Past projects 29
Homo Neanderthalensis, the Early Hominid
Funded Feb 20, 2024Thank you so much for your contribution to this exciting project. The students buzzed with excitement at the presence of skulls in the classroom. I combined this Neanderthal skull with other skulls and gave them a checklist of questions to make observations and comparisons. They are looking at similarities and differences in the face, the teeth and the overall shape of the skull.
It's really amazing how something hands-on like this inspires questions. They want to touch it. They want to pick it up. They want to ask what it is, and how it relates to them. These are all the questions that lay the groundwork for retaining knowledge.
We have studied early hominids and now they have a chance to hold some tangible evidence. Furthermore, they are developing skills in taking measurements and recording data. They use the calipers to examine the details of the skulls. This gives them a moment to pause and look at things they might otherwise overlook. These are skills they will use in observations and descriptions for other parts of their life.
This is a lab we will do year after year, leaving a lasting impression on sixth-graders thirsty for knowledge.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Fields
This classroom project was brought to life by A Northern California Family and 6 other donors.Including and Enabling Students With Disabilities
Funded Feb 22, 2024Students have really taken to these classroom additions. I have displayed the books and many students have explored them and opened conversations about what different disabilities are. They have questions and really are growing in their compassion. They have shared personal experiences with disability for themselves or friends or siblings. I've also seen at least one student grow in confidence because these books made him feel that there wasn't anything wrong with him. I love that your contributions helped his self esteem. Middle school can be a tough time and it's important that students know that they are valued and capable, even when they are different.
The ear muffs are something students like because they are colorful, but also helps them focus in a classroom that is sometimes distracting.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Fields
This classroom project was brought to life by A Northern California Family and one other donor.Building on History
Funded Feb 7, 2024Thank you for inspiring our imagination with this set of Building toys for bringing our studies of the past to life. Students really enjoy playing with blocks, and these are quick and simple ways to interact with what we are learning. It's fun to hear them discussing how to engineer with the blocks to build the Roman arches and Egyptian pyramid. I can't wait to see what else they come up with as their imagination comes alive.
The Knights and Castle are a little more complicated, which can be a good thing. We will work on assembling it together over a few days, and then setting up a battle to reenact medieval warfare. My students are not too old for toys. I'm glad they still enjoy the little things.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Fields
This classroom project was brought to life by A Northern California Family and one other donor.Bronze Age Technology
Funded Feb 8, 2024You wouldn't believe how interesting my students have found these supplies! We teach them about early civilizations. We teach them about mineral resources. We rarely have an opportunity to bring the two together and connect in this hands-on set! When I bring out the box of minerals, students explore them with wide eyes, wanting to touch and turn over and inspect them carefully.
The metal discs are a great talking point. The students compare them to the mineral ores and gain insight into how our material resources come from nature. It's fun to compare the metal discs. Some are labeled and some are not. Can you tell copper from brass from bronze based on the color?
It has been fun to show the students how the technology of metal-making from mineral ores tied into the growth of civilzation. Thank you for making this possible.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Fields
This classroom project was brought to life by A Northern California Family and one other donor.Clean Classrooms Promote Pride
Funded Feb 9, 2024This project has been surprisingly popular. I have had students coming at lunch time, before and after school asking to sweep or dust. I've offered this as an alternative to detention for students who have made a mess in the room. Students looking for a break have asked me if they can go outside to sweep for a minute.
It's very gratifying to see students will making use of these resources. You have given them the opportunity to practice responsibility and pride in appearances. Not every student will want this opportunity, and that's okay. Having it available means something. Allowing students to be visibly engaged in hygiene is an important form of modeling that will hopefully bridge to lifelong skills.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Fields
This classroom project was brought to life by A Northern California Family and 3 other donors.Lunar New Year and Chinese Silk
Funded Jan 11, 2024This project provided us with a rich assortment of resources to deepen our understanding of science, history and Asian culture. We have been studying Chinese history, and the impact of silk from China on the rest of the world. Having these microscope slides made it possible to explore the different textiles and compare them to silk fibers. The students were fascinated by the samples of the stages of silkworm life cycle. "What are THESE?!" and "That's what they look like?" were combined with the wonder of recognizing that the silk fabric comes from a living insect.
When it came to lunar new year, I read the book to the class and discussed phases of the moon. It inspired great questions about how and when we can see the moon and why sometimes we only see part of it.
Students really enjoyed this enrichment opportunity.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Fields
This classroom project was brought to life by Panda Cares.Keep Students Healthy and Hygienic
Funded Jan 10, 2024My students are amazing. They are growing up so fast, becoming independent individuals in charge of their own bodies. It can be a challenge knowing what to do, what resources to use, and what those resources look like. This project has provided my students with everything from combs and brushes to period products and deodorant.
The students have been very excited about having this resource. The first week saw a lot of kids run for the hair products, but it was a great introduction to what was available. The girls thanked me for having period products available. "This is a GREAT idea, Mr. Fields." They loved having these things available, and they will remember where they can go when they need a little extra in terms of supplies.
The eyeglass lense wipes have also been popular for my students who wear glasses. Wearing glasses with smudges can really distract from what they are trying to learn.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Fields
This classroom project was brought to life by A New York City Parent and 4 other donors.Confident and Clean
Funded Dec 22, 2023Our students have been so excited and encouraged by these resources in the classroom. Who would have guessed that having a supply of toothbrushes and deodorants would give them such a positive feeling. I have a set of drawers set up in my room near the hall pass. Students help themselves with no questions asked. I am glad that they are making use of this as they learn to care for themselves and take care of their bodies.
Middle school is the time that changing bodies invites the exploration of how to take care of yourself, identifying your needs and sometimes using hygiene products that are new to them.
Thank you for giving them the resources to be responsible and independent!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Fields
The Black Plague and Climate
Funded Nov 8, 2023My students have really enjoyed having these items to spice up the unit about the black plague. The topic is a bit depressing, but having these items makes a fun way to interact with the topic.
Students take breaks from their work to examine the microscope slides and learn more about the biology behind the pandemic. They also like to "adopt" the rats to accompany them on their desks during the class period. The rats are very popular.
The stuffed microbes foster conversations about other diseases and epidemics of history. "What's the red one?" "Why does this one have a Spanish hat?" "Why is it shaped like that?"
Thank you for helping make this unit so much fun.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Fields
This classroom project was brought to life by General Motors & Young Sheldon on CBS and 4 other donors.Economic Concepts from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages
Funded Oct 11, 2023My students will not have a class specifically dedicated to economics until they are in high school. However, as we talk about the development of civilization and trade and empires, the concepts of economics come up again and again. Sometimes it's easier to step back from the storytelling of the specific civilization to conduct an activity that emphasizes the principles of economic exchange.
I teach both sixth and seventh grade, so my lessons vary slightly, depending on the concepts they are ready for. They start out with livestock that they barter to get the things they want. I set up a price sheet for their exchange rates. They start out following it, but naturally drift toward the flexible pricing as a result of supply and demand. When they have to spend 12 roosters to buy a cow, they can see the benefits of having money in place of barter. As money scales up and they have a pile of coins that is unmanageable, they start recognizing the benefits of paper money.
This lesson is taking longer than I imagined, because the students are enjoying the exchange so much. Given the power to buy things, negotiate prices and accumulate property is something they are really embracing — That makes the learning so much more meaningful.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Fields
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community & an Anonymous Partner and one other donor.