2009-2010 Teacher Mini-Grants Award Booklet - The Education Fund

THE 2009-2010 TEACHER MINI-GRANTS PROGRAMWhen a Miami-Dade County PublicSchools teacher wants to try somethingnew and innovative in the classroomand needs a few hundred dollarsto make that dream a reality, theTeacher Mini-Grants program is wherethey can find an eager audience andan open checkbook.Since 1985, the Teacher Mini-Grantsprogram has encouraged businessand civic organizations to investdirectly into the classroom. Thesecash grants have turned hundreds ofordinary classrooms into real-lifelearning experiences for two generationsof students.In 25 years, 1,217 Teacher Mini-Grants, totaling more than$680,000 have been awarded to fund engaging hands-on classroomprojects reaching thousands of M-DCPS students. TheEducation Fund salutes the hard work, and creativity of the 2009-2010 Teacher Mini-Grant winners and invites all teachers to applynext year.At last year’s ceremony, The EducationFund’s Teacher Mini-Grants benefactorLucy Petrey (center, holding envelopes)presented certificates and checks to theeducators, whose projects shesponsored. From left: Dr. Janis Jordan,Kerry Matthews and Susan Julevich.IMPACT II ADAPTER GRANTSIMPACT II is an investment in success, bringing out the entrepreneur in our teachers byencouraging them to network and share their classroom-tested ideas that motivate students to learn.IMPACT II links all 22,000+ Miami-Dade teachers through an annual teacher conference, an idea catalogand curriculum idea packets. Listed on page 10 of this book are the 2009-2010 Adapter Grantsthat allow teachers to adapt and franchise these winning ideas for their own classrooms.The Education Fund wouldlike to extend a very specialthank you toU.S. Century Bankfor hostingthe Teacher Mini-Grants andImpact ll Adapter GrantsAward Reception.SUPPORT PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTYThe Education Fundreceives $20 from the sale,and renewal, of eachEducation License Platesold in Miami-Dade County.This money is used for specialprograms that tax dollars can’tcover, like classroom projects,supplies and equipment.As always, the money raised inMiami-Dade County stays inMiami-Dade County.Find out how to orderyour own atwww.educationfund.orgThe Education Fund - www.educationfund.org 3

TEACHER MINI-GRANTS SPONSORED BYP.L.DODGE FOUNDATIONGAME OF LIFE: FROM “LIFELESSONS” TO BOARD GAMESAfter reading young adult novels, selfhelpbooks and literature offering lifelessons, these ninth-grade language-artsstudents will individually design andcreate board games that share theirinsights and developing wisdom. Thefocus will be on how the studentsprocess the literature into their own livesand uniquely express the knowledgethrough a device (the game) that reachesout to classmates and other students.The best projects will be developed intofunctioning games with pieces and dice.Katerina NadelHialeah Gardens High SchoolHEALTHY CHOICESSMART SNACKSThis nutrition and exercise interventionaddresses first-grade students, parentsand even the school on the urgency ofhealthy lifestyle changes to help kidsbattle the childhood obesity epidemic.Parents will be educated through workshopsand resources on how to makethese changes, starting with introductionsto local youth sports programs and amandate for healthier snacks duringclassroom celebrations. Teachers will betrained to instruct fitness play activitiesduring any recess periods and the schoolwill replace chocolate bar fundraisingwith SMART SNACKS.Aleida MenendezSweetwater ElementaryHEALTHY WITH HYDROPONICSTo address the epidemic of childhoodobesity, this project creates a seed-totablehydroponic vegetable garden tointroduce students to fresh produce andperhaps change their eating habits for alifetime. Pre-k students will be matchedwith a fifth-grade mentor who will keeprecords of what the "buddy teams"discover together. Curriculum will includeplant growth, nutrition, water conservation,composting and the elements ofhydroponics, as students learn tomeasure, graph, maintain and finallyharvest the garden. To further allurestudents to eat veggies, a chef hasvolunteered to show school staff, parentsand the young gardeners practical andenticing veggie dishes.Jan DuemmlingNorth Miami ElementaryTHE HOLOCAUST: CAN ITHAPPEN AGAIN?Starting from the premise of "bullying"and "prejudice," this project will introducethese fifth-grade students to the seeds ofcontempt and fear in the humancharacter that collectively grew to thehysteria, hatred and persecution of theHolocaust. By studying the memoir ofAnne Frank, visiting the HolocaustMemorial on Miami Beach and samplinga taste of Jewish food, they will learnabout and appreciate a new culture andthe diversity upon which a healthy societydepends. Students