"I teach 8th grade science in a diverse, urban K-8 school. I am part of a three-teacher team. There is also a Math teacher and a Humanities teacher, who teaches a combination of social studies and language arts. My students learn best by DOING - by immersing themselves in a topic and finding out e...
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"I teach 8th grade science in a diverse, urban K-8 school. I am part of a three-teacher team. There is also a Math teacher and a Humanities teacher, who teaches a combination of social studies and language arts. My students learn best by DOING - by immersing themselves in a topic and finding out everything they can about it - the history, the people, the experiments... anything and everything. Our teaching team would like to give the students an experience like no other. We will do a thematic unit on Space. My students need two model rocket launch sets, which include 24 rockets, 24 engines, a launch controller and launch pad in each set; they need three bulk packs of 12 rockets each, two packs of model rocket engines, and 14 packs of 6 rocket igniters. They need four altitude finders, and they also need 35 copies of the book "Rocket Boys", by Homer Hickam. The Humanities teacher will teach the history (it will fit in well with her U.S. History curriculum), starting in the 1950's with the Soviet launch of Sputnik. She will have the students read the book "Rocket Boys", which tells the inspirational story of a group of boys who witness Sputnik and get motivated to launch rockets, eventually winning a national science fair. While reading the book, the students will find out about the United States space program and the Space Race, learning about the NASA missions from the 1950's to the present, incorporating important events from history that occurred during those times.
In science class, the students will learn about the Earth, moon, and space through activities and lessons that align with the science standards. As a culminating activity, every student will design and launch a rocket of their own. The math teacher will use this rocket launching as an opportunity for students to apply basic trigonometry skills by using an altitude finder and calculating the height of their rocket. There is so much to learn about the universe and space, and a new era of space exploration is beginning. But students have to know the past, have to have a passion for the future, in order for this next phase to be successful. By doing a unit that incorporates the history of the United States, the heroes of early space travel, and a hands-on activity like rocket building, these students will have the knowledge and skills to become the next generation of decision-makers.
My students need two model rocket launch sets, three bulk packs of 12 rockets each, two packs of model rocket engines, and 14 packs of 6 rocket igniters. They need four altitude finders, and they also need 35 copies of the book "Rocket Boys" by Homer Hickam.
HIDE
Mrs. K. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
Nov 16, 2009
Dear Jay, Palmer, mr. & mrs., Karen, Marianne, Mike, Heather, Dawn and Jonathan Garrison, Will Cole, The Happy Couple, Kristi, Stephanie, carmela, Matthew, Margaret, Juliana, Susan, Bill, Kumar, Ross, andres, Rachel, Stacey, M. Edium, KP, Jared, Kerry, Joe, Sarah, Anneliese, Arlene, not, Traci, Brandy, Carly, eliana, Andria L.M., M. Giant and M. Edium, Taylor, bob and Anonymous Donors,
I can't even begin to express my thanks for your support. My students and I are so excited to do this project. I am now able to refer to "later in the year, when we build our rockets"... and the kids perk up and start to ask questions about it! We can't wait! It is only due to your generosity that we are able to have this experience. Times are really tough in schools, and to reach outside of the mundane requires not only creativity but funding. Thank you so much for supplying us with the financial support that will help us do so! With gratitude,
Mrs. K.
Photos coming soon!
Region:
Minnesota
Where is the classroom located? 
Submitted:
Jul 22, 2009
| Expires:
Dec 28, 2009
Additional Details
Level:
Grades 6-8
School type:
Magnet
Teacher's funded projects:
9
Thank-you punctuality:
100%
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Rebecca U. (volunteer)
on Jul 25, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested supplies and posted this project.
John C. (associate)
on Jul 27, 2009
"The one thing that inspired me most as a kid was the space program. Our middle school had a model rocket program, which although it didn't win you any popularity contests, it sure was a great place to be for those of us who wanted to be scientists and engineers. "
Joe
from Minnesota
gave
in support of Minnesota
on Sep 9, 2009
"That's my number one goal as a teacher - give kids the experiences that will help them with future endeavors. Thanks!"
The teacher Mrs. K.
on Sep 9, 2009
"Thanks so much for your generosity! We are so excited to do this project."
The teacher Mrs. K.
on Oct 12, 2009
"I gave to this project because both my husband, and I had the opportunity to launch rockets in our grade schools, and it was a transformative experience all kids should have. Also, I'm a native Minnesotan."
"I too had this opportunity when I was younger, and it was something that I'll never forget. Thanks for helping to make it possible!"
The teacher Mrs. K.
on Oct 19, 2009
"This sounds like a big, awesome project! I also donated because I want to support kids in MN (where I also completed my K-12 education)."
"We donated because M. Edium (age 5) loves science and wants everyone else to love it, too."
M. Giant and M. Edium
from Minneapolis, MN
gave
in support of Bet Red: Tomato Nation Contest '09
on Oct 21, 2009
"Thank you for encouraging our future students to become involved! And thanks for helping make this project possible!"
The teacher Mrs. K.
on Oct 21, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Applied Sciences education."
Kerry
from New Jersey
gave
in support of Gawker Media's Giving Page
on Oct 21, 2009
"I gave to this project because it's M.Edium's birthday, and he loves this project!"
