Past projects 69
What's in the Water?
Funded Nov 3, 2013My students were so excited to receive the LabQuest 2. They immediately wanted to start exploring our world and testing the different sensors. The students felt it was like having a minicomputer in their hands and the shape reminded them of smart phones. I can't believe how many questions they asked.
We began our exploration of the quality of water by collecting different samples of water and soils. The students then collected data with the LabQuest 2 using PH sensors to test the acid levels. They also tested nearby soils to compare acid and moisture levels. Several students brought samples from home. The LabQuest 2 converted the data into instant graphs for comparison and allowed them to add notes about observations.
My students were completely engaged and couldn't wait to get to class each day. They have now experienced a real world application of testing water quality. Instant graphs help the students connect their actions to the graph. When my students are excited, it makes class come alive. They are eager to explore more concepts. Now I can include more math in the science lessons as they gain greater understanding and retain this knowledge because they enjoyed the technology method of learning”
With gratitude,
Mrs. L.
This classroom project was brought to life by Disney and 5 other donors.Weather, Weather Everywhere
Funded May 9, 2011Your generous donation has created a whirlwind of activity and excitement in my classroom. The students dove into exploring weather and have become expert weather reporters. They feel professional using the huge map with weather symbols and enjoy watching the weather change across the day. As each class arrives they adjust the readings on the map to match conditions we view on TV. Everyday they ask to play weather Bingo. It is interesting that they did not know many answers at the start but now everyone seems to know it all.
I am moved by such generosity and the impact on my students. They can't believe that someone who does not know us has sent us these wonderful gifts. We talk about helping others and that they can do it to, maybe not with money donations but by helping others in different ways. You have inspired my class in many ways and expect a few might explore the weather in a future career. Thank you again. ”
With gratitude,
Mrs. L.
Lights, Action, Science!
Funded May 5, 2011Your wonderful donation supplying arts and crafts material to our classroom has inspired my student's creativity. I am amazed at the ideas they developed for their stop action animations. As we studied erosion, weathering and deposition, the students developed 15 second animations taking as many as 120 shots to develop their concept. The detail many added surprised me, I think we have some future movie makers.
The variety of creations exceeded my expectations. The pride they exhibited as we played the animations for the whole class was overwhelming. They could not wait to show their own production and furthermore they wanted to see everyone's work. Now they want to make more animations in every topic we study. You have truly inspired my science class. Again thank you for inspiring and believing in our work.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. L.
Digital Dynamic Weather
Funded Nov 18, 2010Thank you for your generous donation. Your impact on my student's lives will affect them in a way they will not realize until they are older. The weather station was set up and running weeks before our weather unit and I was delighted to see how curious they were about it. Some students came in daily and checked readings. they asked lots of questions about how it worked. By the time we started the unit everyone couldn't wait to take daily readings. My students came to class faster because the first ones in got to record the data. they were never this excited about reading the wall thermometer or barometer. We tracked weather for a month officially BUT they still continue even though the weather unit is done. they began telling me that a storm was coming because the barometer reading was falling.
Your presence in our classroom was felt through this equipment. Their excitement about weather is from your belief in hands-on learning. We can't thank you enough.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. L.
This classroom project was brought to life by Disney's Planet Challenge and 9 other donors.Green Data Collecting
Funded Nov 27, 2010Thank you for your generous donation. You have impacted my student's lives in a way they will not realize until they are older. The Vernier LabQuest is a wonderful data collector. The students are enticed by the similarity to PDA's. Even though i had prepared to "teach" them how to use it, they were showing me new things within 5 minutes of handling it. We are recording temperatures, PH, magnetism, and motion. More importantly it makes graphing come to life as the actions they control show immediately on the graphs.
Your presence in our classroom was felt through this equipment. Their excitement about testing and exploring everything possible is from your belief in hands-on learning. We can't thank you enough.
”
With gratitude,
Mrs. L.
This classroom project was brought to life by Disney's Planet Challenge and 3 other donors.Sun Power on the Go
Funded Dec 1, 2009I just wanted to let you know how excited my students were to test out the solar panels and see how the sun can power our electrical needs. They hooked the panels to the small motors using the alligator clips you donated. Next they designed different items to attach...like fans made from yogurt lids. Finally they placed the panels in the sunny window and under the clamp lamps. They were so excited to see their fans spinning. there is nothing like hands on experiments to increase learning in students. we discussed how this "free" energy resource might power the cars of the future and our homes. While all this exists now, it is not common and it is their generation that must demand that it become common. I hope they will take the excitement with them into their own homes and look at their electrical usage hopefully creating alternative sources of energy.
Your donation has made a huge impact on them, not only have you provided a way to understand solar power as an energy source but they can see how generous strangers can be when they see excitement and passion for interesting projects. I always tell them that dreams can come true if they put some effort into reaching them. Today they conquer the got free power from the sun, tomorrow they hopefully will drive and live in a solar powered world!! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. L.
This classroom project was brought to life by Disney's Planet Challenge and 3 other donors.Recycle Mania
Funded Dec 2, 2009I just wanted to let you know how excited my students were to begin their recycling program. Every week I have too many volunteers to empty the recycle bin. We are counting the number of bottles and cans that are received so we can compare it with the landfill numbers. They know they are helping to save our world but I want them to figure out how much land they are impacting. This is a gift that will keep giving. I hope they will take the excitement with them into their own homes and begin recycling there. If they create these habits now, then they will be able to pass it on to their own children someday.
Your donation has made a huge impact on them, not only have you provided a way to recycle but they can see how generous strangers can be when they see excitement and passion for interesting projects. I always tell them that dreams can come true if they put some effort into reaching them. Today they conquer the school trash, tomorrow the world!! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. L.
This classroom project was brought to life by Disney's Planet Challenge and 2 other donors.Safety Scientist Shades
Funded May 5, 2009I cannot express my gratitude enough for your generous donation that supplied my science class with safety goggles. We have already done more labs than previous years. My students were impressed with the "cool" colorful goggles. Cheers erupted when they realized many more hands-on activities would be forthcoming. Now they feel safe. Your gift makes them feel like the real scientists they are. Thank you again for coming through when the economic downturn resulted in budget cuts. Discovery grows again.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. L.
Digital Life Survey
Funded Dec 17, 2008Thank you so much for your generosity. Your donation will inspire the creativity and love of learning in many of my students. I cannot wait to see their faces when I share the news of the camera. We have so many additional projects that we can use it with as well as the "Digital Life Survey" project that I posted. The children are so media savvy that I know this will enhance my instruction in the classroom. You have made a difference in our lives. Thank you with all my spirit”
With gratitude,
Mrs. L.