will develop their ownT-shirts with slogans to promoteHolocaust awareness.Shameeka Lashon AkinsFrances S. Tucker ElementaryI AM MY BROTHER'S KEEPERStudents will grapple with the soulsearchingquestions and implicationsraised by the most horrifying periods ofhistory in this interdisciplinary study ofgenocide, extermination and crimesagainst humanity from Sparta to Darfur.Using novels, Internet research, filmsand documentaries and visits toHolocaust museums, students will beimmersed in a study of human rights,global agreements, and the paradoxes oftolerance and hatred and justice andforgiveness found in the history of theU.S. and around the world. Journals,presentations, photographs and publicservice announcements will be used toshare their findings.Georvonia Bailey & Adrienne HurleyNorland Middle SchoolIN MEMORY OF SIX MILLIONVisiting the Holocaust Memorial on MiamiBeach will introduce these fifth-gradestudents to a period of history and studyof human nature and morality that theymay conceptualize, personalize and passon to other students. Applying a humanface to the history, a presentation by aholocaust survivor will supplement theirin-depth research into the tragic period,and inspire them to communicate theirfindings through a photographic posterpresentation, written reports, and a schoolwideHolocaust Remembrance Day.David JessupMorningside ElementaryLETTERS OF MEIn activities inspired by the book Lettersto a Young Sister, these young womenwill embark on a journey of self discoveryto develop self-esteem, confidence,independence and self-respect at thisvulnerable threshold of adulthood.Chapters of the engaging novel willbenchmark their progress as expressedthrough daily journaling, groupdiscussions and pre- and post-projectsurveys. Critical analyses of the text,interpreting literary elements, themes,and the author's intent will encouragestudents to draw parallels or contrasts intheir own lives.Natalie BaldieMiami Northwestern High SchoolONLY YOU CAN PROTECT THEEVERGLADESThese students have decided to replaceSmokey the Bear with a Florida version,Alligator the Ally, in their mural for themedia center of the flora and fauna of theEverglades. Students research the lifesciences and environmental issuessurrounding the glades firsthand duringon-site field experiences and use thisknowledge to design and create an informationalmural with a call to action tobecome allies of the Everglades.Abena Robinson & Ann LukeBiscayne Gardens Elementary4 The Education Fund - www.educationfund.org

TEACHER MINI-GRANTS SPONSORED BYP.L.DODGE FOUNDATIONPAN TIMEA multicultural and multidisciplinary introductionto Pan or steel drum music willusher students through a journey from theinstrument's origins in Africa and India tothe Caribbean, where it remains a mainstayin island music and culture. A focuson the history and the people whodeveloped the drum will enhance readingand writing, while math and science areused to understand how the convex andconcave indentations create different notesand how tempo values can be calculatedthrough fractions. Budding percussionistswill get drum time as a reward forimproved school work.Hyder Davie, Ina E. McNeil & LindaBrent, Dr. Robert B. Ingram ElementaryPHINEAS, FERB, PHONICSAND FAMILYThird-grade ESE students will study vocabulary,phonics and reading, through curriculumnarrated by popular animatedDisney characters Phineas, Ferb and theirpet platypus, Perry. In addition to songs,games, flash cards, comic books and othertools, parent packs use CDs and softwarethat can be checked out and taken hometo involve the family in a fun and effectivelearning process.Georgianna ReedJohn I. Smith ElementaryPICTURE SUCCESSThis reading and tutoring project will usemotivational books to mentally strengthenand prepare ninth-grade students for theFCAT, while encouraging parents to havetheir children attend afterschool tutoringthrough drawings for school shirts,supplies and restaurant vouchers.Students will learn how to "self-motivate,"by journaling and creating encouragingbanners as they improve their readingskills and build confidence that will guidethem through testing to high schoolgraduation and college.Patricia GambleMiami High SchoolPOP IN CHARACTER EDUCATION:DEVELOPING LEADERSHIPThis project will foster critical thinking, confidence,independence, and self-reliance inincoming 9th-grade students, as theydevelop their leadershipskills in public demonstrationsby presentingworkshops to classes andteacher groups. Studentswill learn and mastermotivational games andactivities that are popularfor corporate team-buildingretreats, such as groupjuggling and kickball, thendesign and promote anoriginal personalpresentation, incorporatingtheir message. They willkeep journals, createpromotional