Past projects 5
Hands-On Ecology!
Funded Sep 18, 2017We had an amazing time! The students were so excited to be out in nature learning, expressing a desire to have class like this every day. As we hiked around, most of them running from one observation to another, they could not contain themselves. The guides, and teachers, were constantly bombarded with questions and stories of personal connections to our learning.
At the end of the trip we played a game that taught about biodiversity, called Predator and Prey. This not only gave the students a chance to learn about how small changes can impact large populations, but gave them a chance to be a part of the food chain. Since we've been back, teachers have related new learning to what they did at Cal-Wood, reviving the excitement all over again. Likewise, the community building that happened has helped to create a more respectful/cohesive environment.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Brown
This classroom project was brought to life by Tom's of Maine and 7 other donors.Hands-On Ecology!
Funded Nov 27, 2016We had the most amazing time at Cal-Wood! The students learned so much through hands on experience and playing games to learn. To get out of the classroom, and into nature opened up their minds and relaxed the expectations of what learning can be.
We hiked through the mountains and saw what different land forms looked like, which had the most impact for students who have never been out into our mountains. They were also able to use natural materials to build models of what they learned.
Several games, including the groups favorite - Predator and Pray - helped the students not only learn, but participate in mock practice of the real thing.
Thank you so much for helping us make this unique experience possible.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Brown
STEM to STEAM - Building Robots in Art
Funded Mar 10, 2016Thanks again for your support!
This project engaged every student for weeks. The excitement of building robots had them persevere through some pretty big challenges, and showed them the importance of literacy.
As we put the robots together, students were able to get an inside view of how gears work. They were able to see that many working parts had to come together in order for the whole to function. A few students were able to make connections to car engines and other machinery around the house. An added bonus to this project was that students were able to see the importance of informational literacy - they had to read and follow directions to be successful. This generated some pretty interesting conversations and natural team work.
The students were screaming with laughter and excitement as the robots came together and started to move. As soon as the solar panels were hooked up and they could see motors moving, the excitement doubled - this was especially important for those were struggling. These students were the ones who had the most renewed determination to complete their project. Likewise, other students were able to take on a leadership roles because robot construction turned out to be there genius.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Brown
This classroom project was brought to life by #BestSchoolDay and 6 other donors.Technology In The Classroom
Funded Feb 27, 2013Thank you so much for the projector. I firmly believe that students need to be exposed to, and learn how to use, technology. Through you generous donation I am able to accomplish this. I can project web pages, giving them access to resources outside of the classroom. The students can also interact with technology by creating and using Power Point presentations, and various other multimedia projects.
This projector also enables our class to have access to visuals, which aid in instruction and make work more comprehensible for second language learners.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Brown
Books for the Classroom: Teaching the Classics
Funded Sep 16, 2011We appreciate your donations so very much! It is a fantastic thing to be able to connect students interests with classic literature. These students do have a genuine love of learning, and this love is increased exponentially when there is a connection between school work and their interests.
Likewise, the visuals in the book will help them to understand a grammar that is challenging. The vocabulary is also strange to them, but I'm sure the excitement of the graphics will help maintain their motivation. Again, this is all because of your generous donation, and the experience that these students have will be infinitely better because of it. Thank you.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Brown