{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Forest Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":23.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8723780,"projectId":9919005,"letterContent":"3D printing has revolutionized our classroom by turning abstract concepts into tangible reality. Thanks to your generous donations of 3D PLA filament, our students are no longer just passive consumers of information; they have become creators and problem-solvers.\r\nHow the Technology Helps Students Learn\r\n1-While many use technology for entertainment, in our school, 3D printing is a bridge between theory and practice.\r\n2-Visualizing Complexity: Students can print and hold anatomical models for biology, geometric shapes for math, or historical artifacts, making \"invisible\" or abstract ideas graspable.\r\n3-Iterative Problem Solving: When a design fails to print correctly, students must troubleshoot their digital models and try again. This teaches them that failure is a necessary step in the engineering process.\r\n4-Career Readiness: Students are gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, preparing them for future careers in engineering, healthcare, and manufacturing.\r\n\r\nWhat Excites Students Most\r\n1-The most thrilling aspect for students is the \"magic\" of seeing a digital idea materialize into a physical object they can hold.\r\n2-The \"Aha!\" Moment: There is a unique excitement when they watch the printer extrude layers of PLA filament to build their own custom-designed project.\r\n3-Ownership: Students feel a deep sense of pride and empowerment when they successfully produce a functional part, such as a gear or a prototype for a real-world solution.\r\n\r\nStudents Who Have Thrived\r\n1-This technology has been particularly transformative for certain groups of learners:\r\nTactile and Visual Learners: Students who struggle with traditional textbooks often \"warm up\" to 3D printing because it provides a multisensory, hands-on experience that reinforces their understanding.\r\n2--Special Education Students: 3D printing allows for the creation of personalized learning aids, such as tactile maps or custom-grip tools, which foster independence and inclusion.\r\n3-Future Inventors: Students who were previously disengaged have found a new spark in \"Shark Tank\" style projects, where they design and print products to solve environmental or community problems.\r\n\r\nBy providing the necessary 3D PLA filament, you have given every student the opportunity to participate actively in their own learning journey.","fullyFundedDate":1764700512734,"projectUrl":"project/our-first-ever-3d-printing-project/9919005/","projectTitle":"Our First Ever 3D Printing Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Watson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723780_orig.png?crop=396,396,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666551689643","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8723780"},{"teacherId":8723780,"projectId":9937439,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of \"From Code Block to Sky: Drone Pilot Certification Project.\" Your contribution, combined with the incredible matching support from the Mazda, will provide students with the hands-on tools they need to master advanced aviation technology in 2026. \r\nClassroom Impact and Student Reactions\r\nUsing New Resources: Our students are currently using these drones to bridge learning gaps\r\nInitial Reactions: When we first unboxed the drones, the students were wide-eyed. Many had never held a drone before. Their immediate reaction was one of intense curiosity and empowerment—they realized that they weren't just playing with toys, but training on equipment used in modern engineering and environmental science. \r\n\r\nNext Steps for Our Project\r\nAs we move further into the school year, our focus is shifting toward FAA TRUST Certification:","fullyFundedDate":1764790273704,"projectUrl":"project/from-code-block-to-sky-drone-pilot-cert/9937439/","projectTitle":"From Code Block to Sky: Drone Pilot Certification Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Watson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723780_orig.png?crop=396,396,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666551689643","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8723780"},{"teacherId":8723780,"projectId":9859919,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our classroom! The addition of drone technology has transformed our learning environment into a high-tech lab of discovery. Here is how your contribution is making an impact in 2026:\r\nUsing New Resources\r\nWe are currently integrating these drones across multiple subjects. For example, in our recent \"Aerial Survey\" project, students used their drones to map the school grounds to identify areas for environmental improvement. Instead of just reading about geography, they are seeing it from a bird's-eye view, using the footage to create 3D models and digital maps. \r\nStudent Reactions\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the classroom was buzzing with excitement. For many students, this was their first time seeing a high-quality drone up close. One student described it as \"bringing a video game to life,\" while others were immediately curious about the mechanics of how the propellers create lift. The sheer enthusiasm and curiosity have already led to improved attendance and higher engagement in our STEM lessons. \r\nNext Steps for Our Project\r\nAs we move further into the 2026 school year, our students are transitioning from basic flight maneuvers to advanced autonomous coding. \r\nProgramming Skills: Students are learning to write scripts in Python and block-based languages to have drones perform \"search and rescue\" simulations without manual control.