Splat! In your face! We're supporting the 2011 Tomato Nation Contest with a messy spread of projects using the gross, shocking, and unexpected to encourage learning in middle schools. From eyeballs to poop, shark attacks to skin disorders, these projects demonstrate an understanding of the peculiar sensitivities of middle school learners. These teachers are pulling out all the stops!
The eyeballs you provided were a huge success. The students were simultaneously disgusted and amazed. It really helped them to understand the structures of the eye. Prior to this lab experiment, students could not grasp exactly how light entered the eye and caused an object to be seen. The idea of something in there eye called a lens conjured images of tiny magnifying glasses sewn behind their pupils. Dissecting the eyeballs was a wonderful kinesthetic activity that really helped the students understand the abstract concept of how we can see images. The students were also able to see how fragile the eye really is and why it must be taken care of. Thank you very much for helping me to explain such an important abstract concept and for giving the students such a unique experience.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Guerrero
This classroom project was brought to life by Carolina Biological Supply Company and 2 other donors.
Thank you so very much for your important contribution to science education. The students are seriously excited about utilizing these books when they complete their study of the physics of motion. They have been sneaking peeks at the books while they think I am not looking. I let them know that donors like you made this a possibility in our classroom. They were stunned that strangers would donate money for them. Your acts have shown these students how concern for others is critical in a successful society/community.
The quizzes have arrived and been installed, and my students are busily reading and testing. Thank you so much for your generous donation! With a varied group of readers, ranging from beginners to nearly on grade level, a system for managing reading in our classroom is critical. The quizzes you donated provide accountability and structure to a situation that could be chaotic.
From picture books on tsunamis to first chapter books, there is something for everyone in this quiz set. Thank you again for supporting students and learning. Your gift is helping young people become avid readers.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Livingstone
This classroom project was brought to life by Townsend Press and 11 other donors.
My appreciation goes out to all of you that donated science materials to my classroom. The ink pads, magnifying glasses and beakers have already been used in my crime scene investigations on fingerprinting, fiber identification and broken glass densities. Students investigated and solved crime scenes by collecting and examining evidence that has made learning more meaningful and so engaging. As one student said, "this is so cool, this is what real investigators do!"
With all the state, district and building budget cuts; many of these resources would not be available if if not for your generous donations. It is important that each of you know that these materials will be used repeatedly in my investigative units for years to come, benefiting hundreds of students.
Thank you so much on behalf of my students today and in the future,
We've got a wonderful problem in our classroom: too many books! As the Bluford High series books began---and continued--- to arrive, we created stacks of delicious new books at the edges of our classroom. Now we are surrounded by walls of appealing books, and the kids are reading!
Thank you for supporting the developing readers in my classroom. With the new eReader and an assortment of appealing books, my students will be able to both investigate an interesting topic and strengthen their reading skills.
Your kind generosity is helping students learn to love reading. Thank you again.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Livingstone
This classroom project was brought to life by Townsend Press and 5 other donors.
Thank you! You may never comprehend the impact your donation had upon the impressionable young minds within my classroom.
The ability to have their own dissection specimens was invaluable. Students made personal connections to their own eyes and documented all that they observed. Students had an opportunity to overcome their own inhibitions about dissections and understand the larger impact of this experience. Many eagerly discussed what they wanted to dissect next! That reaction alone is immeasurable. Once again, thank you for your generosity.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Holland
This classroom project was brought to life by Merck Company Foundation and 11 other donors.
For five weeks, my students studied, observed, and collected data using the hermit crabs that you all so generously donated. The projects went very well, and the students were excited every day when they entered class and were able to make observations of the hermit crabs. Three small groups of students did such a phenomenal job on their projects that they were invited to present their work at the American Museum of Natural History during the Urban Advantage Science Expo 2011! Some students even adopted the crabs for the weekend to do their part in caring for the organisms. This became quite a scientific event this year in my classroom. Students from other grades were expressing jealousy and interest in learning about the crabs as well. This tells me that they will continue to provide learning experiences in the coming school year. Thank you again!”
I want to thank you so much for supporting my students and my classroom. As a science teacher I want to offer my students a truly visceral and life long memories, and your support has given my students one more opportunity. Living and working in a small rural town few educational resources the support of others who have never met me or my students is truly inspiring and warms my heart to know that others are willing to support and help these children. Thank you again for support.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Straub
This classroom project was brought to life by Carolina Biological Supply Company and 6 other donors.
I can't express how thrilled I am to be able to receive these materials, and so quickly, too! As a teacher, one of the most rewarding experiences is being able to put an engaging book into the hands of a waiting student. Studies have shown that the number one way to increase reading level and comprehension in students is to have them read, read, and read some more. In this information age, there are so many mediums competing for students' attention, that it takes a great novel to win out over video games and facebook!
Many of my students finish our class novel excited about the genre. It is so great to have access to books that I would like to suggest to them to read next! Nothing kills a reading buzz like having to wait 6+ weeks on the public library wait list for a popular novel. Updating and expanding our library selections helps to make reading more hip and accessible. I'm really excited about the selections that I was able to acquire, thanks to your generosity.
My thanks can summed-up by the following statement from my student Sierra. She started reading The Hunger Games (one of the books purchased through your donations) just yesterday. Today she came in exclaiming, "Last night I read from page 57 to page 157! I was so tired and should have gone to bed, but I just couldn't stop reading—it is soooo good!" Thank you for helping me to give my students reading experiences like that!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Schoolcraft-Norton
This classroom project was brought to life by Townsend Press and 4 other donors.
Thank you again for making it possible for my students to read a great collection of books about killers in the natural world. From toxic jellyfish to venomous molds, the world of dangerous plants and animals is fascinating to my middle school students. These books, with their bright, engaging covers and unforgettable photos, are successfully pulling some of my most reluctant readers right into the world of reading!
Thank you again for supporting the learners in my classroom. Your gift is helping build readers.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Livingstone
This classroom project was brought to life by Townsend Press and 5 other donors.
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