Winning Grant Ideas

Description

Students will research prairie dogs and their ecosystem to understand the crucial importance of this overlooked and often unwanted species. Next, students create art to raise awareness about prairie dogs, a threatened keystone species that, unfortunately, has seen tremendous decline. As young people living in Denver, my students need to know that prairie dog vitality is an ongoing issue affecting the prosperity of the Great Plains ecosystem.

Education Level(s)

1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

Subject(s)

Arts & Music, Library & Media, Math & Science, Technology & Innovation

Learning Objectives

My students will identify the prairie dog as a keystone species that supports animals such as the endangered black footed ferret, the burrowing owl, mountain plovers, and bison. Students will realize the immediate threat of current prairie dog poisoning and how it affects the Great Plains ecosystem. Students will learn ways to spread awareness of this local and regional issue by communicating with their artwork. Prairie dogs are to be cherished creatures of nature rather than viewed as pests.

Materials

I have invited the Denver Zoo educational outreach to bring Daisy and Digger, 2 rescued prairie dogs to my classroom. My students draw the animals by studying their form, colors, and texture in person. The Zoo educator also provides relevant information during the visit. Additional information is researched online at websites such as prairiedogcoalition.org. I provide many photographs and written infomation about the Great Plains animals that I have collected from various wildlife resources.

Other Information

Students use their choice of drawing or painting media to illustrate what they have learned. By having access to real prairie dogs and significant information about their current peril, my students are able to establish a connection to these creatures. They also become stewards regarding this issue, informing others through their knowledge and artwork. Their artwork is displayed on Artsonia at the following link: http://www.artsonia.com/museum/gallery.asp?exhibit=260523 

Grant Sponsor: Leapfrog

Description

One unit my students do in their Spanish class is on sports and sporting events. They study the sports and events that go on it the Spanish speaking world, in particular Spain's bullfighting and jai alai. After doing research, they create their own sports newscast in Spanish about one of these events played in Spain. They use videos online as short highlight clips and take on the role of player/interviewer. In addition, we blog about the events and their opinions of it.

Education Level(s)

9-10, 11-12

Subject(s)

Technology & Innovation

Learning Objectives

Students use Spanish learned to create a sports newscast in the language about the Spanish sports of bullfighting or jai alai. They will learn about the culture of Spain through the sports, as well the importance of these sports to the people. Videos and podcasts online allow students to view and listen to a bullfight or jai alai game. Through the use of blogs, students will debate their view of bullfighting and learn to give rebuttals to argue their points.

Materials

Videos, podcasts, Flip Camera, podcasts

Other Information

We are a rural school in Eastern Kentucky that does not have a diverse population. By using technology in a world language class, I am able to peak my students interest and give them a fun way of using the language. They can learn about another culture while using the language to teach others about it.

Sponsor: Linx Educational

Description

My favorite professional development is the kind where I experience hands-on activities. This summer a ceramics course fits that description. Why? My students adore working in clay. I will learn ways to teach them that our ancestors probably used thousands of years ago when making dinnerware. By taking a ceramics class I will get to make samples of the different techniques I want to teach my students. I will also have a fired sample of the dinnerware to show them. How great is that?

Education Level(s)

Pre-K/Kindergarten, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

Subject(s)

Arts & Music, Professional Development

Learning Objectives

My art students will learn how to create a whimsical design for their dinnerware set. It may be an animal shape, a geometrical shape or anything goes! We will learn how form follows function in this project. The students will learn several handbuilding techniques: coiling, pinch pots and making slabs. They will also glaze their products. The art students will use whimsy to design and make 1 salad plate, 1 bowl and 1 mug. My students love it when they take their artwork home! This will be fun!

Materials

We need the following Art supplies for this Whisical Dinnerware project: stoneware clay, clay tools, unleaded glazes, canvas, and a locale for firing.

Other Information

My Art students' work will be bisque fired and glaze fired at a local ceramic company because we don't have facilities for a kiln at our school. This is a project that will incorporate whimsy in design into the functionality of dinnerware. The students will definately feel accomplished when they take their 3 piece dinnerware set home to use or display. I hope you will vote for my project, because my students are Title 1. They will love making this Whimsical Dinnerware project. 

