Completed:Weigh-it One Second, It's Chemistry Time!
"I am an AP and Honors Chemistry teacher at an urban school in Illinois. In our district, science education has traditionally been more lecture/worksheet than laboratory-based, mostly because of lack of resources. I am continually challenging myself to change their experience to infuse more hands-o...
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"I am an AP and Honors Chemistry teacher at an urban school in Illinois. In our district, science education has traditionally been more lecture/worksheet than laboratory-based, mostly because of lack of resources. I am continually challenging myself to change their experience to infuse more hands-on activities. This year, I aim to involve students in more inquiry activities rather than providing "cookie-cutter" protocol labs.
An important feature of any chemistry lab is electronic balances. Unfortunately, the ones we have only go to one decimal place (0.1g), which is not accurate enough to do many chemistry experiments. I do have one analytical balance (0.0001g precision) that was donated by my family, but having every student use that scale slows down the progress of my class significantly and prevents completion of our labs within our 43 minute class periods. Though this would not represent a scale for every lab group, it would allow several groups to share an individual scale.
The kind of authentic educational experiences developed in an inquiry-based science classroom are essential to independent and creative thought. Your donation would enhance this kind of learning so that my students can gain acceptance to a college, graduate from high school, and have foundational skills to finish college.
Additionally, your generosity would allow me to continue to bridge the achievement gap between well- and under-resourced schools.
Dr. A. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
Jan 31, 2010
Dear Patty, Paul, ron, Ashley, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Uth, thomas, Laura, Mary Klenk, Tiffany, Dr. and Mrs. Sivaram VanderWyst, Alan, Jeff, P. Dillon, Matthew, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Anonymous Donors,
Thank you so much for the generosity that you have shown my students and myself. I was not sure that this proposal was going to be funded because the time had almost expired. However, you all came through for us just in time.
I look forward to sharing my students' experiences and photographs with you in the near future.
Again, I thank you for your philanthropy. It is because of people like you that I am able to continue to close the achievement gap between under-resourced and well-resourced schools.
With gratitude, Dr. A.
On Feb 1, 2010, Dr. A. followed this note with student letters sent via mail to the donor who completed this project, and to donors who gave $100 or more.
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Hope B. (volunteer)
on Sep 4, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested technology and posted this project.
Ryan G. (associate)
on Sep 5, 2009
"I donated because I want to support kids in Illinois (Chicago)."
Matthew
from Chicago, IL
gave
on Jan 14, 2010
"Dear Matthew,
Thanks for getting this started! Please spread the word. My students definitely need this equipment.
Dr. A"
The teacher Dr. A.
on Jan 14, 2010
"Thanks, Matthew! Thanks for getting us started. Please spread the word.
Dr. A"
The teacher Dr. A.
on Jan 14, 2010
"I donated because I want to support kids in Illinois (Chicago)."
A donor
gave
on Jan 14, 2010
"Dear Donor, Thanks for your generosity. Please tell your friends and family ... only 27 days left!
Dr. A"
The teacher Dr. A.
on Jan 14, 2010
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Uth
from Chicago, IL
gave
on Jan 14, 2010
"Dear Mr and Mrs Uth,
My students and I are very grateful for your donation!
Dr. A"
The teacher Dr. A.
on Jan 14, 2010
"I gave to this project because I remember "tare weight" from highschool"
A donor
gave
on Jan 15, 2010
"Dear Donor,
My students and I promise to "tare" them up ... that's a good thing, I promise! Thanks, and please tell your friends (only 26 days left).
Dr. A"
The teacher Dr. A.
on Jan 15, 2010
"I like Science and Chemistry was one of my favorite subjects in high school."
P. Dillon
from Indiana
gave
on Jan 16, 2010
"Dear P. Dillon,
If you were one of my students, I would give you an "A"! Thank you,
Dr. A"
The teacher Dr. A.
on Jan 16, 2010
"I donated because I want to support kids in Illinois (Chicago)."