\r\nCareer Preparation: High school students are beginning their study for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification, a professional credential that will allow them to pursue careers in the booming drone industry immediately after graduation.\r\nCompetitions: We are also preparing teams for local Aerial Drone Competitions scheduled for 2026, where they will test their piloting and problem-solving skills against other schools. \r\nYour support has given these students a \"runway\" for their ideas to truly take flight. We look forward to sharing more of our progress with you!","fullyFundedDate":1763570776209,"projectUrl":"project/practice-makes-perfect-raising-the-bar-f/9859919/","projectTitle":"Practice Makes Perfect-Raising the Bar for Drone Team Piloting Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Watson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723780_orig.png?crop=396,396,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666551689643","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8723780"},{"teacherId":8723780,"projectId":9756478,"letterContent":"Dear amazing donors,Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom has truly taken flight—or should I say, landed on Mars! Your support for the \"Taking Our Learning to New Heights\" project, which provided us with HS 210 mini-drones, has fundamentally transformed the way my students approach STEM, spatial reasoning, and planetary exploration.\r\nThe Immediate Impact: Red Planet ReadinessT\r\nhe arrival of the drones was an unforgettable moment. When the boxes were opened, the reaction was pure, genuine awe and excitement. The small size of the HS 210s made them feel like accessible exploratory vehicles, turning our classroom into a mission control center.\r\nA Shift in Engagement: Students are now enthusiastically collaborating as mission specialists, solving complex navigation and resource deployment problems.The Power of Hands-On Learning: They don't just read about physics and atmospheric variables; they are actively piloting vehicles based on real-world constraints, understanding the critical nature of precise movement and fuel management.\r\n💡 Specifics in Flight: Navigating the Valles Marineris\r\nWhen they successfully executed the precise sequence of controls—rising just enough to clear the canyon rim and then descending exactly over their target coordinates—it was a powerful lesson in 3D coordinate geometry, complex planning, and perseverance. The whole class cheered for the successful \"Martian landing\" \r\nWhat's Next on the Horizon\r\nYour contribution has provided a fantastic foundation for these budding aerospace engineers. Now that the students are proficient in basic flight control and 3D navigation, our next steps will build on these skills:Atmospheric Modeling: We will introduce simulated Martian atmospheric challenges (like dust storms or low-density effects) to their flight plans. Students will have to program error corrections into their missions, using the drones to test the resilience of their code.\r\nData Collection and Reporting: \r\nStudents will design simple attachments (simulated sensors) for the HS 210s and refine their flight paths to maximize data collection efficiency. They will then present their findings in a formal mission debriefing to the class, enhancing their communication and technical reporting skills.We are so grateful that you helped us launch this ambitious project. You didn't just donate equipment; you gave our students a chance to be the next generation of space explorers.Thank you again for making our mission to Mars possible!","fullyFundedDate":1758904939494,"projectUrl":"project/taking-our-learning-to-new-heights/9756478/","projectTitle":"Taking Our Learning to New Heights","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Watson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723780_orig.png?crop=396,396,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666551689643","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8723780"},{"teacherId":8723780,"projectId":9666307,"letterContent":"How 3D Printing Transforms Learning\r\n\r\nFor many, 3D printing is a consumer novelty—a way to print a unique phone case or a holiday ornament. But in the classroom, this technology becomes a powerful, multidisciplinary tool that fundamentally changes how our students learn. Where traditional subjects rely on flat diagrams or abstract textbook descriptions, the 3D printer instantly turns concepts into tangible reality. For example, instead of just seeing a geometric solid in a math book or a complicated molecule in a chemistry text, students design, troubleshoot, and hold the physical object. This hands-on, multimodal learning approach dramatically improves spatial awareness, critical thinking, and retention, ensuring students don't just memorize facts, but truly grasp complex, three-dimensional relationships.