Link 1 was a request for funding to purchase a new periodic table for a chemistry classroom. The teacher who wrote it did a lot of things well. One of the things she did really well was make connections to other subjects, allowing her to cast a wide net for donors. Another thing that she did well was stress how her students are ready and willing to learn, and are passionate about the subject matter. What this teacher did not do well in my opinion is her explanation of why she needs a new periodic table. She discussed how annoying it is to not have an up to date periodic table, but she completely ignored the bigger problems surrounding her students not having this basic chemistry essential. I can see where this could also be a good thing, but I do not like the approach myself.
Link 2 was a request for preserved animal organs to teach agriculture students about animal anatomy in a more engaging and meaningful way. This teacher did a very good job stressing how her students have been effected by recent natural disasters, which helps to get people engaged in the project. What this teacher could have improved upon is her description of the project. I think that she should not have focused as much on how this is only her second year teaching the course, as it makes her seem inexperienced. Instead, I would have focused more on what specifically these organs would be used for in the classroom.
Link 3 was a request for funding to purchase the supplies to create an aquarium in the class. This teacher did a very good job explaining what the materials would be used for in the class and how they would impact student learning. One thing the teacher did that confused me was mention the school's bluestem curriculum. I do not know what that is and I have a feeling that many other people don't know either. Maybe including a single sentence explaining this further would help my understanding of the project and what the funding would go towards.
As a whole looking at these projects, I see that there are many different approaches one can take towards writing grant requests. Some teachers opted to play more off their students and some more off the curriculum. Some focused more on their lack of funding at their schools, while others ignored this issue. All of these approaches can be effective. I believe that using some components from each of these approaches may result in the best solution. If you can do a good job explaining why your students need a project, as well as explain how the project will be used to impact their learning, I think you can create an effective request.
Link 2 was a request for preserved animal organs to teach agriculture students about animal anatomy in a more engaging and meaningful way. This teacher did a very good job stressing how her students have been effected by recent natural disasters, which helps to get people engaged in the project. What this teacher could have improved upon is her description of the project. I think that she should not have focused as much on how this is only her second year teaching the course, as it makes her seem inexperienced. Instead, I would have focused more on what specifically these organs would be used for in the classroom.
Link 3 was a request for funding to purchase the supplies to create an aquarium in the class. This teacher did a very good job explaining what the materials would be used for in the class and how they would impact student learning. One thing the teacher did that confused me was mention the school's bluestem curriculum. I do not know what that is and I have a feeling that many other people don't know either. Maybe including a single sentence explaining this further would help my understanding of the project and what the funding would go towards.
As a whole looking at these projects, I see that there are many different approaches one can take towards writing grant requests. Some teachers opted to play more off their students and some more off the curriculum. Some focused more on their lack of funding at their schools, while others ignored this issue. All of these approaches can be effective. I believe that using some components from each of these approaches may result in the best solution. If you can do a good job explaining why your students need a project, as well as explain how the project will be used to impact their learning, I think you can create an effective request.