I am a New York City public school educator. I am a part of a district which is a cohort of many schools across our city and has the highest amount of special needs students. Our district is specifically designed to educate students with disabilities. My students have Autism and multiple disabilities. They are also economically disadvantaged. Our district works a 12-month program, so it is essential to have appropriate educational materials and curriculum to support them and meet their individualized learning needs.
I teach students with disabilities, and 100% of my students qualify for free and reduced-priced lunch.
Students often come to us with many struggles from home. I want their education to be fun and exciting. In my classroom, we use technology to learn and grow! My students are getting exposed to coding and STEAM, and I want to ensure they build 21st century skills by getting newer technology for them to use!
My students are some of the most disadvantaged students in New York. I want to ensure that we can meet their needs by learning skills to meet the demands of the 21st century work force. Coding, Engineering and STEAM skills are essential for future employment.
My Project
The Sphero Bolt is a great tools for students to learn hands on coding in a fun and tangible way. My students will use an iPad to input code to the ball move. The ball has lights, sounds and all kinds of sensors that students are able to manipulate. With just starting exposure for many of my students to coding, I would like to build on what they have seen. I have one of the original sphero that my students have used at times but it does not allow for the coding; they can just control where it moves. Since, they had that exposure I am looking build upon it with a Sphero Bolt. I want to show them how coding affects the actions of the ball. They will then see their code is brought to life when they add their first direction and see the Sphero move! It is such an amazing experience to learn how to code, but for my students they need the instant gratification, which this allows for in a fun and engaging way. Coding can support instruction in STEAM. My students, due to their disabilities are often are very visual and hands-on learners and this robot allows for the perfect combination of both learning styles.
I see this experience with coding a robots in the school, as the door that will open the path for future vocational skills for my students, providing them the ability to learn skills that will allow them to become part of the workforce in our community.
Giving them a chance to learn a skill and build a passion. These experiences they get will guide them to make good choices for their future! We can only do this with your help! Thank you.
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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 Mrs. Amato and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