\r\n\r\nWhat excites our students most about this technology is the immediate transition from concept to creator. The 3D printer effectively gives them a tiny manufacturing plant right here in the classroom. When given a challenge—like designing a better ergonomic grip for a classroom tool or creating a replica of an ancient artifact for a history lesson—they are empowered to iterate, fail fast, and refine their ideas. Seeing their digital design on a screen transform, layer by layer, into a real, functional object is incredibly motivating. This process, known as iterative design, encourages a crucial real-world engineering mindset: the realization that failure is simply a step toward a stronger solution.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been particularly notable among two groups: our visual learners and our students who thrive on collaboration. The instant visualization of geometric and biological structures has provided a lifeline for those who struggle with abstract models. Furthermore, the nature of 3D printing—from the initial design in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to managing the printing queue and troubleshooting mechanical failures—requires teamwork. Students are naturally clustering together, sharing CAD tips, delegating tasks, and helping each other fix design flaws. This has built collaboration and communication skills, turning the 3D printing station into an innovation hub where students with diverse strengths—technical, artistic, and analytical—warmly support each other's vision.","fullyFundedDate":1757512952851,"projectUrl":"project/3d-printing-building-a-stronger-tomorr/9666307/","projectTitle":"3D Printing - Building a Stronger Tomorrow","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Watson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723780_orig.png?crop=396,396,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666551689643","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8723780"},{"teacherId":8723780,"projectId":8360782,"letterContent":"A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Project Donors\r\n\r\nTo our incredible donors, we extend our sincerest gratitude for your generous support of the \"Radiometer Speed and Intensity Based On Light Strength and Angle\" project. Your belief in our scientific curiosity and our mission to explore the subtle yet powerful relationship between light and mechanical energy was the catalyst that brought this experiment to life. Because of your contributions, we were able to acquire the precision radiometer components, specialized light sources, and crucial data logging equipment needed to conduct our investigation rigorously. This funding didn't just buy equipment; it invested in hands-on learning, empowering our team to move beyond theoretical concepts and engage directly with the fascinating physics of radiation pressure.\r\n\r\nThe data we collected has been truly illuminating. Our investigation successfully mapped the correlation between light intensity and the rotational speed of the radiometer vanes, providing clear visual and quantitative proof of the energy transfer. Furthermore, the angle analysis confirmed our hypotheses regarding optimal light reception, deepening our understanding of light's particulate and wave-like behavior. This project has not only solidified our passion for physics and experimental design but has also produced tangible results that we plan to share with the wider community. We are excited about the potential applications of this knowledge in optimizing solar energy collection systems and even spacecraft propulsion designs.\r\n\r\nPlease know that your donation has an impact that extends far beyond the duration of this single project. You have fostered a spirit of innovation and scientific inquiry within our team. By providing the resources necessary for success, you have helped cultivate the next generation of researchers, engineers, and problem-solvers. From the initial design phase to the final presentation of our findings, your support was the constant source of motivation. Thank you once again for being such an essential partner in our scientific journey. We look forward to sharing our final report with you soon!","fullyFundedDate":1717767493489,"projectUrl":"project/radiometer-speed-and-intensity-based-on/8360782/","projectTitle":"Radiometer Speed and Intensity Based On Light Strength and Angle","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Watson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8723780_orig.png?crop=396,396,x0,y1&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666551689643","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8723780"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_54500","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":854,"numTeachers":60,"percentFrplEligible":23,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":78,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":6,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":76.8,"schoolId":54500,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Forest Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Forest Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/bedford-county-public-school-district/forest-middle-school/54500"}