materials and videotape theirpresentations.Andrew Melville & Katerina NadelAmerican High SchoolREADY - READING EMPOWERSAND DEFINES YOUThe Reading Empowers and Defines Youprogram reaches out to third-gradestudents who test below the requiredreading level with small group andindividual instruction at school andassistance to the students' families inestablishing libraries in the home. Whilestudents take home new and used booksthat supplement their lessons, a networkof community volunteers will visit theschool to read with small groups threetimes a week.Willie Mae InnissGolden Glades ElementaryREADY, SET, GO!This is the old popular Pinewood Derbyin 21st-century hyperspace, as teams ofmiddle-school students attach CO2cartridges to balsa wood race cars for aseries of races. After establishing a baselinetime for the cars to propel 65 feet,they will collect data and reconstruct thevehicles based on the knowledge ofaerodynamics, weight and friction. Theywill learn to use technology to measureprinciples of speed and weight whileusing scientific research and mathformulas to calculate acceleration anddistance, as their cars eventuallycompete to break the classroom speedrecord of 65 feet in less than one second.Glover RogersAllapattah Middle SchoolSERVING UP A MENU FORSUNSHINE STATE BOOKSIn an attempt to complete all 15 books onthe Sunshine State list of recommendedreading, this ambitious literature club of25 students will meet twice a week afterschool to participate in critical discussionsand take part in cross-curricularactivities that complement the texts andmake the reading come alive. Each bookis linked with unforgettable interactivestudent events, such as planting pumpkinseeds, writing Chinese calligraphy,creating paper lanterns, preparingCincinnati chili, listening to cello music,serving Indian tea and examining virusesthrough a microscope, to name just a few.Theresa Angiolillo and Arlene TrotterCrestview ElementarySTARTING OVER: STORIES OFSUCCESS AND STRUGGLEIn addition to adjusting to a new country,culture and language, imagine beingthrust into the unforgiving social strataand academic expectations of anAmerican high school. These tenth-gradeEnglish Language Learners will work toovercome isolation by reading storiesand studying the experiences ofimmigrants who've adapted to andsucceeded in their new lives in thiscountry. After writing essays about theirown unique experiences, students willmix with native students in leadershipclasses and visual technology/ photographycourses to publish a compilationof their stories on the Web and in print.Isabel PerezHialeah Gardens High SchoolThe Education Fund - www.educationfund.org 5

TEACHER MINI-GRANTS SPONSORED BYP.L.DODGE FOUNDATIONSTRIVE STEAMERSThis school-based steam-pressing enterprisewill provide a simulated work settingfor Emotion Behavior Disordered andintellectually impaired high-schoolstudents to teach them essential handsonskills to prepare them for employmentand focus them to stay in school. Inaddition to mastering the skills to steam,package and deliver garments, studentswill learn the ins and outs of a functioningworkplace, such as order taking, safety,scheduling, inventory, equipment maintenance,marketing and teamwork. Bylearning various roles from steamer tocashier to clerk, students will buildconfidence and independence whileperforming a meaningful and convenientservice for school employees andcampus visitors.Ana Mendoz-LondonoRuth Owen Kruse Education CenterTHE GREAT AMERICAN FLY-INAt-risk students in this correctional facilitywill be immersed in a motivationalengineering project in which they plan,design, graph, build and fly paper airplanesfor a fly-in competition. Studentteams use computer applications andhigher order mathematics in the researchand design of their aircraft. A poster contestadvertising the Fly-In is incorporatedto allow creative andartistic talent to berecognized as well. Bycultivating science,math and tech skills,this project works tobuild confidence inthese young aviatorsso they may soar tonew heights like theirairplanes.Joseph SedlackJuvenile JusticeCenterWii CAN ALLBE A TEAMUsing the innovative Wii virtual gamesystems, orthopedically and mentallyhandicapped students will be able to playbasketball, tennis and volleyball andeven sing along to Disney tunes likenever before. Physical therapists willguide students through classroom activitiesthat not only improve balance,motion, motor skills and speech, but areloads of fun. Selected students from thegeneral population will be trained by theP.E. coach to partner and guide theSPED students through activities thatmost have never experienced.Tami Valdes and Yvette CintronThena C. Crowder ElementaryYOU LIGHT UP MY LIFESPED and Gifted students join together