The classes are a Navigating Informational Systems class and an Entrepreneurship class. What a better way to work with a team and new technology than a 3D Printer.
This will allow the students to execute projects in a real world manner and print their ideas in prototype form.
The students are 6th, 7th and 8th grade students working with technology and business ideas.
The classes are based around technology, information, and business. The students are engaged in technology and yearning to explore more advanced ideas by bringing their ideas to life. The students need to be exposed to different technologies and allowed to take risks with their ideas. When given the chance the students dive in and take on the challenge of the technology and their ideas. The colorful filament will allow each group to further bring their ideas to life. This technology will allow students to explore their ideas beyond their normal paper and pencil environment. They can create prototypes of their ideas which will allow their projects to reflect real-world environments.
Our school is a family oriented school. While we have 600+ students we are a seemingly small school. We are an older building but we put a lot of effort into technology and keeping current with the world around us.
My Project
The technology class will create prototypes to show feasibility of their idea in a mock bidding process to win a design project. Much like an architect creating plans for a buyer. The buyer will decide from multiple sources the best solution for them. The buyer in this case will be a panel of teachers deciding who met the set parameters of the project. The Entrepreneurship class will utilize the printer much the same way. Students create a business and will have the ability to develop a prototype of their product. This will allow students to see a model of their product.
In both classes students work in teams solving a problem, like many real-world companies. Learning how to work with others, share thoughts, ideas, compromising and recognizing better ideas. The students will learn the presenting process of ideas to a panel of people who ultimately decide which company wins the project. Or, have a product the societal market wants.
Both, allows students to create ideas beyond paper.
A 3D printer will improve the classroom because students can go further than just imagining a product or drawing a picture.
They can SEE, and FEEL a product in their hands. They can see results, make changes, and bring ideas to life. They can take a RISK educationally, push their thinking outside the classroom doors.
When given the chance to try new things, students thrive. This will give them the chance to TRY. That trying could give them the spark to keep trying and grow as a learner.
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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. Pfile and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.