"Think outside the box" is a common expression that my students often hear, but have difficulty internalizing because they are not used to thinking in abstract ways. I want to incorporate more opportunities in my classroom for students to tinker, explore, and build on their existing knowledge through STEM activities. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) activities allow students to explore and be creative using higher-level thinking through hands-on experiences. They incorporate elements from the four areas listed above, which have become areas of high-demand in today's work force.
I believe that providing more STEM activities in my classroom will foster and cater to the innovative minds of my bright and curious students. In the past, I have been able to provide students with STEM projects, such as constructing "castles" using plastic cups and making Christmas trees with limited resources-my students created masterpieces! This project would provide my students with more resources for STEM experiences on a regular basis. Students would be able to use the manipulatives (learning resource gears, magnetic building blocks and tiles, and interlocking plastic discs) during small group time, centers, and choice time. They would be able to investigate and tinker with the manipulatives' functions and, ultimately, see how they could be used to build and create. The manipulatives would allow students to utilize different higher-level cognitive skills (analyze, plan, use tools, etc.), and they would also engage students in collaboration with peers. The shelves and storage bins would create a "STEM space" where materials could be organized and accessed easily.
I believe that students learn by "doing", through trial and error, and having fun. By donating to our project, you will be providing our students with a space for creativity to thrive and the pieces (literally!) they need for their inventions to come to life!
About my class
"Think outside the box" is a common expression that my students often hear, but have difficulty internalizing because they are not used to thinking in abstract ways. I want to incorporate more opportunities in my classroom for students to tinker, explore, and build on their existing knowledge through STEM activities. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) activities allow students to explore and be creative using higher-level thinking through hands-on experiences. They incorporate elements from the four areas listed above, which have become areas of high-demand in today's work force.
I believe that providing more STEM activities in my classroom will foster and cater to the innovative minds of my bright and curious students. In the past, I have been able to provide students with STEM projects, such as constructing "castles" using plastic cups and making Christmas trees with limited resources-my students created masterpieces! This project would provide my students with more resources for STEM experiences on a regular basis. Students would be able to use the manipulatives (learning resource gears, magnetic building blocks and tiles, and interlocking plastic discs) during small group time, centers, and choice time. They would be able to investigate and tinker with the manipulatives' functions and, ultimately, see how they could be used to build and create. The manipulatives would allow students to utilize different higher-level cognitive skills (analyze, plan, use tools, etc.), and they would also engage students in collaboration with peers. The shelves and storage bins would create a "STEM space" where materials could be organized and accessed easily.
I believe that students learn by "doing", through trial and error, and having fun. By donating to our project, you will be providing our students with a space for creativity to thrive and the pieces (literally!) they need for their inventions to come to life!
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