My students enter my STEAM Lab full of energy! They enjoy asking thought-provoking questions as they find solutions to complete tasks. These young students are super happy to be exposed to a variety of devices and materials, especially when they are carrying out a task similar to a real-life robotics programmer, electronics circuit designer, animator, marine engineer, or music composer. We are ecstatic to be learning in our school building this school year!
The motivation of my students to become STEAM leaders in a 21st-century world energizes me to provide them with the very best learning opportunities!
We are a Title I school, which means that we receive financial assistance due to a high percentage of students from low-income families. This school year we qualified for a federally-funded program that provides free breakfast and lunch to all children. Many students face personal challenges outside of our learning environment. Nevertheless, they eagerly participate when in my STEAM Lab, crave new experiences, enjoy sharing their learning with others, and are truly excited about their promising futures!
My Project
The Pennsylvania Dept. of Education recognizes that students are more than just standardized testing. In collaboration with the PA Education Department's "Future Ready" initiatives, my STEAM Lab provides hands-on career exploration activities. These activities are introduced by me (their STEAM teacher), the classroom teacher, the music teacher, and our school counselor. Students especially love using the littleBits synth kits to play a song, Snap Circuits Motion kits to build a helicopter with moving propeller, and the K'nex kits with motor to create an amusement park ride.
Circuit and engineering kits inspire students' interests in various careers, allow for mastery of a new skill, and promote exploration of a student's innovative ideas and personal interests.
Many of the kid-friendly kits require batteries. I have 3 reliable battery charging stations, that my students know how to utilize. To keep more of our amazing kits in the hands of my students, instead of sometimes on shelves awaiting a freshly charged battery, my classroom would benefit by acquiring more AA and 9V rechargeable batteries.
By providing ongoing access to kid-friendly STEAM-related devices, my students are exploring careers at an early age, while developing a sense of curiosity, creativity, and ingenuity. These opportunities assist with ensuring a child's successful future!
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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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 Ms. Wiltrout and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
