Past projects 4
Pushing Buttons: Igniting Curiosity & Crafting Science Success!
Funded Jul 8, 2024I would like to thank you for this incredible gift to my classroom. My students are excited to be able to use it as a positive behavior and school spirit opportunity. I even created a button-making station in our classroom complete with labeled drawers for organization.
Today we have one of our Volleyball games, and any students done with their work will be attempting to make buttons. They can also make a button of their choice for the organelles of the cell. One student tried to create a button from one of her animal cell drawings but it did not work. I have not had many students use the awesome button maker just yet as we keep having to troubleshoot it. Many of the buttons that have been made have not sealed, or have not "caught" in the upper portion after pressing on the lower cast.
I have been in talks with the makers of the button making machine for help. You can see from the images that the success rate is about 2 out of 7 buttons seal and work correctly. The kids are eager to make buttons, but I have wanted to get the kinks out before students get disappointed in their hard work (drawings and colorings) get smashed and not buttoned.
Our school has also been on hurricane leave twice this first quarter and timing for our units has been super limited. So we have not had much free chance to create buttons or mirrors.
I also wanted to note that I appreciate that you ordered for us the small button kit, unfortunately the button die cast for that size is out of stock and they aren't sure when they will get it back in stock. So I cannot make or trouble shoot with the smaller buttons.
I hope that I can add updates later on the button making process as we clear through these issues!!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Gens
Quarter Four Lab Supplies for Life Science Students.
Funded Mar 7, 2024I would like to thank you for your contribution to my classroom!
I want to be honest with you, as the 4th quarter became crazy with state mandated testing, end of year field trips and activities we ran out of time to work with the amazing supplies you funded last quarter.
SO I had my new batch of students for this year get a "taste" of the fun science things we do in my class using those supplies! My new students LOVED the jellybean lab! I used a lab lesson teaching them about dichotomous keys and how to use them properly to identify jelly beans. Students learned very quickly that if they do not follow the correct method of using a dichotomous key they would be in for a big surprise! Many students had trouble with identifying specific characteristics and when they would test their predictions were in for a shock! For example, one set of jelly beans really put students through the test where they thought they identified a banana jelly bean, but it turned out to be buttered popcorn! Watching them slightly panic at the realization that the jelly bean they expected to taste sweet and familiar in fact was a bit sour.
This was a learning experience the kids really enjoyed. The lab only called for 10 jelly beans per student group and so when they asked if they could identify more, I couldn't say no! When middle schoolers like their lab and enjoy what they are doing, learning is fun. SO I thank you for helping my class have some fun during the first couple weeks of school!
One of the supply items you funded I was not able to use at the end of the school year as our entire unit on infectious agents was missed due to the increased testing we had last school year. But please know that my first big unit is cells, and since we will be covering bacterial cells in this unit, I will be using the pre-plated agar petri dishes in class in the next couple weeks. I am excited to teach students the proper way to plate bacterial selections that they will collect around the school. If there is any way I can send you photos of those experiences and share with you the madness of what grows on a school campus, I promise I will.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Gens
Unlock the Mystery: Fund Our Forensic Science Lab Supplies!
Funded Aug 18, 2024I am beyond grateful for your contribution to our class! Forensic science labs will be meaningful because you have sponsored our class!
I think I am most looking forward to the students working through mock crime scenes and analysis of fingerprints and hair. I cannot wait to share the photos and your impact with you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Gens
This classroom project was brought to life by * Education Foundation of Sarasota County and one other donor."Investigating Ecosystems: Hands-On Exploration through Owl Pellet Dissection"
Funded Jan 8, 2024Upon entering the classroom after spring break, students were immediately plunged back into investigations with the owl pellets you so kindly donated to. I used the owl pellet lab as a way to engage students during the introduction to our new unit: ecosystems. Students were paired up and given the task of dissecting each pellet after a discussion on what a pellet is and isn't, and why they are necessary for owls (and some other birds of prey).
During the dissection students collected, organized and identified the bones of the prey orgaznisms within the owl pellets. Students were in awe of the amount of and different kinds of skeletons they found. One of the absolute coolest moments in the class is when students began identifying seeds and insects, which would have been an energy source for the rodents the owls consumed. Students had a front-row seat to investigate predator/prey relations but also had chances to create food chains based on the evidence within their pellets.
My most favorite moment as their teacher: witnessing my students who often have reading, math, and comprehension challenges become super involved and enjoy using their hands during our dissection. Students who often put in little effort were even found to be completely engaged and enjoying this science lab.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Gens
This classroom project was brought to life by Education Foundation of Sarasota County and 7 other donors.