Past projects 49
Spreading Cheer With Ozobots
Funded Dec 13, 2017Thank you so much for your generous donation to our project, "Spreading Cheer With Ozobots." One area that I wanted to focus on during the second half of the school year was providing my students with opportunities to engage with technology. The only drawback was, I didn't have the resources to teach them about the variety of technologies that are out there. However, you made this a reality for us.
Students were immediately fascinated by how small the Ozobot was. They didn't understand how something with so much technology inside of it could be so tiny. This led to wonderful discussions about how technology has changed over time. We looked at pictures of some of the first computers that were as large as a classroom, and they couldn't believe how far we've come in the field of technology.
When students got their hands on the Ozobot they were hooked! This funded project allowed us to have more Ozobots in the classroom, so students could work in smaller groups, thus have more time physically interacting with the robot. Through this interaction they've learned about the basics of coding through colors and how robots can respond to code. They have explored connecting the Ozobots with the iPad as well as drawing the code on paper. Soon we will be looking at coding the Ozobot to get through mazes, coding with the chromebooks, and more.
I am so thankful for your generosity because my students would not have this experience if it wasn't for you. They are learning more about technology and the variety of careers in technology fields. I cannot thank you enough for seeing the importance of these resources in my classroom!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ballou
This classroom project was brought to life by Overdeck Family Foundation and Simons Foundation and one other donor.Building Our Imaginations With Keva
Funded Dec 13, 2017Thank you so much for your generous donation to our project, "Building Our Imaginations With Keva." One of the basic parts of my STEAM class is understanding design and building. When students leave my classroom they should understand that at the start of every project you must draw a plan and throughout the engineering design cycle you will be building, improving, and testing. Having resources that allow students to quickly build and re-design is vital to this process.
Keva planks are wooden rectangles that are weighted in such a way that it makes it easier for students to build with them. They are the perfect tool for both challenges that I give students as well as imaginative play. Kindergarteners and first graders used the Keva planks as part of our Winter Olympics unit. We were studying different sports and the science behind them. For one challenge, students learned about ice hockey and how force allows us to push the hockey puck down the ice rink. For our challenge students worked together as a team to build a hockey rink out of Keva planks and connectors that was at least 16 inches long. Not only were they learning how to work collaboratively, but they were using their math and science skills too! Students also learned that if they didn't use the connectors that the Keva planks were not stable when they played hockey with their sticks (popsicle sticks) and pucks (beans). It was so much fun to hear their squeals of enjoyment and ah-ha moments when the science and math clicked for them!
We have also used the Keva planks to build towers, practice writing our letters, building houses, and so much more. It is even more rewarding to see students use the Keva planks during free time because they are using the concepts that we've learned in class and are applying them to their free build. I've seen towers as tall as students, Jenga games where students discuss stability and why they shouldn't pick a specific piece, as well as a social skills in practice.
One of my favorite parts of STEAM is it allows students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems. They get to put themselves in the shoes of structural engineers and they don't even realize it at the time. I am so thankful for your support because I would not be able to provide these opportunities without you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ballou
This classroom project was brought to life by Overdeck Family Foundation and Simons Foundation and one other donor.iCan Code With iPads
Funded Dec 13, 2017Words cannot express my gratitude for your support to our project, "iCan Code With iPads". The iPads have truly transformed what we're able to do with our STEAM program. One of my favorite questions from a student was, "Are those really ours to use in class?" Students were shocked that there would be such generous people who are invested in them, their education, and the opportunities that the iPads could afford them in their learning.
We were able to connect the iPads to our network, so they have become even more versatile than I previously imagined. We are now able to use apps that must connect to the internet in order to operate as well as conduct research on Google. Fourth graders are starting a science unit on food chains, so they are conducting research to name a specific food chain. I can hear groups listening to videos from Tim and Moby on the BrainPop app, while others are drawing pictures of their organism in their food chain using Google images.
Second graders are learning about plants and their importance to the environment, humans, and other animals. We discussed how it would be even easier if plants could tell us themselves why they are so important. The iPads are allowing us to do just that with an app called ChatterPix. Students drew a scene with a plant and took a picture with ChatterPix. The app allowed them to draw a mouth on the plant so it talked when the student was narrating the scene. Since we now have 10 iPads, thanks to your donation, students were able to pair off and help each other navigate the app and narrate their scene.
