Past projects 6
Marine Biology Supplies
Funded Dec 7, 2015Thank you again for the generous donation of a Dissolved Oxygen meter for my Aquatic Science (Marine Biology) and AP Environmental Science classes. My students were extremely enthusiastic about using the meter as opposed to the old test tubes and chemicals because of the ease of use and lack of calculations in order to determine the dissolved gases in various bodies of water.
I'll admit that using technology in the classroom has had mixed results in the past because it can prove to be a distraction for many students. Out in the field, however, technology has proven invaluable for labs. Having student carry various glass vessels, chemicals, reagents, etc. can be cumbersome and then having them use the equipment accurately without spilling potential pollutants into the very environment provides an additional challenge.
As our school district cuts back on their budget, the science department often finds that labs with materials that need to be replenished each year have to be replaced with online simulations. One of the new classes for the 2016-17 school year was canceled by the district due to the anticipated lab costs. By using equipment such as the Dissolved Oxygen meter allows us to continue using this lab year after year without purchasing new chemicals each year.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Anthony
This classroom project was brought to life by Alcoa Foundation and 2 other donors.Feed and Care of Classroom Pets
Funded Oct 30, 2013I would like to thank each of you again for your generation donations for my classroom. Teaching Environmental Science to all students is important, but with urban high school students, they are often "jaded" by experience and need to see the beauty of the world around them. This becomes magnified when they have little exposure to nature. Through my "courtyard" and "class pets" I have had a great deal of success getting through to these kids.
One example is my students who have been diagnosed with ADHD. Historically they have problems sitting through a 90 minute class. Despite their ages, allowing them to hold a guinea pig during the lecture actually allows them to sit still during class and take notes rather than fidget. At other times, they are rewarded with "animal time" when they finish a class assignment according to the directions rather than ignoring it until the bell.
Thanks to your generosity, science class is a fun learning experience that students look forward to attending.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Anthony
Preparing Students to Better Understand the Environment
Funded Dec 13, 2012.
I would like to thank each of you for your generous support.
As spring approaches the excitement among my students for working outside with nature has increased. Many of the things we learn in the classroom have a whole new meaning when you actually go OUTSIDE and live what you've learned about. These labs help tremendously in that respect. The biofuel lab in particular is exciting because after a political season that talked about alternative energy sources, my students will get to actually explore those concepts firsthand.
I believe that in order for students to understand the need to protect our environment they need the chance to experience nature first hand. My students are excited about volunteering to help their school and hopefully their enthusiasm will continue outside of the classroom and into their community when this project is completed.
Many students see science class as something that they have to take and don't see themselves using that knowledge after they finish school. By giving my students a hands-on experience with nature, I hope to inspire them to understand that science has many applications and that Environmental Science doesn't have to be all "gloom and doom", it can have practical implications for their adult lives.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Anthony
Bringing Urban Students Closer To Nature
Funded Mar 28, 2013I would like to thank each of you for your generous support.
As spring approaches the excitement among my students for working outside with nature has increased. Many of the things we learn in the classroom have a whole new meaning when you actually go OUTSIDE and live what you've learned about. I believe that in order for students to understand the need to protect our environment they need the chance to experience nature first hand.
One of the best ways for students to experience nature is to have them take care of animals. Our classroom and courtyard offer our students the ability to volunteer to care for an assortment of animals including lizards, rabbits, ducks, fish, turtles and frogs. Your donation will help supply the food and other equipment to care for these animals
My students are excited about volunteering to help their school and hopefully their enthusiasm will continue outside of the classroom and into their community when this project is completed.
Many students see science class as something that they have to take and don't see themselves using that knowledge after they finish school. By giving my students a hands-on experience with nature, I hope to inspire them to understand that science has many applications and that Environmental Science doesn't have to be all "gloom and doom", it can have practical implications for their adult lives.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Anthony
Environmental Science - Learning to Respect Nature
Funded Jan 16, 2012I would like to thank each of you for your generous support.
As spring approaches the excitement among my students for working outside with nature has increased. Last summer's heatwave and drought has given my students the opportunity to explore how design a yard that doesn't need to be watered as frequently as the typical yard in our area.
I believe that in order for students to understand the need to protect our environment they need the chance to experience nature first hand. My students are excited about volunteering to help their school and hopefully their enthusiasm will continue outside of the classroom and into their community when this project is completed.
Many students see science class as something that they have to take and don't see themselves using that knowledge after they finish school. By giving my students a hands-on experience with nature, I hope to inspire them to understand that science has many applications and that Environmental Science doesn't have to be all "gloom and doom", it can have practical implications for their adult lives”
With gratitude,
Mr. Anthony
Students Need Garden Tools For Service Project
Funded Feb 24, 2012I would like to thank each of you for your generous support.
The enthusiasm for restoring the courtyards at our high school has increased with the arrival of spring and the generous donations from Donors Choose. With the large volume of students volunteering to help with the project, we have begun breaking ground with the new gardening tools.
My students come from an economically disadvantaged urban school. Many of them live in apartments and rarely experience the joy of working outdoors. Watching them turning a compost pile, rebuilding a duck pond and planting spring flowers and vegetables for the first time and enjoying getting their hands dirty just can't be described.
My goal for our Environmental Science class is to increase their appreciation of nature through a direct hands-on experience with nature. Using the tools given to us allows more students to participate at a time when the interest is high, and the enthusiasm is contagious.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Anthony