Past projects 107
American Heroes
Funded Mar 5, 2015What an amazing project! My students were each able to pick their own American hero. We had a wide variety of heroes. Our heroes ranged from the wonderful author Dr. Seuss to the creative Walt Disney. We met pioneers in aviation, both the Wright Brothers and Amelia Earhart. We also learned about our country's leaders, both past and present, as we learned more about George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Barack Obama. Being able to learn about the men and women who made our nation so great in important. Our heroes are role models for what is possible and we appreciate your support of the arts in our classroom.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Morikawa
Thinking CAP: Creativity and Presentation
Funded Oct 21, 2014Thank you for changing our lives! Your funding provided us with a heart-stopping set of iPad minis, pens, and easel paper. The custodian brought in THE box and set it on the table as the students started jumping up and down. There was no way we could resume our lesson because the iPads needed to be welcomed into our classroom family. It was truly extraordinary to see so many white iPad mini boxes lined up on the table.
We are using the iPad minis for small group math instruction in addition to our Thinking Cap time. All students have more resources to pursue their individual interests.
The investment you make in public school education touches the lives of students, teachers, families, and communities. Thank you for your generosity and dedication to changing the lives of children.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Morikawa
The Constitution and This Land
Funded Oct 14, 2014Thank you so much for helping to bring these worthwhile experiences to my students. The speakers have made such a big difference! Each time we watch a movie or sign a song, they are able to easily hear the computer. We use the easel and paper on a daily basis. We have found it is a great place to record student thinking. What we like the best is that we can refer back to previous conversations just by flipping the paper back. The books are a great source of information and my students have been able to learn about what makes our nation so great. Thank you for making a difference in our school year!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Morikawa
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill of Rights Institute and 2 other donors.How Do I Draw a Monarch Butterfly?
Funded Oct 27, 2014Thank you Disneyland! We received our project and were thrilled to open up our iPad, paper, and Twistables! The entire class gasped with delight when they discovered we had new supplies that could be used for art and science.
Seeing real images and watching videos on butterflies really helps bring them to life. Students will work in teams during our life cycle unit to discover the fantastic stages of a butterfly's life. While we wait for the butterflies, students will investigate different kinds of butterflies and their habitats, compare and contrast their appearances, and see how butterflies have inspired other artists.
Using technology to discover new ecosystems, far off lands, and artwork expands our classroom beyond these four walls. With the help of Disneyland, my students and I have additional resources to see how far curiosity can take us.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Morikawa
Wonders All Around Me!
Funded Feb 6, 2013The students in my class squealed with delight when I walked in with the big "Donors Choose" box. As we opened the lid together, several of the kids were amazed that our class got such a special gift. I explained that the iPad, keyboards, and stylus were going to make learning a little different, but the journey would be a lot of fun.
The Donors Choose materials transformed the way we access information. Having an iPad and keyboards gave us the ability to have mobile research stations at students' desks. Students working in collaborative groups have the ability to investigate their topics together. Students can take online assessments in class instead of going to the computer lab. One of the things we love to do as a class is share how we solve math problems. With the iPads, student work can be projected on the screen so everyone can see that there are several methods to solve problems. Technology has a wonderful way of engaging all learners!
This project has changed the way I teach in the classroom. The students and I enjoy having information at our finger tips. More importantly, I love sharing these tools with the kids and seeing how they communicate their learning. Students are excited to showcase their work when I take a picture of their project, take video of a presentation, or scan a QR code to hear a "secret" message about their social studies group. With our new iPad and keyboards, I can plan on having more small group investigations and collaborative learning lessons. The students and I are very thankful to the Lily Sarah Grace Fund for the generous gift of the iPad, keyboards, and stylus. Thank you for helping us enjoy the adventure of discovery.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Morikawa
Art With Heart!
Funded Oct 19, 2012The elementary years are a time when we need to nurture the artist in all of us. With your generosity, we were able to get new supplies for our classroom and add more art lessons to the curriculum. Having new watercolor sets, paper, brushes, and pastels gave students the opportunity to tap into their creative intelligence. Ecosystems came to life and our classroom became a World of Color!
With the new flash drives, the students are able to work on long term projects both at school and at home. Students can use technology to present their findings about famous Californians and art. The flash drives make it possible to spend more than 1 period a week on a project that is engaging and fun.
Thank you for helping us get the resources that promote art and creativity in the classroom. We are grateful for all that you do to inspire kids of all ages! Thank you, Disney, for contributing to our art program and keeping the magic alive in us all.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Morikawa
Making California History Come Alive!
Funded Oct 10, 2012Thank you for your generosity. With the funding you provided to our classroom, we were able to get new books about California and art supplies. With these materials, students are able to access more information about the California Gold Rush, Native American Indians, and early California history. Students will have an opportunity to weave yarn baskets and experience an art form practiced by early Californians. Having additional resources fosters a learning environment where curiosity is encouraged and supported.
With your contribution, I am able to make history come alive. Thank you, Chevron, for supporting teachers and for making our future citizens a priority.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Morikawa