Past projects 10
Peers-Teaching-Peers in Computer Science
Funded Oct 21, 2015Thank you so much for the camera. Just this week we were able to use the camera for the first time.
On Friday, we had a super confusing lesson where we simulated routers learning information from their neighbors in order to figure out how information could be sent from one router to another with the shortest distance possible. The first time we ran through the protocol, things were hectic; some groups were able to find the shortest paths, others were at a loss. The following Monday, we retried the protocol and we able to get into a flow. We filmed it for the younger students who were not in the classroom and shared the footage the next day. Students were also able to access the footage on the Internet. The video camera allowed for an effective transfer of knowledge. Without your help, it wouldn't have been able to happen.
Thank you for revolutionizing my classroom!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Shorall
Saturday + SAT Prep = Success
Funded Feb 14, 2015It is a joy to be able to write a quick note of appreciation right after the SAT test. I wish I could show you every text I received from students after the exam saying that they felt prepared. I wish you could have overheard every conversation where kids expressed confident. I wish you could have received all of the high-fives.
Thanks again for making SAT prep a reality for my students. Kids felt more prepared than ever before. I know that their scores will reflect the advantage that your generosity gave them. Thanks again!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Shorall
College-Bound Oakland Students Need AP, SAT, & ACT Exam Prep
Funded Oct 1, 2014Thank you again for your generous gift of review books. When the books were delivered en masse, it felt a little like Christmas came early. Students were thrilled to have received this resource and they started using them immediately. They flipped through the pages, pointing to content they recognized and noting how much they still had to learn. Already I have students saying, "I was confused by molecular homologies, but then I reviewed the overview in the Barron's book -- it was enough to let me understand them!" In Computer Science the books are particularly helpful because we are yet to receive textbooks from our district. These resources make a real impact.
My students and I are so touched by how many people pitched in to get us exam prep materials. We promise to work our hardest to honor your commitment to our class.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Shorall
Tinkering with Microcontrollers: Hands-On Computer Science
Funded Aug 23, 2014Thank you so much for donating Arduinos to my classroom; my students have been tinkering almost every day after school since we received the kits. Even more exciting for me, however, is the number of students who are not in any of classes, but have been inspired to stop by and learn about electronics. The Arduinos, as I predicted, are serving as a catalyst to get students interested in computer science and engineering. Your gift is invaluable.
To update, a team of six of my young, female engineers are competing in a "hardware hackathon" later this month and we are using the Arduinos to help formulate our pitch.
Once again, thank you for generously supporting my classroom -- we love our open-source hardware!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Shorall
This classroom project was brought to life by Gates Foundation Back To School and 7 other donors.Aspiring Computer Scientists Need Laptops for New AP Class
Funded Jul 28, 2014I cannot express my appreciation enough for your generosity which made my AP Computer Science class a reality. When I first floated the idea of this class, I knew that there would be barriers -- who would teach it? where would we get the computers? could every student get access to the Internet at home? -- but I knew the benefits of offering the class would outweigh any of the challenges. Students will start the class on Monday and they could not be more thrilled to all have their own computers on which to learn how to code. From the bottom of all of our hearts, thank you for believing in us and getting us the tools to succeed. You all are amazing partners in this work.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Shorall
We Want to Code: Laptops for a NEW Computer Science Program
Funded Jun 5, 2014Thank you so much for providing my students with the technology they need to become the best computer scientists and engineers. We love our laptops! The kids were overjoyed to open the boxes. The computers make a tangible difference in and outside of the classroom. Students are able to use them to learn Java, explore projects with micro-controllers, and make websites. They are learning the skills they will need to further their studies and pursue careers in technology.
Your gift makes a real difference.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Shorall
Laptops For NEW AP Computer Science Class
Funded May 5, 2014My students were thrilled to open up their new Ultrabooks! Having new computers to use is an excitement that many of my students have never had. The best part for them, however, is knowing that they will have the same chances as other students who are taking AP Computer Science test next year to practice. As a teacher, I am so pleased to have received the resources before June, allowing for the technology to be used as a catalyst for summer learning,
Students will use the Ultrabooks to access online coding programs like Code Academy and Khan Academy over the summer. Then, next year, students will have the computers both in AP Computer Science and at home to maximize their practice time.
Your donation is critical as we start of a computer science revolution at my high-needs high school. I plan to provide not only computer science courses, but also clubs, participation in local hackathons, field trips, etc. for my students. I cannot thank you enough for believing in me and my young engineers.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Shorall
This classroom project was brought to life by Innovate Foundation and one other donor.Bring Tech to East Oakland: Computers for Aspiring Engineers
Funded Mar 25, 2014Thank you so much for the gift of Chromebooks for my classroom. The impact has been immediate. As we speak, a group of young women are enrolling in a program to learn the basics of programming through drawing and animation. Next year, our high school will become the second in our district to offer an AP Computer Science class and these computers will be loaned to students to further their work outside of the classroom. Computer science is becoming a thing that students in our high school are excited about and can see themselves studying. In light of our proximity to Silicon Valley and the immense amount of resource that a career in technology could provide for my students, I am committed to furthering computer science even more in the years to come.
Your gift is life-changing for my students; it opens a door to new possibilities and a brighter future.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Shorall
Extra [Math] Problems for Calculus Scholars
Funded Oct 27, 2013I cannot express how excited my students were when they received their Calculus review books. We were just starting integration by parts -- morale was sort of low -- and then the shipment arrived. All of a sudden, there was a flurry of enthusiasm. They each were thrilled to have their own book. They started writing in them and doing practice problems immediately. I sent them out of my room and into their other classes. Teachers commented about how weird it was that a Calculus prep book had become the day's cool, new accessory. They were definitely a hit.
Since we received the books, we have been using them to review for this year's exam. It is so helpful that every student can have their own book at home. It is allowing for their study process to be self-paced. They are becoming more and more like college students every day.
It is my hope that one or two of my students join you at UC Berkeley's School of Engineering in the coming year -- and then hopefully more the year after that. I am so grateful to your family for making this a reality for my students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Shorall
Instant Access To Calculus Tutorials
Funded Jan 16, 2013Thank you so much for generously donating to my classroom. The laptop that you provided has allowed my students to access Calculus tutorials to supplement their in-class instruction. Additionally, we have used the computer to apply for scholarships and math/science related summer programs. Both the students and I appreciate having this extra tool at our disposable.
The funding that you give to math and science classrooms all over the Bay has been crucial in creating more equitable educational experiences for the most deserving students. I cannot express my appreciations enough.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Shorall