Grant Sponsor: Fresno Pacific University

Description

I create podcasts of the students reading what they’ve written. I do this with an inexpensive microphone and free software (Audacity) for my PC. This is very popular with family at home and extended family and friends who love to hear these kids’ voices. This is also an excellent tool for practice with oral reading. In 2nd grade, students learn to read with fluency and expression, a skill that takes many hours of practice. They also get to hear and complement their peers!

Subject(s)

Achievement & RTI, 21st Century Skills, Early Learning, Special Education, Student Motivation & Engagement, Technology, Literacy, Visual & Performing Arts, English Language Learning, Digital Learning

Learning Objectives

Students will experience speaking into a microphone, and hearing their own voices back. This is always surprising the first time they can hear their own voice. This is also practice at oral speaking, reading for fluency, reading with expression, and great practice for the English Language Learners. The students are excited to share their podcasts with family and friends and look forward to improving with each podcast,

Other Information

This is a motivating activity that all students can participate in and benefit by. It connects home to school in a positive way and encourages improvement in a non-threatening manner with all kids. Please listen at: www.santeesd.et/stotz and click on Podcast Page.

Grant Idea Author: Candy Stotz

Grant Sponsor: Dell

Description

I love teaching reaading, but wanted my students to enjoy it more. I began adapting stories into plays by creating scenes with speaking parts. Filming the children's plays helps them become aware of their reading and speaking. How excited they become seeing themselves on screen. This is especilly effective with my included students with autism. I recently found a set of leveled scripts that have the parts colored coded. They are of various genres and there are six copies of each title.

Education Level(s)

1-2

Subject(s)

Math & Science, Reading & Literacy, Specialized Instruction, Technology & Innovation

Learning Objectives

My students will become more expressive, fluent readers. Using these leveled scripts will help me meet the needs of the lowest level readers, along with the students that read above grade level. These scrips are leveled from the earliest emergent reader to the advanced above grade level student. Reading plays aloud proveds a less competitive, less stressful environment for the emergent readers. The children with autism respond very well to this type of instruction and enjoy being included.

Materials

I would like to purchase a set of scripts especially designed for the early elementary grades. They include several genres: folktales, biographies, holidays, poetry, fantasy, and nonfiction. They are in small booklet form, easy for children to handle. The parts are easly found because they are color coded. I have a small stage area set up in my classroom, especially for readers' theater. What a great way to teach reading!

Other Information

I feel that these type of plays use decices such as rhyme, repetitive language, and predictability to help young children gain confidence as readers. In addition to the plays, I often do extension activities that help integrate them across the curriculum.

Grant Sponsor: Mayer-Johnson

Description
We started a Facebook page, Mrs.Andrew's 2nd Grade~Kindness Project, to enlist 1,000,000 people to commit to an act of kindness. By the end of the third week, we had 10,000 people. In December, my students handed out gift cards at random, asking others pay it forward. We would like to continue our mission of random acts of kindess, especially to celebrate when we reach one million! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oneonta-NY/Mrs-Andrews-2nd-Grade-Kindness-Project/262131404748

How will I use the money:
To continue to perform random acts of kindness...such as buying people a cup of coffee, paying for their groceries, heat bills,etc..

Who will benefit:
Depending upon where it is needed.

Where:
Oneonta, NY and beyond

When will my project take place:
ASAP

How will you use the FlipCam to document your idea?
To document the reactions of the receivers and the kids on their mission.

Why I want to do this:
Kindness is contagious! During this period of difficult times, we are losing sight of what is important and how to treat each other. To remind people that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Grant Idea Author: Mrs. Andrew

Description

Fifth grade students will research paper recycling and present their findings to our school. The "how" is the great part, using our Flip cameras, students will prepare "infomercials" to encourage others to use our newly purchased recycling bins. Using our whiteboards as backdrops, students will film going green videos for our school news broadcast and Podcast library. The class with the most recycling by April 22 (Earth Day's 40th Anniversary) wins a bagle breakfast for their efforts.

Education Level(s)

3-4,5-6,1-2,Special Education

Subject(s)

Professional Development,Technology & Innovation,Math & Science,Technology & Innovation,Arts & Music

Learning Objectives

Students will learn to research and determine reliable sources of information. Plan, write and storyboard an infomercial. Collaboratively students will also gain experience using film and podcasts as an educational resource and use film editing software in the process. Students will have to script a persuasive agrument for recycling and then use real life problem-solving skills to clearly get their point across on film. 

