In my class, students apply the design process to solve problems and understand the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They use the engineering design process to create products for our customer. Students are up moving around brainstorming, collaborating, designing products.
I currently have over one hundred middle school students in my STEM elective classes each semester that are typical tweens, interested in video games, their phones, and social media apps.
They are also interested in after school sports and outdoor activities like biking, skating, and hanging out with friends. My school is a high-performing school in Ohio, but we are a little behind in getting a STEM program rolled out. Through the generous support of others, I have been able to get professional development and some resources needed to run this important program. I rely greatly on classroom donations, since we don't get federal funding for our programs.
My Project
This is my first year implementing Project Lead The Way programs as an elective, and I'm very pleased with the high level of enthusiasm so far! My students learn what it means to be an engineer and how to incorporate the design process. Working independently and in teams, students design a playground and a crazy cube toy, capturing research and ideas in their engineering notebooks. Using the 3D printer with Autodesk Inventor software, students create a virtual image of their designs and produce a portfolio to showcase their innovative.
PLTW Gateway is a strong foundation for further STEM learning in high school and beyond.
Using the same advanced software and 3D printers as those used by the world’s leading companies, students learn how to apply math, science, technology, and engineering to their everyday lives. My students will be prepared to fulfill jobs of the future which require STEM skills.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Johnson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.