I even have my youngest students in kindergarten and first grade learning how to code with the iPads. We are using applications like, Coji, Hopscotch, Daisy the Dinosaur, and more. Students are learning the basics of coding through these apps, so they can move objects through a maze without getting them stuck along the way. They also learned about "If...then..." statements, much like cause/effect relationships in reading. Thus if they code their object on the app to do a particular movement, the object will know how to respond based on the code given. These basic coding skills taught early on will allow us to learn even more as the students get older.
Again, I cannot thank you enough for your generous donations. As you can see, these iPads are truly transforming our STEAM learning. I am constantly in awe and grateful of individuals who come together to help students. I would not have been able to do this without you.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ballou
This classroom project was brought to life by Overdeck Family Foundation and Simons Foundation and 6 other donors.Keeping the Spark Alive With 3Doodler Pens
Funded Dec 6, 2017I cannot thank you enough for your generosity to our project, "Keeping the Spark Alive With 3Doodler Pens." With your support of this project, I now have a full class set of 3Doodler pens. It was important to me to be able to have a full class set of 3Doodler pens because it allows a lot more freedom in my classroom, especially time freedom. Since I teach all of the students in my school for 45 minutes once a week, I didn't want students to waste time waiting for a pen to complete their project. With your donations, it has allowed me both freedom of time and creativity for my students.
My third graders just finished their 3Doodler project where they learned the science behind bubbles, while also creating their own bubble wands. Students worked in a group to develop one design. At the end of the project, we tested our bubble wands to see if they would actually blow bubbles, and they did! Students were thrilled. It was wonderful to see the excitement on their faces as they were testing their wands. After testing our wands we discussed why all of their designs were slightly different even though they all started with the same plan. It was a great conversation about man-made versus machine-made products.
Fourth grade is about to wrap up their 3Doodler project on food chains. Students have been working in groups to research about food chains and how they work. After completing their research they picked a food chain of their own. Each student is responsible for drawing an organism in their food chain and making it 3D by using the 3Doodler pens. Along the way students have learned about trial and error and how designs are not going to be perfect the first time. This is a life skill that I'm constantly trying to demonstrate in my classroom. I want students to know that failure isn't a bad thing and they can learn how to re-design and make it even better. This has resulted in some fabulous 3Doodler organisms! I cannot wait until they finish their project by using Flipgrid, a video recording tool, to describe their specific food chain.
I cannot thank each of you enough for believing in me as a teacher to provide quality lessons and resources to my students. It take a village to make wonderful learning experiences for our students, and I could not do it without you. I appreciate your continuous support!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ballou
This classroom project was brought to life by 3Doodler and 9 other donors.WowWee Help Us with Our Coding
Funded Dec 12, 2017I want to express my sincerest thank you for your support to our project, "WowWee Help Us with Our Coding". Teachers hear all of the time that our students will have jobs in the field of technology that don't even exist yet. In order to prepare them for this, I wanted to expose them to more experience with coding. I specifically wanted to look for materials that would help support my youngest learners with learning how to code. That's when I came across WowWee Coji, cube stackers, and Let's Go Code activity set.
During the first week of school, almost every student asked me "Are we going to play with robots this year?!" Students of all ages are fascinated by robots, but I think my 5 – 7 year olds are even more so because there aren't as many coding tools made for children their age. That is why Coji is the perfect tool to teach my youngest students about coding! Coji works with emojis, which students automatically recognized. They are able to take emotions that are familiar to them and code the robot to react with the emojis. Students are learning about "If...then..." statements, which we relate back to cause/effect relationships that they learn in reading. We are able to pair Coji with our iPads using the Coji app, so students are able to explore the robot with even more tools. One of the most popular modes on the app is Maze, which is where students use directional codes to move the Coji throughout the maze. This is the perfect extension from our first exposure to unplugged coding in December during Hour of Code.