Materials

Going Green Project Sheet and Rubric

Other Information

A great unit for the week before Earth Day to raise awareness of the fragility of our planet and how one person can make a difference. Videos may be stored and added to a podcast library for later usage and example.

Grant Idea Author: Laurie Murrell

Description
Let's Learn Together is aimed at teaming with our tech savvy students. As an educator I never am able to find enough hours in the day to stay ahead of the advancements in technology. My goal for this grant would be to take a few students for a day of technology professional development so that they could learn with me. They often are able to find a few more hours to continue advancing their knowledge but would then be in house later to work with myself, other staff and students.

How will I use the money:
The money would provide transportation to a professional development day, food costs and possibly any fees associated with this endeavor. If any funding were left over it would be used to purchase equipment that could be checked out through our library.

Who will benefit:
I believe it would benefit everyone in our building. The kids I work with are so awesome about helping each other and working with staff. Intrinsically, we really do feel wonderful when we help another person become more self-sufficient. I think we might even be able to offer adult education for our district patrons. Often there are adults in the community who would love to have a bit of coaching when it comes to the newest gadgets in technology, and the students and I might be able to help.

Where:
Jackson Junction or Elkader, Iowa

When will my project take place:
We would work to find a conference or have a technology mentor come to us as soon as we had garnered funding.

How will you use the FlipCam to document your idea?
This is easy. We'd document our day of learning and upload it to the Flip website. We'd also email this project to all of our district patrons and post it on our school website. The Flip would then be connected to a computer and video projector to show others how we take the footage and make a video. Most will be amazed how easy the process really is.

Why I want to do this:
I think we have to tap into each other's creative genius, and we also have to realize that our students have been raised with technology. They are fearless when it comes to new devices and many can troubleshoot without even needing a manual. As learners, we all really enjoy problem solving, whether it be a puzzle, a crossword or a real mind bender, everyone likes a challenge. I think this project would benefit our students and staff and promote the idea of working together to advance education.

Grant Idea Author: Evie Milbrandt

Grant Sponsor: Alchemy Systems

Description

This project will provide 840 black and white books written on kindergarten reading level. The books will be used in the classroom to teach guided reading at each child's instructional level. They would then be placed in the students' reading pouches and taken home each night for the children to read to their families. The flip camera would be used to record reader's theatre performances of the books and to make a movie of what good readers do using photographs and movie clips of the children.

Education Level(s)

Early Learning,Pre-K/Kindergarten,1-2

Subject(s)

Achievement & RTI,Early Learning/Pre-K,Technology & Innovation,Reading & Literacy

Learning Objectives

The objective of this project is to develop a love of reading and to increase the reading achievement of kindergarten students by providing the materials necessary for individualized instruction. The students will read age-appropriate texts with fluency and comprehension and demonstrate an independent interest in literacy.

Materials

Leveled Literacy Intervention Kindergarten Take-Home Book Package by Fountas and Pinnell ($105 x 2 = $210.00 plus tax and shipping) - The price difference would be paid for by the grant writer Flip camera

Other Information

The instructional reading levels of the students would be determined by October of each school year and the use of the just right texts would begin the first week of November and continue until the end of the school year. The books would be returned by the students each night and could be used for at least five years. The Fountas & Pinnell benchmark kit (I already have it) would be used to obtain the reading levels of students and to monitor the students' progress throughout the year.

Description

I teach a transition life skills class to students with Multiple Disabilities. I use the School to Work DVD series with worksheets I have made up and some home made video's using a Flip Camera to show students role playing and real life situations about being prepared for work and how to interact at work. The students are engaged when watching the video's of real job skills and sites where they can learn job skills and possibly become employed.

Education Level(s)

9-10, 11-12, Special Education

Subject(s)

Curriculum & Instruction, Specialized Instruction

Learning Objectives

Students will see past graduates in their current jobs putting into place some of the job skills/ life skills that we emphasize in our classroom daily. Students can see good and bad ways of dealing with different situations that may occur on a job site through role playing video's. Students will then get to go into those same job sites and experience some of the same situations and know how to respond or interact appropriately.

