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CALIFORNIA TEACHER COMMENTS:

“What would you say to an online, standards-based, highly engaging 7 and 8th grade science program that students overwhelmingly endorse? Additionally, 70% of those students pass the California content standards tests at “proficient” or above. And on top of that, the creator is always available for either content or technical support.
We are a small charter and science was a content area we needed to enhance; Zingy Learning has more than fulfilled our expectations.”

Bill Adams, Principal
Barona Indian Charter, Lakeside
Phone: (619) 443-0948

“Not only did our 8th grade students enjoy using the interactive Zingy Learning science program, but our CST results showed a 23% increase in “advanced” performance from 2007 (without Zingy) to 2009 (with Zingy). Our teachers and students found the program to be very user friendly and engaging. Zingy Learning will be a key component in both our 7th and 8th grade science curriculum this year.”

Lynn Bulgin, Principal
Dean L. Shively Middle School, South El Monte
Phone: (626) 580-0610 ext. 116

"In truth I greatly appreciate what all of you have done at Zingy Learning. For several years I have been looking for a source that would present the needed "knowledge" part of science to students without all the extras that textbooks include. (A tremendous waste of time, etc.). Zingy does that, and so much more. These kids are used to iPods, mp3 players, blogs, cell phones, online learning, etc. That's their world. So Zingy takes the knowledge to that world. Zingy also allows the students to move at their own pace, test themselves, retest themselves and help each other.
My science with eighth graders is mostly hands on stuff. We dedicate a month to experimentation regarding density and buoyancy, and comparable amounts of time for hands on stuff with motion and forces, chemical reactions, space. So my problem was how to give the basic knowledge and leave enough time during the year for the fun stuff of hands on work. Truthfully, Zingy fits my needs perfectly."

Gene Gregorski, Middle School Science teacher
St. Joachim School, Madera
Phone: (559) 674-7628

"Let me just start off by saying this is a wonderful program for our students. They truly enjoyed it and they were all engaged when we went to the computer lab. As a matter of fact, they would constantly ask if we were going to the computer lab that week. This program is easily accessible to all students, it is student friendly, in that they were able to follow along and do their work at their own pace and if they needed help they could ask their partner or myself. It is another way for students to get the standards based 8th grade science curriculum in a technology based interactive way. I teach over 200 eighth graders and they all were able to figure out how to do the lesson and take the quizzes.
It is also teacher friendly and I was able to work with it and figure it out in a short amount of time. I am looking forward to the 7th grade application to share with the 7th grade science teachers.

I surveyed about 100 of my students:
1) Did you like Zingy Learning? - The majority of students said yes (over 90%)
2) Was the computer prorgram easy to use?- Again, the majority said yes (over 90%)
3) Did you feel it helped you with the CST testing? Over 80% said yes
4) Did it help you with science in general? Again, over 80% said yes

Student comments about the program:
"It was easy to use"
"It helped on subjects I was having trouble with"
"It was cool to have a visual of what we were learning"
"It showed me diagrams and pictures to help me understand"
"It was fun doing it"
"It gave you the opportunity to see what you were learning"
"Zingy is totally fabulous; a great program"
"The visual models help explain what they were talking about"
"It was good because we do little quizzes after each lesson"
"It was a quick and easy way to review for the CST's"
"Better than reading"
"It was a fun way of learning"
"It was interesting and interactive"
"It was cool learning on a computer"
"Zingy learning was clear and to the point"
"The graphics were amusing"
"I liked it because it wasn't boring"
"It was simple"
"It helps you study for your science test"
"It was a review so I remembered stuff I forgot"
"I liked it because it gave me examples of what I needed to know"
"It tells you step by step"
"It wasn't boring like the textbook"
"I liked it because it can focus on the subject area you need help on"
"I liked how you could go back and test your skills"
""I liked the diagrams and the animation because I learn better by looking at pictures"

Vicki Groppe, 8th grade science teacher
Brownell Middle School
Gilroy, California

I loved your program. Many of my students went back the the site even when they didn't have to for their grade. They were able to understand the concepts and the assessment questions challenged them to go through the lesson again if they were not able to answer. They were highly motivated and most of the students went beyond the required levels.
And I am very glad to hear of a seventh grade program coming soon.

Donna Gibbs CSJ, Middle school science teacher
St. John Chrysostom School
Inglewood, California

“My students did better in the CST this year compared to last year. We had a 10% increase from last year, even when we started your programm late. I attribute our 10% success to your program. Thanks a lot. This year we will start early for a better result too. ”

Bright Agada, Middle School Science teacher
Crozier Middle School
Inglewood, California

"I have had many positive comments about the program from the students. Here are some of them.

1. I liked the animations - they made it easy to understand what was happening.
2. I like the quizzes. They give me instant feed back.
3. It was easier to take Mrs. Trammell's tests.
4. The State test was easier to understand after working with ZingyLearning.

I really liked using ZingyLearning as a supplement to the core materials I have. It correlated well with all the State Standards. I used it as review and the students were always engaged. As a matter of fact, they looked forward to using the program so they would work hard on the text work to get to work on ZingyLearning.!"

Rozalia Trammell, Middle School Science teacher
Clement Middle School
Redlands, California

"I was more than impressed with Zingy Learning. The material on the website is exactly what the students are tested on in the California state test. Although I have taught life science for many years, this was my first year teaching physical science and your program provided the students with the basics and allowed me to feel more comfortable about their understanding of the material and the concepts. Not only was it an excellent learning tool, it was fun for the eighth graders as well. Since it was so comprehensive, we didn't complete everything because we started late in the year. Next year I will know to start earlier."

Barbara Wylie, Middle School Science teacher
Garnet Robertson Interm School
Daly City, California

"As far as how the students liked it…they did. I plan to incorporate the Zingy Learning lessons and quizzes often in my curriculum next year, as I have found it offers a great alternative for many students finding the subject matter difficult to grasp. Thank you for your contribution!"

Craig Wiberg, Middle School Science teacher
Lake Center Middle School
Santa Fe Springs, California

"I am receiving very positive feedback from my 8th grade students since I took them to our computer lab to explore the "big ideas" of the focus standards and enrich their knowledge about physical science. My students are 98% designated English language learners and the majority of them learn by seeing and doing things. The level of engagement has improved tremendously because of the very impressive animations. They are learning more and they have the independence in directing themselves at their own pace with my supervision. I am impressed how learning is extended at home every time I see students logging on at their own time at home. This program made it easy for me to integrate more technology in my teaching. Thank you very much to the team of Zingy Learning and I do hope that they continue to provide this free access to public schools. This is what learning and fun is all about!!! That is science!!!"

Ernel Arcangel Felix, 7th/8th grade science teacher
La Paz Middle School
Salinas, California