Dr. Free-Ride's "help-bridge-the-budget-gap" challenge

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Excellent News! The tables you donated to our classroom arrived today. The room was crazy with excitement when students entered and saw the large boxes sitting in the middle of the room. We tore into them and were so excited to see just how amazing these tables are. They have a really unique gray flecked surface and bright colorful trim and legs. Students debated over where they would go and who would get to sit at them.

The best part, for me, was watching them put the legs together and then attaching them to the table. Not only did you help put tables into our room, but you also gave us something we assembled and put together ourselves. They are great!

Thank you again for your generosity. These tables are already well loved, and will get years of use.”

With gratitude,

Mr. Fox

Thank you, generous donors, from the bottom of my heart. I truly cannot convey to you in this short space how much this piece of technology has changed my classroom. It certainly has fulfilled it's purpose of allowing me to teach to students much more clearly, and this is clear not only because students are understanding more quickly, but also because they are far more engaged in lessons using the ELMO and projector.

Also, however, this projector has brought unexpected excitement to my classroom. With the ELMO, for example, I can zoom in on our sprouting seeds as the whole class gasps in amazement: "Whoaaaa!" And I plug in my computer to project photos of the sea animals we've been learning about, as well as to show them how to look up information on the internet - my first-graders are learning how to use Wikipedia to look up "sea-lions"! It's now at a point where the students frequently tell me "Look it up on your computer! Show us on the projector!" when there is a question about anything! I love seeing them hungry to find and know information of all kinds.

As you can see, this small piece of technology has dramatically changed our classroom, and for that the students and I thank you very, very sincerely for your contributions.”

With gratitude,

Ms. W.

Thank you once again for your generous donations. I feel like the pictures just don't do justice to everything we created and learned! We started, very simply, by researching everything about plants -starting with the seed. We built tumblers, experimented with different germination techniques, and compared sunlight with artificial light. We researched then grew various herbs and plants organically. We experimented with different types of soil; we tested ph levels of water and dirt. We even built compost bins to make our own unique fertilizer! Without a doubt, our classes have been interesting and engaging the last couple of months.

The highlight of the whole planting experience was a topic introduced by students curious about growing plants outdoors. We started talking about what might hurt the plant outside that might not necessarily hurt the plant indoors. To make a long story short, we started talking about how scientists are currently altering seeds genetically so that they can grow with toxins to prevent insects from destroying a farmer's crops. Well, these simple (simple?) questions spiraled into a whole thematic unit revolving around GE seeds. As a result, students grew wild corn and wild soy, and compared their growth with GE corn and GE soy. They all kept a plant journal, created predictions, took notes daily, asked questions, drew pics and graphs, and took photos of their individual plants. Our last experiment (directly from a student during one discussion) will be to test leaf eating insects on our plants. Students figure that they can tell which (corn/soy) is genetically altered by the corpses of insects lying around the plant. They made me so proud...

Our culminating project was for students to find a company that uses GE ingredients and write them a letter explaining why they either agree or disagree with their use of such technology. The letters were awesome! Students cited research they did on myths and facts, and pros and cons of using GE ingredients. They were very eloquent in trying to persuade companies like Mars/Hershey and American Crystal (to name a few) to stop using GE sugar beets -or at the very least- to label their ingredients so consumers can make an informed decision.

The students broke for spring break after a week of dialoguing and debate. They chose sides of which to argue, took all their research and notes, and conducted themselves in a manner I have never seen from 6th graders. Their arguments were tight, professional, and backed with reason and evidence. It was truly a wonderful lesson...and it wouldn't have happened if it were not for all your generous donations.

Thanks again. Believe that you really made a difference in my 80 plus students educational experience. I know for some, you've helped ignited a spark of curiosity that will not die with the end of the year. As proof, one class is actually trying to grow Redwood trees from seeds in hopes of growing their own bonzi tree. I'm telling you, these kids...they just continue to impress...

”

With gratitude,

Mr. Bernier

I am writing today in thanks for your contribution to the gift of "Earth Matters" books to my 5th and 6th graders. We have already found so many uses for these ecology texts, and we haven't even started our environmental science units yet! The 5th graders were able to conduct independent research into renewable energy sources and energy efficiency during our study of solar energy. When 6th grade began learning about the science of astronomy, we turned to the "Earth Matters" texts for information about the big bang, the structure and formation of the solar system, and reasons why Earth is just right for life.

My students have commented that these beautifully designed books are "easy to read," that they have "great pictures," and that they "make learning science fun." Some students have even observed the potential for cross-curricular learning, pointing out the wealth of graphs, charts, and statistics presented in each chapter.

Your donation has contributed immeasurably to both independent and collaborative learning in my classroom, as well as to a shared feeling of excitement about science, and we are so grateful to you for that.”

With gratitude,

Ms. S.

I would like to thank you for your generous donation to purchase science fair supplies for my middle school students. Without your help many of my students would not be able to purchase the mandatory poster board and notebook that our city's science fair requires.

Science fair participation provides a wonderful way for students to find success in the field of science and maybe even a future occupation. For many students it is a life changing experience and with your help every student had an opportunity to participate.

Thanks again”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Miller

All of your generosity and kindness meant so much to both my students and my self. Receiving this package has been a great blessing. I now have materials to use with the students. The students love all the fun activities that come along with learning about healthy habits and nutrition.

The year started off with learning about healthy foods. The students did different centers and learned about different food groups. They played games that helped build their social skills as well as taught them important information about each of the food groups. One of the activities was to label the item they picked out of a bag to its proper food group. The students had fun with this. They even learned a new vegetable. They never saw a eggplant before so seeing that in the kit was exciting for them. I even brought a real eggplant in for them to see. The student also go to go shopping with one of the kits. They had a food list and they had to find all the items on their list. This was fun for them to do. This was great for the student because they got to pretend they were food shopping and that is something that they all love doing.

Most recently we have been working on teeth and learning about the Dentist. The student got the chance to show me what they knew about brushing teeth by showing me how they brush their teeth on the big set of fake teeth. I than showed them the proper way to brush their teeth. This led into me working with the student on brushing their own teeth. After brushing the fake teeth it was great to see them use their knowledge and skills on their own teeth. This led into teaching student about proper hygiene and the importance of going to the dentist. I learned that while some students were afraid of the dentist not all of them were. This was a great thing. The student that learned about different tools that the dentist use. By becoming familiar with these tools help them to feel comfortable when they go to the dentist.

This is only the beginning of the possibilities of what they student will learn. The students at my schools with continue to use these materials for years to come. ”

With gratitude,

Mr. Williams

Thank you so much for science tubs. They are amazing. My students are able to learn 5th grade science standards, and review 4th grade science concepts in a differentiated approach. Using these science kits, I have been able to teach my students the importance of recycling, how the planets are aligned, the systems of the body, and the effects of weather on land. My students are learning. They are excited, and I am excited to teach. Thank you again for your generous contribution. We all greatly appreciate the gifts you have provided for our classroom.

Hopefully next year, I can start the school year off right with hands-on science projects.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Kruske