Materials

Flip Camera, other "getting a job" curriculum, transition planning materials, job sites and real employees/employers. The Functional Skills System: Social Skills or Workplace Social Skills. The Life Skills Readers and other Read-to-Learn library sets. I would like to use iPods/iPads to also run the videos on and take video for immediate reinforcement learning. PCI's getting Along with People Series would be a nice addition to what we are teaching as well.

Other Information

I very much love my job and the materials and resources available have come along way since I began teaching 12 years ago. Thank you for continuing to look for interactive and engaging materials that can reach the students I work with. In the world today where it is getting more and more difficult for the average person to find employment has made it that more important for my students who already have some strikes against them to be even more prepared for the world they will soon enter.

Grant Sponsor: PCI Education

Description

I teach multiplication facts to my 5th and 6th grade students with special needs using manipulatives and catchy rhymes. My students are low achievers who have special needs that prohibit them from being successful in the general education classroom. The program I use for teaching multiplication facts helps my students reach goals, develop self-confidence, and feel successful. I make multiplication facts concrete and fun! When my students learn and apply these facts, they are proud of themselves.

Education Level(s)

5-6, Special Education

Subject(s)

Math & Science, Reading & Literacy, Specialized Instruction

Learning Objectives

My students are given a foundation for math application by learning their multiplication facts in elementary school. I teach my students a rhyme or "trick" for each fact using manipluatives to make it a concrete learning experience. Students keep track of facts they know, showing them progress toward a goal. Students work together to learn the facts, and they encourage each other along the way. Once students have mastered all the multiplication facts presented, we celebrate their achievement.

Materials

I use small manipulatives, such as plastic spiders or toy worms to teach the facts. Some facts are acted out by the students to help them internalize the facts and remember them. I present the facts in many ways, using a SmartBoard, dry erase boards, chalkboards, computer games, and worksheets to reinforce and meet all students' needs and learning styles. We play games with the multiplication facts as well.

Other Information

I work to motivate my students and encourage them in all areas of learning. I have seen students learn these multiplication facts and their feeling of self-worth soars. Learning multiplication facts may seem insignificant, but when this small thing can turn a child from having low self-esteem and feeling worthless, it is a huge thing! I will continue teaching multiplication facts this way, reaching out to my students, hoping and praying they will see their worth and that they are not failures.

Grant Sponsor: PCI Education

Description Last year I took plants and gardens to a whole new level. I had the opportunity to have a scout earn his eagle by helping me make 2 planter boxes at our school. We then quickly planted our garden and had a great hands-on experience in the dirt. The kids used their garden journals to track the growth of the plants. Everyday they had to water and maintain the garden thus giving them a personal connection. We then had a salad party and ate the things we grew. It was amazing.

Education Level(s) 1-2, 3-4, 5-6

Subject(s) Health, Wellness & Physical Education

Learning Objectives My students learn that we can all be responsible for our eating habits and take good care of our bodies. One way is by growing our own healthy foods. We sing a song called "Dirt made my lunch" and get to the real "root" of how fun growing our own food is. Most students do not have the opportunity of growing their own food and then eating it. By being involved with our garden the kids become active learners not just on paper, but really getting dirty. Digging in the dirt makes you smarter!

Materials Because our garden is so new we do not have the appropriate tools to help maintain the garden. (I have been bringing mine from home.) Watering cans, rakes, hoes, small hand tools would be nice. And of-course seeds! We also need to purchase dirt and soil pep for our raised beds. I would also like to teach the kids how to make their own dirt. (A compost box of some sort.) We have a salad party that involves buying different vegetable for the kids to try. Eating healthy plays a big part.

Other Information I teach a Multi Age Classroom that has 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders all in the same class. We are called the mini MAC's. Also at my school is a Big MAC class as well. (4th, 5th, and 6th together) Both of these classes would benefit from this grant. Thank-you for the opportunity.

Grant Sponsor: HealthCurriculum.org

Description

We use videos and live interviews to bring the curriculum to life in the students own words. My students create skits, mock trials, and live "interviews" with the historical figures we study.

