Past projects 4
Wobble, Wiggle, and Learn: The Flexible Seating Adventure!
Funded Nov 13, 2024When the flexible seating stools and new rug arrived, the excitement in the classroom was electric. As we unveiled the new seating options, students' eyes widened with wonder and anticipation. "We get to choose where we sit?" one student exclaimed, while another marveled, "These stools look so cool!" Their enthusiasm was contagious, setting a positive tone for our entire learning experience.
The impact of your donation was immediately evident in our daily routines. The routine for learning in my classroom is through exploration stations where the students work in teams completing different tasks and challenges. The flexible seating arrangement has proved invaluable. Students effortlessly move their stools to form small group clusters, fostering collaboration and idea-sharing. The ability to easily reconfigure our space allowed for seamless transitions between individual work, group discussions, and whole-class demonstrations.
Your contribution has truly transformed our STREAM classroom into a dynamic, student-centered environment. You've not only provided comfortable seating but also fostered an atmosphere of choice, collaboration, and creativity. The flexible seating options have become an integral part of our learning process, supporting our students' diverse needs and learning styles.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Mezzano
This classroom project was brought to life by Young Sheldon and 2 other donors.H2-Whoa Gardening Club
Funded Nov 13, 2024I am thrilled to share with you the incredible impact your support has had on our 3rd-grade classroom through our hydroponics project. Your generosity has truly transformed our learning environment and ignited a passion for science in our young minds.
When the hydroponics machine and materials first arrived, the excitement in the classroom was palpable. Our students' eyes lit up with wonder as we unpacked the equipment. Many exclaimed, "We're going to grow plants without soil? That's so cool!" Their enthusiasm was contagious, and it set the tone for our entire unit on plant life cycles and into our current unit on adaptations!
We immediately put our new resources to work. Our class divided into small groups, each responsible for different aspects of setting up and maintaining our hydroponic garden. Our next steps are measuring nutrients, monitoring pH levels, and recording daily observations in our science journals.
Your contribution has extended far beyond just learning about plants. We've had rich discussions about sustainable farming, water conservation, and even space exploration (did you know NASA uses hydroponics?). Students are making connections between our classroom project and real-world issues, fostering critical thinking and environmental awareness.
The impact of your donation reaches far beyond our classroom walls. Students are sharing their newfound knowledge with families, which I hope will inspire home gardening projects and conversations about sustainable living. You've not only enriched our curriculum but also planted seeds of environmental stewardship that will continue to grow.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in our project and investing in these young scientists. You've helped cultivate not just plants, but curiosity, responsibility, and a love for learning that will last a lifetime.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Mezzano
This classroom project was brought to life by Young Sheldon and 5 other donors.Nature's Narratives: Cultivating Curiosity Through Adaptation Books
Funded Jan 22, 2025Thanks to your support, my scientists will have a rich library for exploring plant and animal adaptations! You have made an enormous difference with your generosity. I am especially looking forward to adding the bilingual science texts to our library! You have helped bridge the learning gap to all of my students!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Mezzano
Building a STREAM Dream: Let's Enrich Our Classroom Library!
Funded Oct 3, 2024Many of our generous donors are avid readers themselves, but may not fully appreciate the profound impact that diverse, high-quality children's literature can have in the classroom, particularly when it comes to subjects like science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). These new STREAM-focused books have been transformative in helping our students develop a deep fascination and aptitude for these critical disciplines.
Through interactive read-alouds and small group explorations, we've been able to introduce key scientific concepts, engineering design principles, and mathematical reasoning in engaging, age-appropriate ways. The vibrant illustrations and relatable characters have made complex topics accessible and exciting for our students. We've seen them making insightful connections, asking probing questions, and eagerly hypothesizing about how the world works.
Reading time in our classrooms has taken on a new energy and sense of wonder. Students gather around, eyes wide, as we uncover the secrets of the solar system or learn how engineers design bridges to withstand earthquakes. They volunteer to act out the steps of the engineering design process and enthusiastically share their own ideas for new inventions. The books in multiple languages have also been invaluable in supporting our English Language Learners and fostering a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives.
In particular, we've witnessed a remarkable boost in confidence and curiosity from some of our students who had previously shown little interest in STEM subjects. Fatima, for example, used to shy away from anything involving numbers or science experiments. But since we've introduced these captivating new titles, she hangs on every word and can't wait to try the hands-on activities. Her newfound passion has had a wonderful ripple effect, inspiring her classmates and leading to enriching discussions and collaborative projects.
The impact of these books goes far beyond just academic skills. They are igniting a lifelong love of learning, empowering our students to see themselves as capable scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers. We are truly grateful to our donors for making this transformative addition to our classroom library possible.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Mezzano
This classroom project was brought to life by SONIC Foundation and 3 other donors.