When looking out the window, they saw the first leaf fall.
The triumphant tennis player feels proud of himself. He sees all of his efforts pay off in this one match. The fans cheer, the cameras flash, and victory is claimed.
The gerund in this sentence is "traveling." It functions as the subject of the sentence.
The participle in this sentence is "competing." It functions as an adjective, describing the teams.
This year, Alex Muros won the science fair. His project explained why leaves change colors in the fall. The principal gave Alex a prize. He will also present his project at the statewide science fair in the spring. Alex's parents will take him out for ice cream to celebrate his hard work.
Missouri and Illinois are states along the Mississippi River.
dependent clause
My collection of stamps is extensive.
Watching little league baseball is a favorite pastime of people who appreciate summer.
Staring down the mountain, Jack was excited for a day of skiing.