My students are so excited to have these robots and coding materials in our classroom. They are the perfect foundation for my youngest students, so they will have a stronger sense of coding before they begin using tools on the computers when they get older. Thank you so much for continuously supporting my classroom and students. I am truly thankful for your endless support in growing our new STEAM classroom. I could not do it without you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ballou
This classroom project was brought to life by Overdeck Family Foundation and Simons Foundation and one other donor.Sparking Imagination With 3D Doodler Pens
Funded Nov 28, 2017We are so thankful for your support to our project, "Sparking Imagination with 3Doodler Pens". It wasn't until this school year that I learned that this type of technology existed. Students are fascinated by 3D printing, but I was looking for a way to introduce them to the technology. The 3Doodler pens were the perfect tool to do just that.
3Doodler pens work like a regular pen, but instead of ink coming out of the pen, filament comes out. As you draw with the pen, the filament dries to create images or words in 3D. It has led to great conversations about the differences between 2D and 3D objects. My second graders kicked off our projects with the pens. We learned about the uniqueness of snowflakes through symmetry, shapes, and states of matter. Then students got to "print" their own snowflakes with a 3Doodler pen! Some of the most popular statements heard around my room were, "Wow! This is amazing!" "Can you believe a pen can print in 3D?" "I'm thinking of so many more things I want to try with these pens!" As you can see, students were thrilled. I even had students turn their snowflake designs into jewelry. One student asked for yarn to make a bracelet and quickly the rest of the students were asking for the same. The possibilities for these pens are endless. Snowflakes were just the start. I already have plans for students to make bubble wands, animals in a food chain, and more.
This tool has really brought the "T" (technology) and "A" (art) into STEAM! I cannot wait to start more projects with my third and fourth graders in just a few weeks. Your generous donations have really transformed my STEAM classroom through the experiences I'm able to provide for my students. They are getting to explore, draw, build, work as a team, and more thanks to your help. I cannot thank each of you enough for everything you've done for me and my 800 amazing students!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ballou
This classroom project was brought to life by 3Doodler and 3 other donors.Deck the Halls With Ozobots
Funded Dec 12, 2017Words cannot express my thanks for supporting our project, "Deck the Halls With Ozobots". My students have been really excited about STEAM this school year, but they kept asking when we could put more "T" in STEAM. Like any person, they wanted to get their hands on the latest technology and of course I wanted to be able to provide that experience for them. You allowed us to do just that.
When the ozobots arrived my students were fascinated. They didn't understand how something so small could do so much! We've used the ozobots in several ways already. I first just let students explore with them. We discussed the basics of coding, how ozobot reacts to code, and how it reads the code. We are able to use an app on our iPads to explore the basics of these coding skills. Students used the black, red, green, and blue colors to code ozobot to react in different ways. Thus far, the majority favorite code is spin. Students are able to use the colors to code a specific pattern that ozobot reads and in turn spins around like a tornado! This has provided even more learning opportunities for coding because students learned that like reading a book, code is read in a specific way. Ozobot has to read the code going from left to right and cannot reverse the direction, otherwise it would be reading a different code. We definitely had problem solving in action!
By learning about the basics of coding at a young age, they will have even more opportunities arise in the future. I can already see information technology specialists, engineers, programmers, and more sitting in my classroom. I wish I could share videos with you of our ozobots in action because the pictures only do it partial justice. I would not be able to do this without each of you. Thank you again for providing this wonderful opportunity to our students!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ballou
This classroom project was brought to life by Overdeck Family Foundation and Simons Foundation and one other donor.An Apple iPad a Day Keeps the Programmers Saying YAY!
Funded Dec 15, 2017Thank you so much for your support to our project, "An Apple iPad a Day Keeps the Programmers Saying YAY!" It was my goal this school year to be able to provide my students with more opportunities to explore technology. This is a field of STEAM that is constantly growing and changing. Students are fascinated by robots, coding, 3D printing, and more. However, the funds are typically limited as these materials cost more than your normal building materials. That's where you stepped in. You made technology a reality for my students.
I have found that one of the most versatile tool in technology is the iPad. Students are able to code, use green screens, film movies, explore robots, and design prototypes at the click of a button. While I have so many ideas floating around in my head about how these iPads are going to transform my classroom, we kick-started our technology unit using iPads to code a robot called Coji. Students use the Coji app on the iPad to manipulate our hand-held Coji robot. My youngest learners are discovering the basics of coding. We've been discussing what "If...then..." statements mean in computer programming. They're able to connect this with their language arts studies of cause and effect relationships. I have students jumping up and down in excitement as they learn with this new tool.
