Past projects 6
LED There Be Light
Funded Apr 30, 2019As you can see, our plants got off to a great start by supplying the seeds with a warm well-lit environment. We had been studying electricity and types of lightbulbs and saw our greenhouses used florescent lights. After reading that LED bulbs were more efficient by using less electricity, students thought we should change over to LED bulbs. The cost of the new bulbs and fixtures was prohibitive on our budget.
But students saw how generous donors were when we needed lumber for our garden beds, so they suggested we ask for help to buy new lights.
So we did. Generous donors helped us with our project and we were able to plant over 400 seedlings!
After careful transplanting, most seedlings grew enough to be harvested in time for students to enjoy during our Garden Party!
Thanks again for all your support.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Theberge
Garden of Eating
Funded Apr 9, 2019Where do I start? First off, my students couldn't believe strangers would donate to their outdoor classroom. They knew the old garden beds were falling apart and they thought that they wouldn't get to grow a garden this year.
Then the lumber arrived. They asked how were we going to build it? I said not to worry as students from a nearby vocational high school were going to volunteer to build it. Again they were surprised that others would give their time.
We carefully considered our students' cultures and planted greens that originated in their home countries focusing on vegetables that matured quickly so we could have a Garden Party before school let out for the summer. We have over 180 seventh grade students to feed at this party, so careful planning and timing were essential. All great skills to learn!
There was quite a flurry of activity between making the newspaper pots to planting over 400 seeds and finding space to house the seedlings. Finally, we planted them in the new beds! Students measured their growth rate sharpening their math skills and enjoyed the fruits of their labor on a sunny day in June!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Theberge
Climate Change: Am I Responsible?
Funded Sep 7, 2013Thank you so much for your generosity. These books relate stories of citizen scientists all over the world and how they are documenting climate change. It is inspiring to my students as they are about to engage in a research project designed to record the effects of global warming.
In addition, this book demonstrates how scientists use the scientific method. It also affords my students the opportunity to see how researchers develop hypothesis and design investigations to test their hypothesis. This is a very important concept in middle school science.
Without your support resources like these would not be available to my students now and my students in the future.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Theberge
This classroom project was brought to life by Kia Motors America and 12 other donors.Authentic Articles Encourage Authentic Thinking
Funded Aug 11, 2013I want to thank you again for your generosity. Your gift has made an impact on every one of my students. The most surprising comment that most of my students made was why did a stranger give them magazines. They couldn't fully comprehend your altruism. I am stunned at times when I think of your faith in us as public school teachers and students. It is amazing and we are constantly trying to make you proud.
My students look forward to reading about kids their own age who are profiled in the magazine for thinking like a scientist and for impacting their world. So much so that we started a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Club this year. I have students of all abilities meet after school to develop projects for a district-wide science fair. The winners will go on to a state fair. This is the first time we have entered in this competition and we are ready! I am hoping that the STEM Club will grow each year and of course I am hoping that one of our students will win.
In addition to inspiring their imagination, we have been using the magazines to meet the Common Core Standards in Literacy. After reading a specific article, students are asked to summarize or tell what surprised them about the article and how they think the science will affect them. This helps students develop a deeper understanding of the text. Their vocabulary is enriched as well by becoming familiar with science content words.
This gift stands out amidst all others, as it is simple and given with true thought and care.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Theberge
Picture-Perfect Science Collection
Funded Oct 12, 2010We want to thank you for your generous donation of the Picture Perfect Science Collection to our classroom library. All students love the read aloud portion of the lessons and I like them because they make a perfect segue into inquiry-based science. They tell stories that activate students' minds and inspire them to think critically.
Without the support of donors like you, we could not afford these books. This collection will remain in this classroom to motivate and delight all future students as well.
Your support is vital and appreciated.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Theberge
We're On The Level
Funded Mar 27, 2009I feel very fortunate to have you as our benefactors. We start state mandated testing this week and you've made a very intense week relaxing and therapeutic due to your donation of Playdough and books.We're learning about the vertebrate class of animals. We've been doing a lot of comparing and contrasting between the different classes of animals. Mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish are the topic of many conversations!I've combined a writing assignment with the creation of an fictitious animal from the Playdough you donated. I've asked the students to compare and contrast their animal with one of the other classes of animals. They will be graded on creativity, vocabulary and correctly stating their animal's characteristics.Just by telling them that complete strangers have donated to them makes them feel proud and valued. Thank you again for your generosity.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Theberge