This amazing class loves a challenge. These 5th and 5th graders have been working on weekly “challenges” this year using simple materials from our classroom, like newspaper and tape. Their solutions have been remarkable. And they beg for a new challenge every week.
These students are vibrant thinkers, experimenters, builders, creators, readers, writers.
They are from a small rural school in northern New Hampshire. Our total school population is 70 students, grades K-8. Our combined 5th and 6th grade class has 15 curious minds and 15 unique personalities. I wish you could hear our ethical discussions about technology; not only are these students amazed by the possibilities of technology, they are already cautious about its impact. I would like to give them an opportunity to take on a more sophisticated challenge using “real” materials that gives them the opportunity to develop their scientific and problem solving skills on a more substantial level. Just because these students are from a little school does not mean they cannot make big changes if they have the skills and the confidence. I believe this project can help provide both those things. I believe these children offer hope for our future
My Project
I would like to provide each of these future engineers (and possibly politicians) with solar robot kits from which they can build 14 different robotic creatures. These kits will challenge the students in a progressive way. First students will build something that is difficult for them. There are two levels of skills in this kit, so they can start simple and proceed from there. Then, students will be required to use the robots to test "real" student generated questions by conducting controlled scientific studies.They will have to "publish" their findings. I can hardly wait to see the questions these creative, curious minds come up with to test.
This would be quite a step up from our newspaper and tape challenges.
Our classroom will be bursting with enthusiasm. Students will be developing their thinking, processing, investigating, and creative skills, as well as learning about how simple robots work, and about the potential of solar energy. They are amazing kids, and this would be an amazing opportunity for them.
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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. Sandell and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.