How do we, as teachers, teach our students to be responsible citizens? We show them that their voices have impact and that they can make changes by involving them in service projects that give back to the community. The Hawks Nest is the environmental phase in the creation of our outdoor garden.
We are 98% African-American, 2% Caucasian, 1% Native American, and 1% Hispanic and Asian.
We are classified as a Title I school with 100% free and/or reduced breakfast-lunch. Although my students live in a depressed neighborhood that sees lots of crime and unemployment, they are willing to work hard to learn. Research shows that my students learn best when it is hands-on and experienced based. As the case with most Title I schools, there is a big emphasis on NCLB and state testing. This focus means that there is little time left to really focus in on how my kids learn best, hands-on. By being creative I have integrated the curriculum where I can meet the demands of NCLB and still meet the needs of my students.
My Project
Integrating the Disney Planet Challenge into the curriculum allows my students to participate in a project that taps into all of the Intelligences, and focuses on the higher levels of Bloom’s taxonomy. We are asking for an I-Pod Touch to help create a video of our project, The Hawks Nest, and to create how-you-can-help podcasts for the community. The Hawk’s Nest is a continuing project; each year a different phase of the project is completed by a different group of students. This year we will install the beds for flower and vegetable gardens. We have enlisted the aid of the community to help install the beds. The students will test the soil using the soil test kit and the environmental lab kit to find the best spots to place the beds. We will use our information to create how-to podcasts to share with the community. We will upload our photos and videos, edit and create our podcasts and then share them with Disney’s Planet Challenge, our school, and the community.
Every kid deserves to have access to equipment and resources that enhance their learning experience.
Having the opportunity to participate in the Disney Planet Project may produce the next Jane Goodall or Jacque Cousteau or inspire a invention that makes landfills useful. Who knows, a few dollars donated today may save the world millions later…
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Whitfield and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.