My students walk into our classroom every day full of life, ready to learn, but due to their dismal pasts, are seldom excited for what is in store for them that day. These students are high school and young adult age, each with a range of impairments that range from autism, fetal alcohol syndrome, severe emotional/cognitive impairment, to traumatic brain injuries. They come from backgrounds of severe neglect, abuse, and poverty. Their outlook, once they leave my classroom, is bleak, so I must make as much of an impact on their lives as possible. Fortunately, I do have time on my side. They can come to me as young as 16 and receive an education up until age 26.
I am known for thinking “outside the box” and have come up with an idea to better “hook” them into the desire to learn and acquire some valuable job skills in the process, allowing them to be marketable in future endeavors.
My Project
As forementioned, my students range in age from 16-26 years old. They are getting their certificates of completion, which unlike a GED or high school diploma is just a piece of paper stating that they have finished an education program. As a result, students in my program often give in to despair, knowing their future employment is limited without the diplomas and are resigned to some sort of repetitive manual labor in an area, that most everyone would rather not be in.
I am known for being that out-of-the-box kind of educator.
I have created a project where students will engage in higher order thinking, tap into the creativity they already have, and teach them some job skills that may serve them well later in life. The project will also be fun for them to do, making it much easier for them to “buy-in.”
Using the Dremel Idea Builder 3D20-01 - 3D printer, and the multiple spools of printing plastic, my students will have the ability to print wearable parts of superhero or fan-based costumes. Prior to printing, students will learn skills associated with taking professional photos, using 3D software that creates the templates for the printer, as well as the ins and outs of using a 3D printer itself,
Through this project, students will have the opportunity to display their armor at various charity functions, comic-con, and other events. The boost in self-esteem from the admiration from others for the fine work they will do in designing their components, not to mention the skills they can carry over into jobs that utilize their new skills, is beyond any dreams I could have for them.
By donating to our project and increasing student attention and employability skills, my students will know that they are not forgotten!
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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 Mr. Pott and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.