My students need Science hands-on learning opportunities. The "Don't Lose your Marbles STEM Learning Lab" and "Engineer-A-Coaster Activity Kit" will provide a great start.
My students are smart and eager to learn. As education shifts, they need more opportunities to tinker to learn concepts. I read once that learning happens best when learners construct their understanding through a process of constructing things to share with others. This is what I aim to do.
My school is part of a very large school system.
There are limited funds that come down to our school. My students need more opportunities to develop the 21st century "soft skills". Many students have learned to study to pass the test but lack the skills in trying, failing and reflecting to make it better. Team building skills are required in their future! Working collaboratively to solve problems is another skill we need to work on. Learning outside to the box and outside of the textbook are not often the way these students think and learn. These students need these opportunities.
My Project
The two kits I am asking for would only be the beginning! Once the students see how these kits work, they will be able to take the idea and grow it bigger. With the use of recycled/reused items students can hold grade level competitions building great walls for Marble boards, using the essential elements in the kit. Same with the roller coaster kit. Students will gain an understanding but then be allowed to expand that knowledge using found objects to extend the lesson. I hope to have class competitions with these kits, where the winners will compete for a grade level champion. Through these simple kits, the concepts begin to have authentic application. These kits are perfect Maker Space student centered learning.
Our students need to experience more hands-on learning.
They need more learning by doing. While this is only a small part of the Maker Space, it is the beginning of our Maker Movement. I want my students to grow up to be makers, not simply consumers. I also believe that when you give students tools they can change they way they learn. If they change the way they learn, opening up a new mindset to learning....the possibilities for them are endless.
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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 Ms. H. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.