My older students will be diving into coding scripts to manipulate another robot called, Ozobot. Students are able to use the Ozobot app on the iPad to formulate directional codes to move the robot around the screen. Not only are the iPads opening up learning in the classroom, but students are taking what they learn and applying it at home. I constantly have students come back to tell me about how they used the apps at home to continue learning how to code. This is so important to keep students interested and craving new things to learn.
Thank you so much for helping me get the iPads and covers for my classroom. I would not have been able to do this without you. I can already imagine all of the other amazing projects that will be in our future thanks to your generous donations.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ballou
This classroom project was brought to life by Overdeck Family Foundation and Simons Foundation and 3 other donors.Heigh-Ho, It's Fairy Tales We Learn and Grow
Funded Aug 28, 2017I appreciate your continued support and generosity to our STEAM program and specifically to this project, "Heigh-Ho, It's Fairytales We Learn and Grow." I always try to connect literature to my STEAM lessons, particularly in grades kindergarten through second because creating a love of reading is so important in school. Sometimes students think that math and science do not have reading incorporated in these subjects. However, learning in general is very much a cross-curricular endeavor. Plus so many books lend themselves to perfect STEAM projects.
We have used several of these books already this year, including Iggy Peck, Architect and The Three Little Pigs. For the Three Little Pigs we discussed different types of building materials that the pigs used and why some materials are better than others. Students then had the opportunity to brainstorm as a group and figure out how to make a safe house for a little pig that the Big Bad Wolf could not blow down. Students were given various materials, such as Popsicle sticks, toothpicks, paper, and tape. They drew out their plan and labeled it like an engineer would do for his/her blueprint.
After building their structure we had the wolf (a hairdryer) come in to see if he could blow down their houses. Overall, students had great success with their designs and most of them remained standing. However, if they fell over it was the perfect opportunity to discuss how "failing" is never a bad thing because you always learn from your mistakes. This was important for students because all too often they think they have to be perfect and they become so upset when something doesn't work. STEAM is the perfect program to teach students that failure is ok, nobody is perfect, and you'll always learn how to make it better next time.
Thank you for providing new fairy tales to our classroom. The students are so excited to see what projects we do with the rest of the fairytales. I wouldn't be able to provide this opportunity to my students if it wasn't for your support.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ballou
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Funder and 2 other donors.STEAM-sational Supplies
Funded Aug 24, 2017Thank you so much for your generous donation to our project, "STEAM-sational Supplies". When I first found out the news that I was offered this STEAM Teacher position, I was over the moon! My mind immediately started racing to all of the projects that I wanted to do. However, I quickly realized that each of these projects would need a lot of supplies. I was used to having supplies for 50 students and I was now going to have 800 students, which is why I turned to Donors Choose.
You have specifically provided supplies for numerous projects including, building Wild Things, bone bridges, gates for our five little pumpkins, sails for our boats, and more. Dominoes have been one of the most diverse supply for my youngest learners because they have been able to explore building with them. We've used them during free exploration where students have built houses, towers, and chain reactions. Too often students go home to computer and gaming systems, so the "old school" dominoes have created a wonderful culture of creativity in the classroom. Students are finding their imagination again and discovering what it is like to be an engineer.
My favorite project we've completed in fourth and fifth grades is bridges. Students were tasked to be a structural engineer. They had to use clothespins, Q-tips, Popsicle sticks, yarn, and pipe- cleaners to build a bridge that would hold a small pumpkin. The discussions for this project were amazing because students were discovering that they did not want to have a bridge that had loose pieces because the pumpkin (like people or cars) would fall through the cracks. They had to figure out how to use materials to create an adhesive-like structure (because tape was not an option) to hold the pieces together. Students definitely put on their engineering caps and went in full force.
I appreciate your generosity in providing supplies for our new STEAM program. I wouldn't be able to provide my students with as many creative building opportunities if it was not for your support! I cannot wait to see what other projects we're able to complete this year with these supplies!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ballou
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Funder and 2 other donors.