Past projects 2
Collaboration is Key!
Funded Oct 25, 2018My students and I are beyond thankful for your donations that made this project possible!
"I want to say thank you for donating money to the tables for our classroom. These tables help my classmates and I collaborate better when we are doing partner work. The desks will be used with respectful care."
-D.D.
It may seem inconsequential to have tables in a classroom, but it makes a difference. Through this project, we now have three tables that six students can use at any given time. Every student wants to sit at the tables, because as one student said, "I can work so much better, I have space!" Students in Algebra 1 have a book, notebook, and a calculator and with tables they can work comfortably.
"The tables give me more space to write and for my books"
-A.B.
Tables naturally encourage collaboration, which is a necessary skill for my students to acquire. Collaboration is useful in personal, academic, and professional spheres. It is helpful for students to learn how to effectively collaborate in a safe space, like the classroom, opposed to a high-stakes situation.
"Tables really help with collaboration with partners for math work. Instead of us going through the trouble and having to move desks to be with our partner, we can just turn to each other."
- A.C.
All students benefit from learning to work with others. Collaboration promotes self-analysis, problem solving, efficiency, and positive social interaction. To reap these benefits, students need to practice the communication skills that come with collaboration, and the tables provide this opportunity.
"I like having a partner sitting next to me. It is easier to check my work or get help when the teacher is helping someone else. I am also able to explain things to my partner. It makes me feel good to know that I helped someone understand a topic."
-D.V.
In the short time we have had tables, I have seen improvement in communication and engagement. I am proud to observe my students seeking help from their peers and problem solving together. It is so much easier to jump in and assist someone when they are right next to you, and as we know, students learn better from their peers than anyone else.
"You are very nice and thoughtful for thinking about us. I am thankful for tables because now we have more space and it is easier for us to work together."
-T.H.
Our Algebra 1 curriculum is set up for partner work. Students gain a deeper understanding of material when they are asked to explain their thought process, listen to their peer's explanations and strategies, and work through problems with others.
I have begun to see a self-reliance and confidence in my students that I had not previously seen. This growth will only positively impact my students' comprehension and grades. My hope is to raise additional funds for more tables, so that every student can experience the benefits.
"Ms. Abby, when are you getting more tables so we all can use them?"
-M.D.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Vogel
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 12 other donors.Graphing Calculators for Intensified Algebra 1
Funded Sep 7, 2018Thank you so much for your generous donations to our classroom. As a math teacher in a public high school in North Philadelphia, I work with students who come from at-risk and low-income households. Many are in the foster care system or are survivors of abuse. These students overcome so many significant obstacles over the course of their lives and high school careers -- including lack of access to fundamental educational technologies.
Proficient use of a calculator is a significant component of current secondary and college education programs, and our school believes that every high school student, regardless of their backgrounds, deserves fair access to these resources. It is especially for this reason that your donations mean so much.
Having a classroom set of calculators allows our students to keep up with state standards and academic expectations. Even more, learning how to properly use these calculators teaches tech competency and critical thinking skills. Specifically, we will be using our TI-83+'s to solve equations, plot data points, and facilitate student understanding of essential algebraic concepts. These calculators also allow students who struggle with arithmetic fluency to keep up with more advanced topics.
Thank you, again, for your time and support.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Vogel
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 24 other donors.