining the system, so they will do daily checks of water levels, light, and plant growth.
As I meet with the classes every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, each student will update a garden journal, tracking the growth of our greens and herbs. We have learned that the plants should grow 50% faster than in an outdoor garden, so we should have produce to sample in four to six weeks. We will also soon have access to a small outdoor area for a soil-based garden in the courtyard of our school, and hope to extend lessons about both gardens long into the future.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Negrin
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 2 other donors.Learning From Here and There With GATE and STEAM
Funded Nov 7, 2021I cannot tell you what a difference these materials have made on our GATE classroom, and to me as a teacher. The Chromebook has allowed me to include students placed on distance learning using Google Meet during their regularly scheduled classes. This has happened to more than 10 of the students I service, and each child could be home from two to ten days, depending on circumstances. They have been able to see and interact with their classmates, hear direct instruction, share ideas and answers, and observe live science from home, as well as stay caught up with assigned work.
In addition, the Chromebook allowed me as a GATE Specialist to administer a screener test to over 160 second grade students at two elementary schools in February. I was able to enter each second grade class, give instructions, solve practice problems, and monitor student progress during each test session. I could then share results with classroom teachers, print home reports for all families and identify candidates for the Gifted and Talented program at each school.
The STEM related supplies have increased engagement and helped students develop deeper understandings for such topics as atoms, elements, and molecules, cells and organs, states of matter, weather, the water cycle, and the laws of motion. All of the topics we study and discuss under the big idea of Systems is enhanced through hands-on experiences and connections to current events and the latest research. The students have especially loved learning about atoms, building molecules of common materials, and gaining an understanding of The Periodic Table of the Elements and its organization. They then created elemental superheroes and villains that they shared with our class, their homeroom classes, and administration.
We have been overjoyed with the supplies generously donated to our class and I know that the materials will be used and appreciated for many years to come.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Negrin
This classroom project was brought to life by Nevada Department of Education.