"Learning should be creating, not consuming." The Maker Movement is the future of education and my students are hungry to be a part of it. From arts and crafts to science projects to Minecraft, my students thrive when they get to make things.
My school is a Level-4 setting, which means we are a self-contained special education school.
We serve "low incidence" students with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional/behavioral disabilities, and various mental health and medical diagnoses that impact their school experience. Many of our students come from trauma and/or disadvantaged home and family backgrounds. By the time they have arrived at our building, they have experienced a great deal of hardship and failure in more traditional, mainstream schools. We use the Nurtured Heart Approach to rebuild positive self-images and inner wealth in kids, with the goal of helping each one of them transition back to a mainstream school among their typically-developing peers.
My Project
My students will assemble the 3D printer and make it the center of our classroom maker space. They will be able to make their digital creations come to life. The 3D printer will engage students in the creative process, it will be applicable to many lessons throughout the curriculum. In social studies, students can create and print landforms, buildings, or maps. In science, the printer can be used to meet scientific method and engineering standards. In math, students will be able to create and print their own manipulatives and representations.
Learning is creating, not consuming.
3D printing will bring a highly engaging and exciting tool into our classroom. My students are not often successful with traditional book work and rote and repetition. They need something more. This will give the students something very motivating to look forward to. 3D design and printing will be a major industry in tomorrow's economy. This tool will prepare my students for the future.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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 Mr. Drewelow and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.