tocreate scented candles from scratch andmarket their products as a fundraiser. Thecreation stage of the project teachesmeasurement, chemical properties, theelusive metric system and the hands-on,trial-and-error process of learning a skill.Participants will work as a group todevelop a marketing activity thatcontributes the sweet smell of success totheir fragrant merchandise.Wendy WadleyCarol City Middle SchoolTEACHER MINI-GRANTS SPONSORED BYFRIENDS OF THE EDUCATION FUNDLEARNING THROUGHLISTENING, AN INDIVIDUALIZEDEDUCATION EXPERIENCEFrom Mozart to Mariachis and bagpipesto balalaikas, this high-school MusicTheory course introduces students tomusical traditions from across the planet.While researching and reporting on thestyles and terminology of genres andindividual compositions, students will notonly train their ears but open their eyesto the background and culture thatinspired the pieces. Students will sharetheir findings through group and individualpresentations.Daniel Ibarra-ScurrCoral Gables Senior HighSTUDENT DESIGNS FORLINCOLN ROAD MALLAs world-renowned architects completebuildings on South Beach's Lincoln Roadduring the 50th anniversary of this pedestrianmall, this group of high-school architectswill design furniture for the outdoorspaces. Students will be immersed in theproject meeting the architects, visitingfacilities, studying the work of masters,sketching and diagramming originalproposals, constructing three-dimensionalmodels, presenting designs for critique bya jury of professionals and finallyshowcasing their creation in an exhibition.Eric HankinDesign and Architecture Senior HighUNDERWATER VEHICLEDESIGNStudent teams of marine engineers areassigned simulated undersea search-andrescuemissions for which they mustdesign, fabricate and operate RemotelyOperated Vehicles worthy of ocean exploration.Project prototypes will includecontrol systems, a drive train, and a visionsubsystem. After numerous water tests,improvements, and a technical report onthe design, teams will present their underwaterrobots and explain how they areused by science in some of the world'smost remote locations.Melissa FernandezMAST Academy6 The Education Fund - www.educationfund.org

TEACHER MINI-GRANTS SPONSORED BYBRICKELL AVENUE LITERARY SOCIETYA BOOK IN EVERYSTUDENT'S POCKETIn celebration of Abraham Lincoln's 200thbirthday, fourth- and fifth-grade studentswill be presented with a book andencouraged to always keep a book closeat hand, "in their pocket," just as Abe did.This and other revelations will be madeby students as they read a biography andan historical novel, and analyze quotes,jokes and writings of our most influentialpresident. The project emphasizes thatAbe was a self-taught man whose voraciousreading opened up the world forhim in the midst of humble surroundings.Students also keep a journal as they readto record examples of attributes associatedwith Abe's life and legacy such as honesty,justice and integrity and how they canapply these principles to their own lives.Cheryl SpinerAir Base ElementaryCHATTY CHARTSLearning vocabulary is a collaborativegroup project for early readers withChatty Chart word web exercises, whichare created spontaneously in classroomdiscussions and displayed throughout theyear. Students take pride in theircreations and make smaller versions oncard stock to use at home. Applied tomath and science lessons in addition tolanguage arts, the visual word chartshelp learners retain new words and usethem in speaking and writing.Linda BlanchfieldRoyal Palm ElementaryEDUCATE PARENTS ASREADING SUPPORTERSAfter discovering that many parents ofbeginning readers are willing to getinvolved in their children's lessons, butlack the applied knowledge of how toreinforce literacy skills, teachers conceivedthis series of eight parent workshopsscheduled over two months.Parents of kindergarten and first-gradestudents attend one of the meetings tolearn tips on reading aloud, and how toincorporate resources such as games,hands-on activities and Web sites intotheir reading to enhance their child'slanguage development.Suzelle Etienne & Nancy SaleLillie C. Evans ElementaryFAIRYTALE NEWS OF THEENCHANTED COURTThis interdisciplinary project begins withstudents reading age-appropriate fairy talesand folk tales, and applying the charactersand storyline to the real-life conventions ofnewspaper reporting and a courtroom trial.Mock trials of Pinocchio and Peter Rabbitwill be covered by the school newspaperstaff between field trips to The MiamiHerald headquarters, Municipal CourtBuilding and the Playground Theater. Thenew perspectives on classical folk taleswill inspire students to write and producean original play.Tanya DiazEdison Park Elementary &Thena Crowder ElementaryPOETRY IN YOUR HANDSThe