Past projects 2
Students See and Hear Primary Sources; US and Alaskan History
Funded Sep 27, 2024I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support of my project, which has had an incredible impact on my students' learning experience. Thanks to your generosity, my students now have access to primary source videos and audio materials that bring Alaskan history and U.S. social studies to life in a way that textbooks simply cannot. These resources, often made available through museums, universities, and the State of Alaska, provide authentic insight into historical events and social issues that help deepen students' understanding of the past. The ability to view these materials in class, as a group, has opened up a wealth of learning opportunities for all of my students, especially those who might struggle to access these resources outside of school.
The benefits of this project have been especially significant for my bilingual and special needs students. The primary source videos and audio materials offer an accessible and engaging way for these students to connect with the curriculum. Bilingual students, in particular, are able to hear the historical content in a format that is often easier to process than traditional reading materials. The visual elements of the videos, combined with the spoken word, help reinforce their comprehension and retention of important concepts. Special needs students also benefit from this multimodal approach, as they can process information through a combination of auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learning styles. These materials help to level the playing field, allowing students with diverse learning needs to engage with the content in a way that best suits their individual strengths.
One example of the project's success was our study of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), which was celebrated in the "ANCSA: Celebrating 50 Years" video. This primary source resource not only allowed students to view firsthand accounts and reflections from people directly impacted by ANCSA, but it also sparked dynamic discussions in the classroom. Students—especially those with limited English proficiency—were able to connect with the material through visuals, subtitles, and the opportunity to discuss the content in small groups. This collaborative learning environment helped all students, regardless of language or ability, to better understand the historical significance of ANCSA and its lasting impact on Alaska Native communities.
Overall, this project has truly transformed the way my students engage with history. They are now able to access materials that offer diverse perspectives and deepen their understanding in ways that are more inclusive and supportive of their varied learning needs. Your contribution has made a lasting impact on their education, and for that, I am deeply grateful. Thank you for helping to create a more accessible and enriching learning experience for all my students.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Smith
Alaska Mitosis and Molecule Manipulation
Funded Aug 2, 2023COVID-19 has brought its share of obstacles, affecting both our academic, social, and emotional learning at Rogers Park Elementary and my classroom. But we're not giving up! With the introduction of collaborative scientific manipulatives, we can breathe new life into our learning experience and promote social interactions and group collaboration. Together, with the right tools, we'll overcome the impact of the pandemic and embark on an exciting and successful educational journey.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Smith
This classroom project was brought to life by Alaska Department of Education & Early Development.