Past projects 2
Shakin' Up Our Lessons About Tectonic Plates
Funded Dec 14, 2012Thank you for your donation of the seismograph. My students are very excited about science, especially when the learning is hands-on. This year we have gotten an extra learning bonus by having a real seismograph in the school when learning about the movement of the earth and local seismographic activity. Your donation is not only impacting my students, but the other students in our grade. Word is out throughout the school about the seismograph, so we are now looking for a more central location within the building for the device. One of the locations is in a former office that was encased in glass. It happens to be on the ground floor, which is perfect for accurate measurement of data. We happen to be in an area that does feel seismic activity every now and again. This is REAL science.
When I wrote the grant request, I knew that the seismograph would impact their science learning, their problem solving skills (where is the epicenter?) and their ability to work as a team. After the seismograph arrived and the software was installed, I soon realized that this software produces results and graphs that teach and reinforce data and graph analysis. I have to say the software has been an added bonus in itself. While this method of hands-on learning has been beneficial to my students with regular learning needs, it has been an excellent method of learning for my students with special learning needs.
I extend my sincerest thanks for enhancing the science (and math) learning of so many students. For a few, it has made them rethink about possible career choices and the need for taking their studies seriously. For many of the students, it has helped them understand the importance of science, the reinforcement of critical thinking skills and the abolute necessity for having problem solvers in the world.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Moore
My Students LOVE to READ Aloud
Funded Nov 14, 2011Words cannot express my gratitude for your very generous donation. The Whisper Phones have been used regularly since the box arrived. They not only are used for Reading and Language Arts, but are being used regularly in Social Studies and Science.
Students that struggle with oral fluency can practice reading aloud without disturbing other students. Students that simply do better with reading comprehension when they read aloud are afforded this opportunity regularly due to your very kind donation.
There are a few happy stories that I would like to share: One of my students is a very timid reader, being afraid to read aloud because they were afraid of being laughed at for their difficulties with reading. In recent weeks, I have noticed this student doing more reading in the reading area with Whisper Phone in hand. This student has shown improvement in all areas of oral fluency. (thank you)
A few of my students wanted the opportunity to read to younger students, but lacked the confidence in their reading skills to read aloud. The Whisper Phones have given them the opportunity to practice reading aloud without disrupting the classroom. (thank you)
One of my students is/was a very reluctant reader, not because they didn't understand the material, but simply because they did not share the love of reading with my other students. Since having this new opportunity to read aloud, I have noticed they are a frequent visitor to our classroom reading area.
In the last week we have been reading poetry and learning how to write poetry. The students have really enjoyed practicing the reading of poetry with the Whisper Phones.
What seems like a small and simple joy is quite huge for many of my students.
Thank you for making this joy and success possible.
”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Moore