This month, a group of DonorsChoose.org staff members was invited to West Virginia to learn how local teachers are using DonorsChoose.org.The day started with a visit to the classroom of Ms. Murray at Preston High School in Kingwood, WV. Ms. Murray teaches 10th Grade Chemistry and has been able to outfit her classroom with many necessary tools through DonorsChoose.org. She has requested (and received!) everything from digital microscopes to thermometers and beakers to petri dishes, all of which help bring science to life for her students.Walking into Ms. Murray’s classroom, it was clear what an amazing teacher she is. Every student was excited to tell us what they’ve learned in her class, and to show us what they were working on.[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="354" caption="Anna and Tommy get a lesson in forensics from two Preston High seniors. "]
[/caption][caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="354" caption="Ms. Murray’s students showcase homemade compost (complete with worms!) they’ve created in their class. "]
[/caption][caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="354" caption="How do different metal ions interact with fire? We found out!"]
[/caption][caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="354" caption="DonorsChoose.org staff members with Ms. Murray, science teacher extraordinaire!"]
[/caption]After our Chemistry lesson, our team visited West Virginia University, where we learned about the incredible work the University is doing to promote service learning with students. We were so impressed by the thousands of students who volunteer their time every year to improve the community around them! Our evening concluded at the Festival of Ideas, where Charles shared the story of DonorsChoose.org, and offered his advice for being successful to WVU students.[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="354" caption="Charles challenges WVU students to be relentless, and to always admit mistakes!"]
[/caption]Many thanks to everyone at Preston High School and West Virginia University for being amazing hosts. We’re so inspired by the work you are doing to make the Morgantown community a (even) better place!
