The cost of 30 white boards, dry erase markers, erasers and 30 handheld calculators for this proposal is $464, including shipping and <a target="new" href="http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm" onclick="g_openWindow('http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm', 300, 800, 'fulfillwindow');return false;">fulfillment</a>.
I teach 7th grade Life Science and Pre-Algebra at North Star Academy in Redwood City, CA. North Star Academy is a public magnet school for gifted students. I work towards creating a challenging and FUN learning environment in both subjects.
In Pre-Algebra, I look for exciting activities that give the students practice, assistance, and that provide me with assessment feedback. Last year, I invented "Lightning Math." Once a week, I prepare a dozen or so pre-algebra problems that mirror the current lessons. I uncover the problems one at a time. Each student uses a personal white board to quickly work through the problem. As they complete the problem, they hold up their white board. I canvas the room and give the students a thumbs up "woo hoo" or "oops, try again." Those students that quickly and correctly answer the problem can immediately help those students who are struggling. And, I get a quick and accurate sense of whether or not the lessons are being well understood. I can also tell which students are having trouble and make notes about who I need to help.
Lightning Math has proven to be extremely popular among the students -- as they get jazzed about the pace of the lessons and they have a lot of fun with the high-energy environment. They also get immediate feedback and help, if they need it.
Lightning Math requires personal-sized white boards, white board markers and erasers that can be shared. In additional, during the principle/interest lessons, students need classroom calculators. My request includes:
30 personal-sized white boards
60 white board markers
15 white board erasers
30 small calculators
Including Lightning Math in my classroom has enhanced and generally improved our pre-algebra curriculum. Having the materials in the classroom will enable all students to participate equally.
Thank you for considering this request.
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