Green Words Magnetic Poetry Kit notonly helps these seventh-grade studentsmemorize, analyze and deconstruct poetry,but introduces environmentally friendlyvocabulary words like "sustainable" and"organic." Students will prepare forstandardized tests, learning to recognizealliteration, similes, meter and rhyme, whileusing these literary devices to composetheir own original poems for NationalPoetry Month and Earth Day.Jessica Carcerano-WheelerThe Charter School at WaterstoneREAD A BOOK -MAKE A BOOKThis literary initiative turnsreaders into authors, aslanguage-arts students arerequired to read one young-adultnovel, then write an abridgedversion of the book for youngeror struggling readers orEnglish-language learners.The books will be collected inthe library and promoted to ESLclasses in nearby middle andelementary schools. Many ofthe books will circulate to publiclibraries through a travelingexhibition and several will bedigitized and displayed on theschool Web site.Anabel Parra, ChristinaRodriguez, CarmenConcepcion, & Isabel PerezHialeah Gardens High SchoolTRACES OF OUR LIVESWhen students recognize traces of theirown experiences in literature, they connectwith the community and world aroundthem. Equally important, students developempathy and compassion by reading thediverse perspectives and motivations ofindividuals who are different. These 9thgradestudents will discover both as theyselect novels addressing contemporaryteenager issues, keep a journal on whatthey've read, study literary elements suchas narrative, setting, and vocabulary, andconstruct a board game about their novel.Barbara GarvineMiami Central Senior HighVOICES FROM THE HEARTThis project explores creative ways toshow that everyone has something togive. After reading the children's story TheBiggest and Brightest Light: A True Storyof the Heart, K-5 students will participatein a fundraising project that creates a freebook fair for needy students. From theirvolunteer service and research on childrenaffected by adult illiteracy, students willdevelop, design and perform in a musicalplay that will be video-recorded by highschoolvisual arts students and distributedto other elementary schools.Carol FronkAir Base ElementaryThe Education Fund - www.educationfund.org 7

TEACHER MINI-GRANTS SPONSORED BYASSURANTANCIENT EMPIRESHistory classes go pre-Columbian throughan extensive investigation into the culturesand contributions of the Aztecs, Mayas,and Incas. Eighth-grade students select acivilization and make a model replica of abuilding or monument associated with theculture to accompany a story board onthe religion, government, innovations, artsand crafts, and agriculture of the complexand advanced ancient civilization theyhave chosen.Nancy HowardMays Middle SchoolFUEL CELL POWER RIDEAlternative energies in the classroom areno longer an invitation to the principal'soffice, this project asserts, when seventhgradestudents immerse themselves in labexperiments exploring energy resourcesfrom the present and future. Students startwith the scientific fundamentals of energy,speed, and motion, then contrast fossilfuels with solar, hydroelectric, geothermal,biomass and wind power. Their researchculminates with a working model of ahydrogen fuel-cell car. Careers in engineeringand technology are highlighted aswell as the influence of business on theenergy field.Kitchka Petrova,Ponce de Leon Middle School"HI" NOTESMiddle-school students with intellectualdelays will learn about recycling, measurement,money, jobs and businessthrough the craft of paper-making andcreation of unique note cards andenvelopes. Students will develop theircards, created from recycled papercollected from around the school andrendered through paper-making techniquesthat involve each student. Theproceeds they collect from marketing andselling their "Hi Notes" will be used topurchase a Wii-gaming system forSpecial Olympics training.Jane McCrawCampbell Drive ElementaryHOOKING LIFE'S PURPOSETHROUGH READINGThese 10th- and 11th-grade students willread self-exploratory works of literaturefrom a list of biographies, autobiographies,memoirs and diaries written byauthors from Zora Neale Hurston toFrank McCourt to Elie Weisel. Keeping ajournal, analyzing the rhetorical stylesand techniques in group discussions, andcreating PowerPoint programs will preparethe young scholars to present theirnovels to the rest of the class in a "BookTalk" day. Examining life lessons as toldby the writers will invite introspection bythe students and expand their horizons,as they must choose a new novel to readover spring break.Michelle SinghRobert Morgan Educational CenterPILKEY, DAV: YOU'VE INSPIREDA "WRITING WAVE!"Second-grade students are enamoredwith the animated children's books ofauthor Dav