{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Cocopah Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":15.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2248835,"projectId":9704087,"letterContent":"Thank you for your support of our science classroom — I appreciate the partnership we share students' learning. I wanted to share a brief update about our podcast science project that energized our students and deepened their understanding of chemistry in a memorable, creative way.\r\n\r\nDuring our chemistry unit read The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean, which introduced students to the surprising, often dramatic stories behind elements on the periodic table. The book sparked curiosity and conversation: students were drawn to tales of scientific rivalry, strange discoveries, and the human stories connected to elements. After reading, each student selected a story from the book that resonated with them and committed to learning more. They carried out focused research, dug into sources, and worked to separate myth from fact so their final pieces would be accurate and meaningful.\r\n\r\nFollowing research, students wrote their own scripts. The scripting stage required them to organize facts, decide what details best supported the narrative, and think about how to explain scientific ideas clearly for a listener. Writing for an audience encouraged them to prioritize clarity, engage with sequencing and tone, and practice academic honesty by citing sources. Many students revised drafts after practicing their podcast, which strengthened both content and delivery.\r\n\r\nThe new classroom microphones transformed the final phase: recording. Having quality microphones made an incredible difference. Students were excited to use the equipment — they approached the recording sessions with real focus and care. The microphones captured clear, amazing-sounding audio, which in turn boosted students' confidence. Hearing their own voices present scientific stories with clarity and emotion helped them feel ownership of their work. The finished podcasts sounded polished and engaging, and students were proud of the tangible product of their effort.\r\n\r\nBeyond technical skills, the project supported several important learning goals. It invited students to explore the \"drama\" of the periodic table — the human stories, surprising consequences, and historical contexts that often accompany scientific discovery. By framing content as narrative, students developed stronger recall and a more nuanced appreciation of chemistry's place in history and culture. They practiced research strategies, critical reading, paraphrasing, and oral communication. The entire process reinforced scientific literacy: students learned to evaluate sources, synthesize information, and present evidence-based explanations.\r\n\r\nThe emotional impact was meaningful as well. One student told me this had been their favorite project \"where they actually had to learn something.\" Moments like that warm my heart — they reflect a deeper engagement than I often see with traditional assessments. The combination of reading, research, writing, and multimedia production reached different learners: some shone in research, others in storytelling, and many in the performance and technical aspects of recording. The inclusive design allowed multiple entry points for success.\r\n\r\nPractically speaking, we observed gains in collaboration and time management. Students planned recording sessions, gave each other constructive feedback, and negotiated roles when working in pairs or small groups. They managed deadlines for research, script drafts, and final recordings, building habits that will help them in future projects.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting our classroom — your support and donations make projects like this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1758319529133,"projectUrl":"project/producing-science-podcasts/9704087/","projectTitle":"Producing Science Podcasts","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cordts","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2248835_orig.jpg?crop=639,639,x241,y256&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757515469777","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mscordtsclassroom"},{"teacherId":9080961,"projectId":7455597,"letterContent":"Basic geometry tools enhance classroom learning by providing hands-on, interactive experiences. These tools allow students to construct shapes, measure angles, and develop precision, making abstract concepts more tangible and understandable. By using tools, students improve spatial awareness and build critical thinking and problem-solving skills. For example, constructing shapes like bisectors or triangles with a compass and ruler reinforces theoretical knowledge through practical application.\r\n\r\nGeometry tools also foster student engagement, as they move from passive learning to active participation. This hands-on approach promotes collaboration, as students often work together to solve problems, share tools, and communicate their reasoning. 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Join the 58 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Cocopah Middle School is
an urban public school
in Scottsdale, Arizona that is part of Scottsdale Unified School District.
It serves 851 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 21.3:1.
Its teachers have had 18 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Public School
Grades 6 - 8
851 Students
40 Teachers
6615 E Cholla StContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
19%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Cocopah Middle School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 25, 2025
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Cocopah Middle School
$15,058
raised using DonorsChoose
18
projects
funded
12
teachers
funded
58
donors
5
projects
for
basic supplies
2
projects for
technology
4
projects for
books
Cocopah Middle School has received support from
49 individuals from Arizona and
9 individuals out-of-state.
