Past projects 2
Let's Explore the Unseen World!
Funded Dec 5, 2021In our Bridges science classrooms, our goal is to provide students with as many opportunities to explore the world around them using real scientific tools. In our cells unit, students learn about the cell structures and then observe various cells under the microscope. They not only observe already prepared slides, but also have the opportunity to obtain their own cheek cells, stain and observe them under the microscope. Students also look at onion cells and are able to compare and contrast both plant and animal cells. The ability to observe these microscopic cell structures, learn how to use the microscope and gain an understanding of how magnification works, helps my students to grasps the concepts easier. Their interests and engagement is peaked when exploring these microscopic organisms and structures.
Having new additions to our small collection of microscopes meant that students can now do more independent exploration during labs. It also ensured greater accuracy as some of our old microscopes does not hold focus. Our young microbiologist were elated to be able to do observations and create scientific drawings with the aid of these new microscopes.
In all grades at Bridges, we will continue to incorporate opportunities for students not only to explore cell structures, but also to look at cell division in the reproduction unit. Students can also observe rocks, and other organisms collected in their field work. These tools provide our students with the opportunity to 'Explore The Unseen,' the microscopic world that often goes unnoticed just using our naked eyes.
Your contribution helped to create life long valuable experiences for my students and I am forever grateful.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Marcellin
This classroom project was brought to life by Young Sheldon on CBS and 11 other donors.Help Middle School Students Grow Their Own Food
Funded Dec 3, 2021At Bridges, my students engaged in a two-week long exploration where they addressed real world issues in their community. In February they learned about the impact of climate change and explored ways in which we can be more sustainable and reduce our carbon footprint, to save our planet. Students learned about sustainable ways in which we can grow our own food, such as hydroponics.
Our 8th graders were fascinated to learn that we could grow plants in rock wool, made of thinly spun threads of rock. They were also surprised that we could reuse all of the materials we acquired and that hydroponics required limited amounts of water. We decided to plant closer to the spring so we can have the opportunity to transplant our crops in our newly build plant beds in our school garden.
We started growing lettuce and basil in our mini hydroponics system, under the grow lamps. The seedlings grew relatively fast and soon we will be transplanting them into beds in our school garden. We have since formed a green team at school and obtained another aquatics grow system. My students would like to explore which systems offer faster and better yields of crops. They plan to grow thyme and a few other herbs in both systems and compare the developmental process, rate of growth and identify which one has better outcomes.
We at Bridges are forever grateful to provide our students with the opportunity to grow their own herbs and vegetables. We hope that students will be inspired to create similar mini systems for their homes. Thank you for your support with this project and we hope you will consider supporting other projects in our science labs.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Marcellin