Past projects 4
Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Funded Jan 14, 2014There's always one unit in each subject that an educator looks forward to teaching all year. It's the same unit that every child gets excited for, and a topic in which endless questions are inquired. In my 4th grade science class here at Pine View, that unit is rock and minerals.
In years past my students thrive on conducting research of different rocks and minerals. Their most favorite part of this unit is touching and examining different samples. In the past I have depended on students bringing in samples to share with their classmates, because I didn't have much to share. With the extensive kit that was funded by each one of you, I no longer have to "hope" for my students to bring in the samples I need in order to engage my class.
Upon first showing my students the kit, the room fell to a hush. They were intrigued with the not so common samples, and even more amazed at the the size of each model. They were so appreciative of your generosity, as I am as well. I look forward to sharing this kit with students to come!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Villacis
This classroom project was brought to life by Disney and 4 other donors.Set the STEM Wheels in Motion
Funded Dec 14, 2013My students thoroughly enjoyed these STEM kits. The first activity required the students to evaluate force, air resistance, gravity, and speed. The students had to drop objects of different masses using different playground equipment. While dropping the objects the students had to evaluate the speed of each item. The second activity asked the different to conduct research on parachutes. They were asked to find out how parachutes work and how parachutes are used today. After their research the students and I used a second story classroom to perform the final activity. We dropped foam balls and hard boiled eggs using different setups: no parachutes, one parachute, two parachutes, and 3 or more parachutes. It was great fun!
My students appreciated the hands on component to these STEM kits and how the information builds for each activity. They were engaged and excited; two attributes that are seldom felt by just opening a textbook. Thank you again!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Villacis
Our problems STEM from....
Funded Feb 28, 2013With the purchased materials, my students engaged in a hands-on, highly stimulating, two day lab which reviewed concepts we had examined earlier in the year, and skills we were currently working on. They were enthralled with the process of creating their rollercoasters and got firsthand experience applying science and math in the real world. This lab also lent itself beautifully to cooperative learning and promoted positive peer interaction. I would have never been able to provide my students with such a dynamic experiment if it wasn't for the generosity of my donors and students' parents. Thank you for your commitment to education and support to gifted learning.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Villacis
Brand New Teacher, Brand New Materials
Funded Oct 9, 2010I would like to personally thank all the donors who helped fund my project. Upon receiving our materials, my class and I opened the packages together and even assembled the cart as a group. They were so excited and ready to begin using the resources!
The backpack cart has really made our classroom so much safer and orderly. No longer are we tripping over backpack strings or jamming backpacks into the strangest places. Now there is a central place for all the backpacks and they look fabulous all hung up. If a student needs to go to his/her backpack during the day, they can do it swiftly and timely.
The reading comprehension cards are excellent! They cover the 8 important reading skills we introduce and teach all year for the FCAT. I use the cards during centers time, with the students who sit with me on that particular day. I have come up with a "challenge game" using the cards and now students can't wait to be in my center group! The quantity of cards is unbelievable. We have used them everyday upon receiving them and I am confident that they will last us until April.
I think the biggest gift you all have given my students is the ability to believe and hope. When the packages were delivered to our classroom, their faces displayed a look of surprise and warmth. They felt special that others wanted to help them and reach out to our class. For majority of my students, there is an evident issue of financial hardship. I imagine they don't receive a great deal of gifts or generosity; however, this whole experience has brightened their days and reminds them that anything is possible. Thank you all for your commitment to education and your bigheartedness. ”
With gratitude,
Ms. Villacis
This classroom project was brought to life by Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation and 3 other donors.