Success Stories

Spring 2007 – “CSI – Crime Stoppers…Investigations”
Grace Hartman Elementary School and Virginia Reinhardt Elementary School
Teachers Cheryl Kelly and Paula McClendon

Excitement has filled the air as students engaged in a simulated crime scene investigation. This unit created enthusiasm of C.S.I. and applied basic, forensic science techniques to analyze and solve crimes such as dog-napping, vandalism, and theft. Students worked at hands-on activity stations and used critical thinking skills to identify the “true” criminal from a suspect lineup. Anticipation grew as students experience the thrill of weighing the evidence as they gained a new understanding of the importance of examining all the clues and not relying on false assumptions. With a “minds-on” approach for scientific inquiry, this real world application helped students become active researchers, confident team builders, and engaged learners.

Fall 2006 – “Wasting Away in Erosionville”
Ouida Springer Elementary School
Teachers Jason Mitchell and Elena Straight

“Wasting Away in Erosionville” has supplied students with all the necessary materials to explore erosion, watering, volcanic activity, and the effects of the ocean on Earth. Students had the opportunity to observe shoreline development and erosion, as well as how fluid and air dynamics affect shorelines. Some of the other activities included creating and observing mudslides, deltas, and Earth flow. “Wasting Away in Erosionville” provided students with hands-on approaches to difficult concepts leaving them with a deeper understanding of cause and effect.

Fall 2005 – “Write Around the World”
Amanda Rochell Elementary School – First Grade
Teacher Paige White

“Dear friends
Thank you for the grant money. We learned about China, Poland, Austrelia and Egypt. In Egypt we learned how to make paper. I realy like making the paper”. Your friend Daniel”

“Dear Frinds.
China. Thank you for the grant mony. We learned of Great Wall of China. My favorite thing was reading a story with my mom. Your friend Jose.”

Fall 2004 – “The Author Experience”
Dorris A. Jones Elementary School – Second Grade
Teacher Sharon Aultman

“Joyful is being happy and glad. I can show joy by smiling. I can also be nice to other people to show joy. I will be joyful and never be mad at my brothers. Amelia Meno”

Spring 2004 - “An Expressly ‘Colonial American’ Experience”
Doris Cullins-Lake Pointe Elementary School – Fifth Grade
Teacher Gayle Kidd

“Dear R.I.S.D. Grants,
Thank you for building our shops. I was a wig maker and I made wig rollers out of clay. My name was Lady Jaylo. Back then wig makers would also pull teeth. There is a special room called the Powder Room were men would go and powder there hair if they went to a party or a special accasion. I’m so glad to know what back then used to be. I felt like I was really in a Jamestown. Thanks a lot. Sincerely, Jocelyn Bell”