Past projects 2
Stocking Up for Student Well-Being and Success
Funded Aug 22, 2024Thanks to your generous support, the classroom has become a much more inviting and clean space for my students.
It was funny when they first saw the handsoap and the hand sanitizer at the sink stations. Some of them were like "Omg yes, finally!" since we previously only had one station with soap and it was the school soap they were not particularly fond of. Some of them remarked about the quality of the soap to which I replied "Only the best for my kids."
Kids were really more excited about the tissues than anything else, though! The school-issued tissues we would get once in a blue moon feel rough on the nose. Now, students can comfortably blow their nose with a softer tissue and don't have to worry about when there will be a new box in class, as they can always go to the back of the classroom for a new box, if needed, or simply let me know to replace it. I got a general sense of relief from my students given this.
On my end, I can tell you that thetissues, hand soap, and disinfecting wipes are already making a huge difference. My students now have the tools they need to keep their hands clean and their workspace hygienic, which has reduced the spread of germs. We've been using the disinfecting wipes to regularly clean shared surfaces, specially after labs, and students are more mindful of hygiene during group activities. This has created a healthier learning environment where students can focus on their work, not on worries about illness.
One moment that stands out is when one of my students accidentally spilled some baking soda during a science experiment. Normally, a spill would cause a disruption, but this time, I was able to quickly hand them the broom and dustpan. They took care of it right away, without any stress, and the class moved on smoothly. It was a small moment, but it showed how the resources you provided help maintain our classroom flow and reduce distractions.
Looking ahead, we're continuing with more hands-on labs to better exemplify some of the key concepts we've been learning about, such as our fermentation lab in biology to exemplify the process of anaerobic cellular respiration or our metals, nonmetals, and metalloids lab in chemistry to better understand the materials that make up our technology. The disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer will continue to support a clean workspace as we dive into these labs. The first aid kit is also a comfort as we tackle these activities, as I can rest easy knowing we're prepared for minor scrapes or accidents.
Thanks to your contributions, my students are not only more comfortable in their environment, but they're also more focused on their learning. It's truly so nice to know that they are part of a community that cares about their well-being and education.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Lopez Martinez
This classroom project was brought to life by United Airlines and 2 other donors.Ignite Student Success: Essential Supplies for Dynamic and Collaborative Group-work
Funded Aug 15, 2024Thanks to your generous support, my students have been able to experience firsthand the impact of these new resources. The plastic caddy organizers with a variety of provided materials have been color-coded per team and have become essential in helping students keep their team supplies organized and easily accessible. This small change has made a huge difference. Now, when it's time to start a group activity, students can quickly grab what they need and jump right into the task at hand without wasting precious time searching for materials. The digital timers have also been a game-changer. They allow my students to track time efficiently during experiments, teaching them valuable time-management skills while keeping them on track and preventing distractions from their phones, which used to be used for their stopwatch/timer function.
When they first saw the materials, their eyes lit up. They were immediately excited to "call dibs" on a group color and use the new resources. One moment that really stands out was during our most recent biology project. Students were tasked with researching different endangered species and presenting the different components of their biological niche in a creative and informative way. Thanks to the white paper poster boards, markers, and colored pencils, students worked together to brainstorm ideas and visually represent their endangered species and their niches. I watched as they collaborated in groups, bouncing ideas off each other and making detailed, colorful posters. Their excitement was palpable! The ability to express their knowledge visually helped bring their research to life, and it was incredible to see them so engaged in the project. This experience was very similar in chemistry when students worked on presenting their knowledge-group information on the different types of radioactive decay, as well as connecting isotopes to their everyday lives and different career fields with their "Uses of Isotopes" assignment.
More personally, the grouping sticks have allowed me to form diverse and balanced groups, making sure that each team has a variety of strengths and skills. The students appreciate this structure and are more confident in their collaborative efforts. I've also been able to take advantage of the colorful plastic baskets to organize lab materials and set up lab stations around the classroom. I totally forgot a picture but this was a smashing success with the Characteristics of Life inquiry activity in biology, where students made observations and could interact with 10 specimens to determine if these were biotic or abiotic. Organizing materials for the flame test lab in chemistry was made so much easier, allowing me to easily move the essential group materials when needed.
Looking ahead, the next steps for my students will involve diving deeper into hands-on experiments in chemistry and biology. They will be using the new materials to organize and execute their group models (initial vs final) of the covered material, all while refining their time-management and presentation skills. With the electric pencil sharpener keeping their supplies in top shape and the index cards aiding their study efforts, students will be able to better prepare for upcoming assessments and continue developing their ability to work effectively as a team.
These resources have already begun to transform the way my students approach learning, and with your continued support, I know they will continue to thrive in an organized and creative environment. Thank you for helping make this possible!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Lopez Martinez
This classroom project was brought to life by United Airlines and one other donor.