It's all about connections! STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is not about learning subjects in isolation, but seeing the connections between subjects. I want to facilitate creating these connections between subjects as well as connections to real world situations and applications for my students.
Welcome to a high energy classroom of 23 amazing, creative and inquisitive third graders at a title 1 STEM-focus public elementary school, in Southern California.
Each day these students are researchers, scientists, engineers and creators who are discovering how the world works and working together to find solutions to real-world problems while deepening their understanding of the core curriculum areas and improving their literacy skills. For many of our families access to technology and the Internet remains and issue and the school setting is the only place to access technology, online learning, and applications that make learning more hands-on.
My Project
Imagine a STEM-focus classroom where students are engaged in learning on a much deeper level. At one table, a group of students are reading a story while using Google Earth on an iPad to learn more about the setting of the story. In another part of the room, students are using an iPad to create a tutorial about solving a math problem that an absent student can access when he returns. In another area, students are using an iPad to program a robot to move through a maze. Other students are using a chemistry app on the iPad to perform experiments safely using "materials" that might not be otherwise available to them. I might be working with a student who is below grade level in reading. We are using an iPad app to help improve reading skills. Learning is not confined by the classroom walls. Students take the iPads outside and on field trips to document their learning.
For many of my students, access to the Internet and technology remains an issue.
School may be the only place that access takes place. Having iPads in the classroom would mean greater access for all children. It would mean that access need not stop at the classroom door. It would also mean that learning could occur simultaneously across a variety of subject areas in small groups. Groups could work on projects then share their products created on the iPads the rest of the class.
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. Avitia-Witt and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.