Education Level(s)

Early Learning, Pre-K/Kindergarten, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10

Subject(s)

Curriculum & Instruction

Learning Objectives

Students will give life to the previously dead historical figures and take on their personas. Students will be able to identify with the issues that faced the nation through the eyes of the historical figures such as George Washington when he became the first president or Thomas Jefferson when he purchased the Lousiana Territory.

Materials

Cameras, paper, costumes

Other Information

Students enjoy being a part of history. By allowing them to use their own voice and create dialogue students are able to think about the issues with a different lense then the one they are used to using in their own lives.

Grant Sponsor: Full Sail University

Description My students have difficulty understanding equivalency. When they see bigger numbers, they automatically think it's the most. They carry this idea over to fractions and it causes them to have difficulty understanding why in fractions, smaller means bigger. This activity will allow students to use hands-on to understand equivalency and differences in fractions.

Education Level(s) 3-4, 5-6

Subject(s) Math & Science

Learning Objectives My students will learn equivalency, measurement, and how to substitute measurements when they don't have the exact measurement tools.

Materials measurement tools such as cups, spoons, fraction pieces such as pizza/pie cut-outs, water or a dry good such as flour or sand.

Other Information This activity will help students to actually see how fractions are equal. You would need to create fraction problems and have them to use the tools to find and show the answers.

Grant Sponsor: TouchMath

Description

This is an excellent way of getting students to understand how to simplify and make equivalent fractions. With cookies for Grampy students are able to drag various fractional pieces into the cookie spot to create 1 whole cookie. With Find Grampy the students must locate him on a number line and then reduce the fraction to lowest terms. Students use the pattern blocks to play a fraction cookie game on paper. They pull a fractional piece of paper out of the bag and match the pattern block with it.

Education Level(s)

1-2, 3-4, 5-6

Subject(s)

Math & Science

Learning Objectives

Students will learn how to add, make equivalences and simplify fractions. Students will be able to see different ways of getting to 1 whole.

Materials

Paper, pencils, pattern blocks, computer, smart board, internet access

Grant Sponsor: TouchMath

Description

The use of computers, computer peripherals, the Internet, and handheld devices will expand student-learning capacities. Students will be divided into four stations. 1. Direct Instruction-new standards are introduced 2. Remediation-areas of weakness 3. Independent Activity-based on current standards 4. Group Activities-based on current standard Students will rotate after 20-25 min.

Education Level(s)

Pre-K/Kindergarten, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, Special Education

Subject(s)

Achievement & RTI, Curriculum & Instruction, Early Learning, Health, Wellness & Physical Education, Library & Media, Math & Science, Reading & Literacy, Student Engagement & Development, Technology & Innovation

Learning Objectives

Struggling readers with good listening skills will benefit from listening to audio books. SW receive remedial instruction aimed at alleviating deficits with software designed to improve phonic skills. Students with difficulty in writing will dictate a report and have it converted to text by special software. Those who struggle with math will use hand-held calculators to keep score while playing a game. SW develop more complex understandings of concepts using virtual manipulatives.

Materials

Mobile wireless devices (MWDs), PDAs, IPods, animations; video; livescribe smart pends; portable HD document camera that records; CPS Pulse; VClickers; Mobile Interactive Whiteboards; class set of laptops; classroom set of NEO Boards, and hand-held calculators.

Other Information

To enhance our student learning, integration of technology-based teaching and learning encompasses a variety of tools:the Internet, various types of software, hardware, and multimedia technologies that influence student learning outcomes. Many students are still not meeting the standards that will prepare them for the challenges of today and tomorrow. Students will expand their knowledge and skills in problem solving, teamwork, technical expertise, and creativity when integrating technology.

Grant Sponsor: Learning.com

Description

I am currently teaching 8th grade students about Physics and Newton's Three Laws. It is extremely hard to get students excited about something they have a hard time relating too. My students are extremely into music so I thought that if they could pick their favorite song and change the lyrics to explain Newton's Three Laws this would help them understand Physics. After students change the lyrics, they could use a Flip Camera to record a music video that they could share with the class.

