I have several students who stand out in my HS math classes because they are creatively bored. They tend to turn basic tools (angle rulers, etc.) into elaborate constructions or bring projects from home to show off. One spent a week trying to secretly figure out which Smart Board functions he could emulate - while I was teaching - using an infrared controller on his smart phone. He also brought in a bluetooth-capable stereo speaker tube he had built at home using salvaged electronic parts and a salt cannister. Another young man seems to be all over the place - inattentive, overly active, pulling pranks - until we bring up a problem or subject he can really dig into; and then he is fully engaged and demonstrates quick intelligence and creative insights. One young lady is working hard to better her ACT scores and computing prowess so she can be eligible for specialized STEM education; but she slacks at a lot of her other assignments.
These and many others in our school's Grades 9 - 12 need opportunities to do more creative work with technology, but our school is small and has no engineering or robotics program.
My Project
The requested safety glasses and secure storage cabinet will help our high school's robotics team establish a safe and efficient working environment right from the start.
This is the first time our high school has ever ventured into robotics.
As a small district, we are having to develop this program from the ground up. We are gathering support, building our work environment, and developing skills in our new team of students to help them meet the challenge effectively.
These students are starving for much more intensive technical development opportunities than their standard classes provide. There is no reason to keep them waiting any longer; so we are forging ahead.
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. Schleiff and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