Pilkey, and excited to emulatehis captivating adventure stories withtheir own original tales and adaptedrenditions. This project indulges thecreativity that stems only from childrenhaving fun, as they read, write, illustrate,edit and even bind their stories intobooks to be displayed in the schoollibrary. In addition, they will participate ina read-a-thon, write letters to the authorand read their stories to Kindergardenand first-grade classes.Mayra PerezCoral Reef ElementarySMartist BOOKSMarrying text with art is an ideal task forcomputer art technology, and the perfectopportunity for these middle-schoolstudents to study both, while learning thelatest tools and techniques in digital artmedia. Students will first conduct in-depthresearch to discover which internationalartist they wish to feature in a creativetraditional and digital compilation. Theywill then take part in workshop hosted by afamous book artist and finally use theircreative tech skills to produce, critique andexhibit their own artists' books on the Weband in an art show.Marilyn PolinSouth Miami K-8 CenterTREASURE TRACKERSCartography, topography, road atlas, acompass? These once-essential devicesof direction are all but ancient relics to21st-Century, GPS-spoiled middle-schoolstudents. At least that's the case beforethey are lured back into the longitudinallessons and latitudinal learning this projectdelivers. With the objective of locatinghidden treasure, students examine 3-Dmountain models to create 2-D maps, useroad maps to remote spots in the U.S. andGoogle-Earth online searches to traverse theglobe. They will track hurricanes, navigatewith hand-held compasses, create originaltravel brochures and write reports on dreamdestinations. The results are off the map.Georgina KochGlades Middle SchoolWRITING ROCKS!This schoolwide project challenges middleschoolstudents to connect writing withtheir required reading, by focusing eachmonth on a creative genre they arecurrently studying, such as poetry, nonfiction,short stories or editorial essays. Astudent creative writing club will read thecompositions and award prizes like anMP3 player or movie tickets to the bestentries per grade each month. The mostexceptional pieces will be compiled overthe spring and published in a creativewriting magazine.Keisha McIntyre-McCullough,Toi Scott & Sami HamdanHomestead Middle School8 The Education Fund - www.educationfund.org

TEACHER MINI-GRANTS SPONSORED BYMIAMI-DADE COUNTYC.C.C.-CHILDREN'SCONSERVATION CORPSThis multi-faceted project introduceskindergarten and first-grade students tothe natural resources in their environment,and how they can make a differencethrough reducing, re-using and recycling atschool and at home. Lessons addressidentifying Florida's animal and floral communities,understanding what creates trashand where it goes, participating in a recyclingfair, and creating posters with conservationtips. The class will even create a"Swap Box," where kids may exchangeand re-use items they no longer need.Jennifer WilliamsLehman ElementaryCONSERVATIONCOLLABORATION WITH PSAsUsing numerous multimedia platforms, thecreative writing club and science club willcollaborate to create environmental awarenessPublic Service Announcements tobroadcast during school announcementsand on the Internet. Participants get acrash course not only in environmentalactivism but also in the interactive mediatechnologies to disseminate the message,including print brochures, school newspaperarticles, weblogs, podcasts, andvideos. Students will also sponsor a beachclean-up day and adopt a manatee byworking with a marine wildlife conservationgroup to add hands-on direct service tothe advocacy process.Kristin Hoyer & Gwen FooteNautilus Middle SchoolCONSERVING OURRIVERS OF GRASSAs these young scientists research theEverglades and South Florida's marineecosystem, they will understand the importanceof wetlands protection and developan appreciation for marine conservation,activism and the beauty of nature thatcould last a lifetime. During a field tripsafari to the Everglades, the fourth-gradestudents are encouraged to view naturethrough the perspective of artists, who thenwill express their discoveries by creating aceramic mural, fired and glazed by thestudents and displayed at the school.Michael F. FlaumJack D. Gordon ElementaryFROM "TERMINATOR"TO CONSERVATOR!Each month, fourth-grade students willfocus on a different method of conservation--water,energy, soil and wildlife--tocreate a well-rounded, holistic introductionto environmental awareness.Activities from science lab experimentsto hydroponic plant cultivation to endangeredspecies research will illustrate theinterconnectivity of all living things on theplanet, and prepare students to deliveroriginal environmental