Past projects 15
Graphing Calculators For Advanced Students
Funded Dec 5, 2013With these calculators, some of the advanced students in my 8th grade class had the tools to make them competitive against students from more privileged neighborhoods. We were able to prepare for the algebra regents exam using them and it went much smoother than the previous years.
The students were delighted to have the calculators. For many of them, it was their first time using one. They thought it was awesome. Putting the ownership of the calculators into my hands rather than the Department of Education also made a huge difference since they were able to take the calculators home and use it to their will, which in turn made them confident in using the calculators.
Having these calculators absolutely boosted my teaching effectiveness as well as their learning experience. In previous years, even though a calculator was needed for the test, students had little to no experience using them. This year, not only did they have it for a longer period of time and was able to take it home, but I was also able to create lessons based around them. This gave the class of 2014 a big advantage over previous years.
On behalf of my students, we thank you for the learning opportunity.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Paul
Paper, Paper and only Paper
Funded Dec 23, 2013My students and I thank you for your considerable donation. It was the most beneficial donation that I have ever received to date. I did not realize the impact that it would have on my teaching effectiveness when I was placing this order. Let me explain.
I ordered the paper assuming that I'd need it for mainly test preparation like I've always used it for. I never utilized paper in many other ways because it was cheaper to simply project everything up on the board. Because I had enough paper at my disposal, I was able to print out individualized work for students. This gave students some type of ownership over the work. I also ventured out into different types of math games/puzzles... something that I was unable to do with my personal paper supply before.
The graph chart paper totally opened up a new world that I didn't even know existed. Look at the super Mario picture for proof. That engaging lesson was something that was simply impossible in the past.
The response that I got from students was so positive that it single-handedly change the direction that this course took. Students really appreciated having the paper as you will soon see from their replies.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Paul
This classroom project was brought to life by Quill.com and 2 other donors.Quality White Board Markers
Funded Sep 4, 2013With these quality markers, my students did indeed notice the difference in quality of my writing on the board. They also noticed how infrequently I changed markers, which, according to them, is good for the environment.
Students' participation increased due to the lack of frustration of using pens. Such a simple piece of technology... who knew that the workmanship of such a product could have made such a difference.
Once again, my students, as well as myself, have benefited greatly from your donation and we would like to thank you for making this dream a reality.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Paul
This classroom project was brought to life by Kia Motors America and one other donor.Classroom Printer
Funded Aug 11, 2013My students are very grateful for the printer. There's not one day that passes by that a student does not pass by and ask me if they could stay in for lunch to complete their project. The printer is literally a life saver for all.
Without this printer, certain projects and lesson are simply impossible due to all the printing required. Uploaded in the picture section you'll see a poster with squares that contains pictures of various objects. Students were able to go online and print pictures as needed. This is just one of the many stories that came to light because of your generous donation.
I can't thank you enough for all that you've done for me and all the lives that you have touched by the donation of this printer.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Paul
Algebra Tiles - Putting A Picture On Algebraic Manipulations
Funded Mar 11, 2013My students absolutely adored the algebra tiles. Seeing them use the tiles was like seeing a child taking their first steps, and in actuality, that's what most of them did. I had one student tell me, "This is the first time that anyone has shown me this in a way that makes sense"... and this was from a repeating student. I got compliments from students that never actually spoke. These tiles made their learning and my teaching that much more enjoyable and meaningful.
We have used the tiles a multitude of times since we received them. Being that the class that I teach is pre-algebra, it was used so many times that I know that they nailed the basic concept of algebra. As seen in the pictures, the way that we use the tiles is by creating a scale and using the concept of balance and moving around the tiles such that they remain balanced. The scale represents the equal sign.
The greatest proof that I have that shows that these tiles impacted their learning are my teacher scores. In one class I only had 1 student out of 33 get below a level 2 (on a 4 point scale, where 2 is passing) and the other class I only had 2 out of 33 get below a level 2. This is great, considering that I had about 10 students in each class that came into the class with previous scores that were below a level 2... in other ways, I raised/improved their grades. I have only your generosity to thank for this.
On behalf of my class and myself, thank you.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Paul