Tiffany
from Illinois
gave
on Jan 21, 2010
"Thanks so much, Tiffany. Please spread the word. Dr. A"
The teacher Dr. A.
on Jan 21, 2010
"I donated because the project will bring important learning opportunities to the classroom."
Paul
from Georgia
gave
on Jan 23, 2010
"Dear Paul, Thank you very much. Your generosity will definitely lead to substantive learning! Only 18 days remaining ... please share with friends and family.
Dr. A"
The teacher Dr. A.
on Jan 23, 2010
"I donated because I want to support kids in Illinois (Chicago)."
Ashley
from Illinois
gave
on Jan 26, 2010
"Dear Ashley,
Thank you so much for your generosity. Dr. A"
The teacher Dr. A.
on Jan 26, 2010
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Applied Sciences education."
A donor
gave
on Jan 26, 2010
"I gave to this project because Dr A. is a dedicated teacher who is trying to do right by his students despite budget short comings. Way to go above and beyond, I wish there were more teachers like you!"
Mary Klenk
from California
gave
on Jan 27, 2010
"Dear Mary,
You are too kind, both in words and action. Thank you so much! Dr. A"
The teacher Dr. A.
on Jan 27, 2010
"I gave to this project because I believe in the importance of science in our education system. It provides a great foundation for all kinds of learning and real-world situations, and we need more great scientists that come from unlikely places."
Jeff
from California
gave
on Jan 27, 2010
"Dear Jeff, Thank you for believing in me and my students. With your help, they will have the opportunity to be great. Dr. A"
The teacher Dr. A.
on Jan 27, 2010
Laura
from New York
gave
on Jan 27, 2010
"Dear Laura,
Thank you so much. We will make great use of these balances.
Dr. A"
The teacher Dr. A.
on Jan 27, 2010
"I gave to this project because I think students should have the necessary tools for learning skills for the 21st century."
A donor
gave
on Jan 28, 2010
"Dear Donor,
With your help, my students will become free-thinking, intelligent citizens. Thank you so much,
Dr. A"
The teacher Dr. A.
on Jan 28, 2010
"I donated because I want to support kids in Illinois (Chicago)."
A donor
gave
on Jan 29, 2010
"I donated because I want to support kids in STEM fields and activities. "
Dr. and Mrs. Sivaram VanderWyst
from Tucson, AZ
gave
on Jan 30, 2010
"I donated because I want to support kids in Illinois (Chicago)."
thomas
from Wisconsin
gave
on Jan 30, 2010
"Dear Dr. and Mrs. VanderWyst,
Thank you for your support.
Dr. A"
The teacher Dr. A.
on Jan 30, 2010
"Dear Thomas,
Thanks so much. You're helping create the next generation of scientists.
Dr. A"
The teacher Dr. A.
on Jan 30, 2010
"I gave to this project because I grew up the child of a single mother. The opportunities at my public school gave me hope that I would be successful one day; regardless of what others may have perceived as society's limitations. Go for it!"
A donor
gave
on Jan 30, 2010
"Dear Donor,
I believe that setting high expectations for my students and a way for them to get there is the best service that I can provide. Your support is critical to this endeavor.
Dr. A"
The teacher Dr. A.
on Jan 30, 2010
Alan
from Redwood City, CA
gave
on Jan 30, 2010
"Dear Alan,
Thanks for giving to my classroom and my students' education! You're great!!
Dr. A"
The teacher Dr. A.
on Jan 30, 2010
"I am inspired by teachers who care enough to go the extra mile for their students"
ron
from
gave
on Jan 30, 2010
"Dear Ron,
My students and I thank you for your support.
Dr. A"
The teacher Dr. A.
on Jan 31, 2010
"I work for NASA and want to help inspire the next generation of explorers."
Patty
from Campbell, CA
gave
on Jan 31, 2010
"We provided DonorsChoose.org with matching funds for projects that improve college readiness. We believe that when all people in the United States have the opportunity to develop their talents, our society thrives."
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Hope B. (volunteer)
on Sep 4, 2009