presentations tothe school's third-grade students.Sandra CastellonCutler Ridge ElementaryPAPER FROM PAPER 3 R’s:REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLEStudents in World History, SocialStudies, Visual Arts and Leadership/Service-Learning classes are broughttogether with the Environmental Club inthis schoolwide cross-curricular projectto recycle and create new paper usingancient Chinese methods. After in-depthstudies on the country and culture thatinvented the process, students convergeon the art room to produce bookmarksand notecards. These may be marketedthrough fundraising activities decided inclassroom discussions of business andcommerce. Student trainers instruct newgroups in the artistic process to continuethe pursuit.Maydelis Gutierrez, Katerina Nadel& Trina CabrisasHialeah Gardens High SchoolWATER CONSERVATIONJUST DO IT!This project addresses a critical environmentalissue through various learningstyles and activities to reach SPED studentsin an Earth Space science class.After studying the various ways societyand individuals may save water, theseninth-grade students will analyze pollutionthrough lab experiments with a waterqualitytest kit, complete personal waterusecharts and create PowerPoint presentationsof their findings.Lynda MiretSouth Miami Senior HighThe Education Fund - www.educationfund.org 9

2009-2010 IMPACT II ADAPTER GRANTSThe inspiration for Adapter Grant projects on this page comes from The EducationFund's Ideas with IMPACT catalogs.Each page of the catalog features a different project developed by a Miami-DadeCounty Public Schools teacher and available for adaptation exactly as they are orwith modification to meet a classroom’s needs. A catalog has been publishedannually since 1990. The most recent catalogs are available online in thepublications section at www.educationfund.org.In addition to the Ideas with IMPACT catalogs, IMPACT II links all 22,000+ M-DCPSteachers through the annual Idea EXPO & Teacher Conference held each autumn,grant awards and curriculum idea packets.A Powerful Choice: Bystander or Rescuer?Disseminator: Sharon GluekAdapter: Melanie Norris, Lake Stevens MiddleA Wonderful World of Word FamiliesDisseminator: Linda BlanchfieldAdapters: Cheryl Hall, Gateway Environmental k-8Sheila Rivera, Spanish Lake Elem.ABC Quilting BeeDisseminator: Ellen SkidmoreAdapter: Lisa Braye, Crestview Elem.Active Learning Snack TimeDisseminator: Susan RosenthalAdapter: Carol Newport, Meadowlane Elem.Anne Frank: The StoryDisseminator: Ileana Ascher-AlamoAdapter: Shameeka Akins, F. C. Tucker Elem.Be Water SmartDisseminator: R. Sampedro & M.GomezAdapter: Lunetta Stocker, Rockway MiddleBooks in a BindDisseminators: Latha Murali & Teresa AcostaAdapters: Eugenio Gant, Carol City Elem.Gail Timmons, Kendale Elem.Boys Comic Book ClubDisseminator: Janis Jordan, PhD.Adapter: Kathleen Capellades, Centennial MiddleButterfly BonanzaDisseminator: Nancy SaleAdapters: Ellen Skidmore, Gulfstream Elem.Maria Paredes, Carol City Elem.Check It Out!Disseminator: Marlene FigueroaAdapter: Andre Hill, Centennial MiddleCNI Edible GardenAdapters: Maggie Green, Country Club MiddleMelissa Martin, Country Club MiddlePat Kuentzel, South Miami k-8 CenterCreate an In-Class College FairDisseminator: Shawn DeNightAdapter: Latoya Woodley, Robert Morgan Ed.Ctr.Designing for the FutureDisseminator: Jennifer WilliamsAdapter: Ann Luke, Biscayne Gardens Elem.Don Quijote para jovenesDisseminator: Xose AlvarinoAdapter: Carol Robles, Palm Springs North Elem.Easy 3D for You and MeDisseminator: Peter DeMercadoAdapter: Sabine Augustave, Carol City Elem.Effects of Soil Contaminants onEnvironmentDisseminator: Walters ChesoAdapters: Mirtha Muller, Twin Lakes Elem.Zenaida Ulloa, Kendale Lakes Elem.Aleida Menendez, Sweetwater Elem.In the GreenDisseminator: Kathleen CattieAdapter: Gwen Foote, Nautilus MiddleThe Holocaust Memorial:A Living Lesson on Man's InhumanityDisseminator: Dr. Miriam KassenoffAdapters: Alexandra Chace, Santa Clara Elem.Georvonia Bailey, Norland MiddleDavid Jessup, Morningside Elem.Holocaust RememberedDisseminator: Deedee TonerAdapter: Lisa Boone, Keys Gate CharterKeeping Students EngagedDisseminator: Linda BlanchfieldAdapter: Mirna Miranda, North Hialeah Elem.Leapholes, the GameDisseminator: Monica RosalesAdapter: DeeDee Conte, Bob Graham Ed. CenterLearning through ArchitectureDisseminator: Marilyn RigginsAdaptesr: Eric Hankin, DASHAbena Robinson, Biscayne Gardens Elem.Math Around the BlockDisseminator: Zenaida UlloaAdapter: Valerie Mills-Stuart, Pine Lake Elem.Millionaire ClubDisseminator: Dr. Tarja GeisAdapters: Elizabeth Bouza,Nancy Arribas, Nancy GutierrezDevon Aire K-8 CenterMosaics and Your WorldDisseminator: Debra GaudetAdapter: Susan Castillo, Gulfstream Elem.Once Upon