Past projects 32
Who Is a Scientist?
Funded Apr 1, 2021The students had so much fun researching, designing, and finishing their I Can Too Scientist cards.
When the students saw their completed projects come through the laminator and touched them for the first time, "That's cool" was heard. It was an awesome experience for me to witness. Others asked, "When can we do something like this again?"
As some students finished earlier than others, they were quick to want to help others and see them to the finish line.
All students were researching, designing, and wanting to run their project through the laminator themselves. I was excited to see so much engagement with a color printer and a laminator. Thank you so much for helping this idea come to fruition!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Scilingo
This classroom project was brought to life by Chevron and 4 other donors.3D Printing is NOT as EASY as 1, 2, 3
Funded Dec 1, 20203d printing is fun. Most of the time the 3d printers are not working as effectively as they can because they are not maintained well. This 3d printer cleaning/maintenance kit allows students to learn to clean up after themselves. It also allows them to do some simple troubleshooting if they run into problems.
If students are able to do simple maintenance, the 3d printers can be used more often and students don't have to be told that the printers are not working. When machines look like "new", students are more likely to want to try to use them.
The tools needed to maintain 3d printers require fine motor control. Students build their ability to work carefully and take time to work on delicate, expensive equipment. They can increase their confidence in not only being able to solve software issues, but hardware issues as well.
Although students were not able to physically see the 3d printer in action or the cleaning process, they were able to observe the teacher use the materials.
Thank you so much for helping students see that although 3d printing requires maintenance, it's worth it if you can prototype rapidly.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Scilingo
This classroom project was brought to life by FamilyAlbum and one other donor.Essential 8 Tech for Grades 6-8
Funded Oct 21, 2020With the challenge of distance learning, hands on learning has not been easy. Students have not had the opportunity to use much of the technology that was graciously donated. Instead, they have honed their software and independent project skills.
Students have used microcomputers to create award winning science fair projects which are programmed to detect various inputs and produce respective outputs. They have worked on algorithmic thinking in order to successfully code their project. Students measured soil moisture, CO2 levels, mock seizure shaking, solar power, and break beam activities. Some chose to design solutions for living with COVID restrictions.
In a challenge called, Make It Green, students were asked to design solutions for various environmental categories. Using Tinkercad, they modeled their solutions. While developing foundational skills, students were able to see products created from the 3d printer.
I hope to be able to more interactively incorporate the donated technology when we are able to meet in person.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Scilingo
This classroom project was brought to life by PwC Charitable Foundation.Say It With A Sketch
Funded Aug 21, 2020With distance learning, new technology was needed. The learning and implementation of a graphics tablet has helped in the delivery of the material in a more real time format. When completing pages from the textbook or trying to diagram science concepts, I can more easily use hand drawn/written responses instead of trying to clumsily use a mouse. Students have used their IPADs like a tablet to complete activities like UCA CAT which showcases their understanding of Protein Synthesis. I also took pictures of my workspace so students can see how teachers are trying to teach outside of a box though literally teaching in a boxed up space. When we return to the classroom, I would love for the students who do not have IPADS to try using this tablet to do more graphic design activities.
Thanks again for making distance teaching just a little more manageable.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Scilingo
Powered Up Clean Up
Funded Dec 3, 2019Makerspace activities make a huge mess. Large shopvac are not convenient to roll around the classroom. This cordless vacuum has been perfect for passing around to each group so each group can tidy up their own space. After using the bandsaw, students were able to easily vacuum up the wood scraps that would typically be left for someone else. With this new tool, they quickly cleaned up their space.
Having had incomplete construction work done during the summer and some lingering work during the school year with students in the classroom, the students observed construction workers using this Cordless Shop Vac. By providing them with industry grade tools, the students were able to use the same things professionals do.
Even after singing the clean up song and giving clear directions on how to clean up, students are slow to make their space tidy. With this power tool, they are excited about clean up. Thank you for emPOWERING my students.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Scilingo
This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous classroom supporter and 3 other donors.Level Up - Make, Play, and Discover - STEAM Expo
Funded Dec 3, 2019I am so excited to be able to attempt this project. I told my students about it being funded and they were super excited. They look forward to seeing how using tools in the FabLab can be applied to video gaming. Thank you for the opportunity to bring so much energy into my classroom!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Scilingo
This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous classroom supporter and one other donor.A Place for Everything and Everything in Its Place.
Funded Sep 6, 2019The students know exactly were to find materials needed for all sorts of projects used in science class. The storage boxes have been used to store pens, rulers, pencils, markers, crayons, and lab supplies for specific activities.
The magnets have been used to hang table signs from the ceiling. This allows for students to know where their lab group is when seats change about every 3 weeks.
Other magnets were used to create window coverings in preparation for shelter in place or lockdown situations. This allows students to feel safer if there is a threat on campus.
Thank you for allowing my students to see quality products in use and recognize that you pay for what you get, and we got high quality supplies!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Scilingo
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Funder and 5 other donors.Care Enough to Send the Very Best
Funded Feb 28, 2019Through your generosity the students were able to learn about circuits. They used copper tape, batteries, and copper tape to create cards that they could give to their loved ones. When their cards lit up, they also lit up. What they were learning about electricity became relevant immediately.
The students have previously used LED lights, but the LED stickers made their projects look more professional. Giving the students a sense of what their skills in middle school could be used in the future will hopefully help enhance their empathy towards others.
As a teacher, although it took some time to teach the basic skills, it was exciting to see the students create products that were personal.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Scilingo
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose.org Community and 7 other donors.Basic Tools for Learning
Funded Dec 8, 2018Middle School students equipped with sharp scissors and full straight rulers are able to create products that show care for end products. Students have been more careful to show attention to detail and create prototypes that work more effectively. Students who begin to be trained that there's a place for everything and everything should be kept in its place can hopefully feel empathy for their teachers who live in chaos as loads of students come and go throughout the day and use the same materials.
When the students discovered that the scissors fit their fingers, their designs were more intricate. They also learned about safety as they realized these tools were sharp and needed special attention.
I look forward to seeing how they will use the tools to perform more precise measurements and add details to projects like the Toy Making Challenge and Rocket Building.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Scilingo
This classroom project was brought to life by Someone Who Cares and 6 other donors.Serious Sound
Funded Oct 4, 2018With the school's move to Chromebooks, students are having to learn how use the many technology tools available to them while collaborating with one another. By exposing them to the tools at an earlier age, they become more comfortable with them and are more willing to explore the possibilities and find that their skills can be used beyond a classroom. With video editing, students are given a voice and professionalism to their presentations.
Having a professional microphone with a filter empowered the students to produce final videos that sounded like the commercials or news reports they see on TV. They spent more time time editing their scripts so that when they were read it sounded more polished and refined.
This was the first time many students had created a video as a group where the audience was beyond the classroom. By creating videos intended for an international competition, students took more pride in their project. Students who were typically quiet in the classroom were willing to lend their voice as narration to their entry. Others who felt comfortable in front of a camera but not necessarily reading a script learned that voice overs worked well.
Overall, this project allowed students to shine with their personal prowess's.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Scilingo
This classroom project was brought to life by Yamaha Corporation of America and 3 other donors.