"Thanks to you and M.Edium! I am so grateful!"
The teacher Mrs. K.
on Oct 23, 2009
"I am donating in honour of M.Edium who is celebrating his 5th birthday. Bet Red in 2009!"
"Thank you so much!"
The teacher Mrs. K.
on Oct 24, 2009
"I gave to this project because I wish I could be a student in that class! Also, we live in MN and wanted to help a school right here at home. Can we come watch the launch? "
Helene & Ralph
from Minnesota
gave
in honor of The Happy Couple
on Oct 27, 2009
"I gave to this project because science is awesome!"
"I agree! Thanks for donating!"
The teacher Mrs. K.
on Oct 29, 2009
"I was inspired by awesome teachers who made learning exciting, and I hope this project does the same for you!"
Angie
from Indianapolis, IN
gave
in honor of M. Edium
in support of Bet Red: Tomato Nation Contest '09
on Oct 29, 2009
"I gave to this project for the Tomato Nation Bet Red, and because M.Edium supports it!"
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Applied Sciences education."
Will Cole
from New York, NY
gave
in support of This is going to be BIG!
on Oct 30, 2009
"Thank you so much! My students are so lucky to have your support."
The teacher Mrs. K.
on Oct 31, 2009
A donor
gave
on Oct 31, 2009
"I helped with this project hoping that everyone will have fun and enjoy the creative way that these teachers have come up with to teach science. Have fun and learn a lot!"
"The "Bet Red" drive from tomatonation.com moved me to give, but *you* all inspired me. The school years are so very important in forming what you'll become, and I want you to have every opportunity possible to grow up healthy and dreaming. I don't want a lack of funding to keep you from exploring your futures. You *matter,* and I'm giving the funds to prove it!"
"The kids need to hear this message WAY more often! Thank you so much!"
The teacher Mrs. K.
on Nov 1, 2009
"I gave to this project because I grew up during a time when space travel was only a dream and that dream stirred a passion for science. I hope the students can dream and have a passion to achieve their dream."
Heather
from Alameda, CA
gave
on Nov 1, 2009
"Thank you so much for your help in making this project happen, and making my students' dreams reality!"
The teacher Mrs. K.
on Nov 1, 2009
"the need for science and math education for our children to remain competitive in the world is great....and childhood is where an interest in these subjects can have a life long impact.........and I want to support the dedicated teachers that struggle to provide opportunities with limited resources for OUR kids"
Marianne
from Alexandria, VA
gave
on Nov 3, 2009
"It is so hard to be "creative" in today's economy - thanks for helping me be able to make this project happen!"
The teacher Mrs. K.
on Nov 3, 2009
"I gave to this project because it expands minds when experimenting, and this is a wonder way to do so."
Andria L.M.
from Texas
gave
on Nov 3, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Applied Sciences education."
A donor
gave
on Nov 4, 2009
"I gave to this project because 8th period rocks!!"
eliana
from Texas
gave
on Nov 4, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in education."
Jay
from Sunnyvale, CA
gave
on Nov 8, 2009
"Thank you for your belief in education - we need everyone's support to help our kids grow up to be great thinkers!"
The teacher Mrs. K.
on Nov 8, 2009
"Sounds like something I would like to do."
andres
from California
gave
on Nov 8, 2009
"That's one of the ways that I plan - would I enjoy doing this? This unit...YES! Thanks!"
The teacher Mrs. K.
on Nov 8, 2009
"I gave to this project because I built model rockets as a kid in SD. Some of the best times of my life. Rocketry teaches multiple sciences and I would encourage anyone to get into."
Palmer
from el cajon, CA
gave
on Nov 8, 2009
"I donated because I want to support young students and their teachers who care."
Ross
from Casa Grande, AZ
gave
on Nov 8, 2009
"It is so encouraging to me as a teacher that so many people are supporting my students and this project. Thanks for the boost!"
The teacher Mrs. K.
on Nov 8, 2009
Arlene
gave
on Nov 9, 2009
Carly
gave
on Nov 9, 2009
Brandy
gave
on Nov 9, 2009
Traci
gave
on Nov 9, 2009
Kumar
gave
on Nov 9, 2009
mr. & mrs.
from washington, DC
gave
on Nov 9, 2009
carmela
from delray, FL
gave
on Nov 9, 2009
Matthew
gave
on Nov 9, 2009
Margaret
gave
on Nov 9, 2009
bob
from brooklyn, NY
gave
on Nov 9, 2009
"I gave to this project because science is neat... heck, this would be a fun project for anyone!"
"Thanks! I think so too - and thank you so, so much for helping me make it possible!"
The teacher Mrs. K.
on Nov 9, 2009
Susan
gave
on Nov 9, 2009
Juliana
from Oregon
gave
on Nov 9, 2009
Taylor
gave
on Nov 9, 2009
Project fully funded!
Happy news
on Nov 9, 2009
The teacher Mrs. K.
on Nov 16, 2009
Purchased the supplies for Mrs. K.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.
Jenni D. (staff member)
on Nov 16, 2009
"May the student's dream begin."
Heather
from Alameda, CA
on Nov 16, 2009
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