a Math LessonDisseminator: Marlene FigueroaAdapter: Carole Slonin, Bob Graham Ed. CenterProject MathDisseminator: Maria MonteroAdapter: Elaine Abreu, Homestead SeniorRadical ReadersDisseminators: Cary Cabrera & Marcia CardonaAdapters: Jean Mozell, Goulds Elem.Patti Ward, Sunny Isles Beach Elem.Recycle & Reuse to Learn 3 RsDisseminator: Mayra PerezAdapter: Kathleen Capellades, Centennial MiddleRecycling with the Great MastersDisseminator: Mike FlaumAdapters: Karyn Arellano, Pinecrest AcademyJane Guarino, Campbell Drive Elem.Mavy Torres, Pinecrest PreparatoryMarlene Kohn, Bel-Aire Elem.Mayra Perez, Coral Reef Elem.Replicas of Life during the HolocaustDisseminator: Meital Taly FurerAdapters: Alexandra Chace, Santa Clara Elem.Adrienne Hurley, Norland MiddleShopping for Life SkillsDisseminator: Carmen GardinerAdapter: Trudy Edell, Homestead SeniorSuper Fast PlantsDisseminator: DeeDee ConteAdapter: Bridgit Coley, Renaissance MiddleThere is NO AwayDisseminator: Mercy AycartAdapter: Kristin Hoyer, Nautilus MiddleWacky, Wild Science AdventureAdapters: Joani Stein & Nadine Ferranti,Devon Aire k-8 CenterHeather Pryce, Goulds Elem.Words of WisdomDisseminator: Linda BlanchfieldAdapter: Mercedes Collera, Pinecrest AcademyWorld Literature ExpositionDissemiator: Michelle SinghAdapter: Isabel Mederos, Bob Graham Ed. Center10 The Education Fund - www.educationfund.org

THE EDUCATION FUND’SGALAXY OF SUPPORTERSPHOENIX($250,000 AND UP)Citi Foundation/Public Education Network/Academy for EducationalDevelopmentANDROMEDA($100,000-$249,000)The Blue Foundationfor a Healthy FloridaFlorida Matching Grants ProgramOcean BankORION($25,000-$99,999)The Ford Motor CompanyJPMorgan Chase FoundationThe Ethel & W. George KennedyFamily FoundationThe Kirk FoundationMiami-Dade CountyPeacock Foundation, Inc.PLEIADES($10,000-$24,999)Pamela A. AlvarezAssurantBacardiFlorida Power & LightDoral Golf Resort & Spa,A Marriott ResortHealth Foundation of South FloridaPBS&JRod & Lucy PetreyP.L. Dodge FoundationTeachers NetworkThe Children's TrustUnitedHealthcare of Florida, Inc.Wachovia Foundation, Inc.WFOR/CBS4/WBFS/My33CENTAURUS($5,000-$9,999)Arthur F. and Alice E. AdamsCharitable FoundationBankAtlantic FoundationBrickell Avenue Literary SocietyBurger KingDade Community Foundation/Fun & Fit as a Family FundMerchants Association of FloridaMyrna & Sheldon PalleyRobert Russell MemorialFoundationThe William J. and TinaRosenberg FoundationPERSEUS($1,000-$4,999)The Anthony Abraham FoundationDr. Suzanne BanasJoan & Milton Baxt FoundationRobert M. BrochinCarnival Cruise LinesCircle of One MarketingConrad MiamiDennis KlingerSheila EliasThe Florida Marlins CommunityFoundationCinthia GautreuxGlobal Express Money OrdersGoldstein Schechter KochGreater Miami Chamber of CommerceHialeah Hospital - Tenet HealthcareArtie & Susan LeichnerLinda LechtMorgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLPNancy MulshineWayne NorrisPinnacle Housing GroupHector J. PontePublixRaj Rawal & Ann Marie MillerBarbara L. RomaniRoyal Caribbean International/Celebrity CruisesLisa Sloat & Hank KleinStream ServeSocial Affairs MagazineLiz Whitney Tippett FoundationYamaha Contender MiamiBillfish TournamentClaire-Francis WhitehurstPOLARIS($500-$999)Rolando AedoBeber Silverstein GroupLucas BedoyaMartin BrownBuckle Down PublishingAlbert & Barbara del CastilloDaisho Creative DesignsScott Deutsch/Orange Clothing CompanyRoland Garcia/Original ImpressionsGreater Miami Convention& Visitor BureauJames LanierMorgan Keegan & CompanyGary PappasPatricia J. PerezRestaurant ServicesRetreats International Limited Corp.Dan RosenthalMr. & Mrs. Martin TaplanUnited Teachers of DadeGeorge Van WyckWilliamson Cadillac-HummerWragg & Casas Public RelationsCarol G. WyllieNORTH STAR($250-$499)Marjorie Adler & Ken GoodrichRick Alterman & Victoria HernandezBob BalsamSusan E. BlairElaine J. Davis-DiazVivian A. DeckerLise & Lee EfronsonDr. Aaron L. EnteenDonn GoldenBarbara D. HamptonLucy D. & Edwin L. HarperJ.R. Hopes FoundationBert HucksCarmen Dean & Alonzo JacksonLinda KleinMariolga LebredoPrem PalaniappanDr. Marta Perez & Mr. Chris WolfeJohn PullenCarl & Toni RandolphEduardo R. RivasDianna S. RoseNancy R. SaleAnita SharmaArun SharmaBonnie SheilMary SisleyDr. Jeffrey Solomon CampaignParker & Vann ThompsonPRINTED COURTESY OF

Driving a Brighter Futurein MiamiFord Motor Company Fund and Community Services builds communitiesthrough volunteerism and partnerships with nonprofit organizations that focuson education, preserving America’s heritage, and automotive safety.The Education Fund’s IMPACT II program offers teachers new ways to engageSouth Florida students. Ford salutes your efforts to create a stronger,more innovative future for your classroom.Ford Motor Companywww.fordbrighterfuture.com