My students need a class set of merge cubes to explore their 3D designs and other AR components in real space. The ability to hold and manipulate 3D models is of high benefit
I teach at a rural public school on the island of Hawaii where more than 90% of students live in poverty. Having grown up in this town I know firsthand how the students here are eager to learn but limited in their experiences, in many cases due to their socio-economic status.
Code.org reports that every year some 530,000 computer science jobs go unfilled.
It is my goal and my passion to broaden the horizons of these students and provide them with an opportunity to engage in challenging and engaging STEM projects, specifically in the fields of engineering and computer science.
It is my hope that by providing these kids with an opportunity to learn skills they would otherwise never expose themselves to, I can open them to more viable career opportunities in life and lead them on a path to become lifelong learners. Perhaps if enough find success and return home we can lead my hometown into a brighter future.
My Project
The Merge Cube has exploded in popularity recently with the ability to hold augmented reality in your hand which has opened the door to so many STEM learning possibilities. When used alongside a VR headset, the merge cube can transform magically right in front of a student's eyes.
Until recently most of the apps available for merge were games, which can be beneficial but only to a certain point.
However, recent updates have made it easier to upload custom 3D models. I plan to use this feature to aid students in the creation and improvement of their own 3D models prior to sending the results to a 3D printer.
In our STEM enrichment class we have run several units on creating 3D models with the intention of using the software to machine parts for simple devices like cranks, gears and gearboxes, levers, etc. Up until this point students have had trouble visualizing what their part will look like in the 3D space. I hope that with this device I can make their designs "real" to them before wasting time and money on expensive 3D printing.
Merge Cube - (2-Pack) Hold Holograms In Your Hand With Award Winning AR Toy for Kids - iOS or Android Phone or Tablet Brings the Cube to Life,
• Amazon Business
$11.90
20
$238.00
Google Cardboard Valencia Quality 3D VR Virtual Reality Glasses
• Amazon Business
$3.67
50
$183.50
Merge VR/AR Goggles - Virtual and Augmented Reality Headset for iPhone and Android - Adjustable Lenses, Dual Input Buttons, Soft and Comfortable, Easy to Clean and Share, For Kids 10+ (Pulsar Purple)
• Amazon Business
$34.20
3
$102.60
Funsparks Google Cardboard Laminated - 3D VR Virtual Reality DIY Headset For 3D Movies and Games For Android and Apple Up To 6 Inch Screen
• Amazon Business
$6.99
12
$83.88
Materials cost
$607.98
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$26.75
3rd party payment processing fee
$9.12
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$673.85
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$118.91
Total project goal
$792.76
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$792.76
4 Donors
-$396.37
Donations toward project cost
-$336.92
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$59.45
match offer
-$396.39
Match offer toward project cost
-$336.93
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
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. Chow and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