Education Level(s)

5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12

Subject(s)

Arts & Music, Curriculum & Instruction, Health, Wellness & Physical Education, Library & Media, Math & Science, Professional Development, Student Engagement & Development, Technology & Innovation

Learning Objectives

Students will learn several things throughout this project. They will learn key vocabulary terms that are important during the learning process of Physics. By making these music videos students are able to pick songs they are interested in and can relate more to Newton’s Laws. By the end of the experience students will become an expert at Physics and will have fun doing it.

Materials

After the students have completed this project they will have used Windows Movie Maker, Beemp3, a digital camera, and hopefully a flip video. Students will use the Flip Camera to record the music video they made up. When they are done they will import the videos onto a computer. Then they will use Windows Movie Maker to create their music videos. They will import music from BeeMP3 and upload pictures they took throughout the project to put as credits at the end of their music video.

Other Information

I would really like to make this project possible for my students. I am planning on following through with this project however the students will have to perform their music video in front of a class which they hate doing. With the Flip Cameras students will be able to record as many takes as needed until they feel comfortable showing the class. They will also be able to use resources like Movie Maker and BeeMP3, which they have never been given the opportunity to use yet.

Grant Sponsor: Walden University

Description

For the past 4 years I have taught Middle/High School Health & Phys Ed. Due to recent budget cuts, I lost my job for this upcoming school year. Fortunately, I have a dual degree in Elementary Education and last month I was informed that I will now be teaching 5th Grade Math. As I face a brand new school year, I feel as though I almost starting over as a first year teacher and I have many challenges ahead. I want to make this an exciting and memorable year for my 5th grade students!

Education Level(s)

5-6

Subject(s)

Math & Science, Professional Development

Learning Objectives

I want to bring Math to life! Not only do I want to teach my students math, but I want to teach them how it applies to real life situations. With an increased focus on standardized testing, teachers are pressured to teach to the test. As I embark on my journey as an Elementary teacher, I want to make Math hands on and really bring it to life for my students. With scenarios such as store/cash registers and other tactile resources, my students will learn math in a whole new way.

Materials

In addition to tactile materials, such as cash registers, fake money, geometry shape manipulatives, etc. I will use the funding to purchase various books and resources that will give me ideas and guide me through my first year teaching Math. The flip camera would be a perfect way for me to document my new experiences. I would display pictures of my students working "hands on" in the hallway and also post them on my teacher website for parents to see. I want to make a great impression.

Other Information

In addition to what I've stated above, I would certainly use the money towards tuition and take a class geared towards Elementary Math. I am currently completing my Masters in Physical Education (since that was my assignment), but I want to continue my education and attain my Masters + 15. This would be a great start for me as I try to specialize my teaching strengths in Math. Thank you for your consideration.

University of Phoenix

Description

Reading, listening or even telling about geography, culture is rather boring, when they are presented like abstract things. To do it more alive and personal I use penpalling and writing letters not e-mails. Don't stop reding it please! It's not very much expensive or time consuming as you may think. Children are so proud of receiving and writing personal letters. We have penpal class in Sri Lanka. Every child in my class can find it on the map. SL is very different from Russia in nature.

Education Level(s)

1-2, 3-4, 5-6

Subject(s)

Early Learning, Math & Science, Reading & Literacy, Student Engagement & Development

Learning Objectives

My students learn about geography,sc., etc. not only at school. Eg. We got the letter fron SL where was written that New Year was celebrated in April . It caused a lot of questions in class. Children brought encyclopedias with articles about SL, traditions of this holiday. We know concreate children, their families.SL children wrote us that if they don't close the door in their house iguanas may run into the house. There are no iguanas in Russia. Again kids took books to read about animals in S

Materials

The main thing is that the correspondence should be seriously planned. I use e-mails to discuss plans with the teacher. But for children it's more interesting to have something in hands that came from the other part of the world. Do you know that in Russia we have completely different Winnie the Pooh cartoon character? We sent penpals folk tales in R. to discuss that we all speak diff. languages and have dif. cultures but we are also alike we love our parents, help people, go to school...

Other Information

You can use everything depending on the topic you teach. My children are ready to share theire culture, they want people from other countries to understand and like Russian culture.We compared folk tale Gingerbread man and R. tale the Bun. Both sides were surprised that such fairy tale exists in different countries. I want so much to tell about this topic. It's so much fun! Parents are also actively involved. It's not degerous. If you have any qustions please feel free to ask!

Sponsor: LeapFrog