"I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that won't work." - Thomas Edison.
In my classroom, students are encouraged to learn through fun and experimentation! By using the Engineer and Design process students are encouraged to try, make mistakes and then try again!
I am teaching two science classes, of very energetic 4th graders, that engineers and inventors fail and through that failure create great things!
In my E-STEM school district we are finding ways to teach children about engineering and design and I am looking for ways to connect literacy and science for these learners.
Students are very motivated through hands on learning experiences in the science classroom, and I would like to make a stronger connection between what students read in a non-fiction text to real life.
I have had the opportunity to touch on engineering with my kids, but I can see in their eyes that they need more information. It is my goal to engage learners that enter my classroom by reading about famous projects that have been successful and those that have failed so they can begin to see the world through a scientific eye. Realizing that when they fail in the classroom, it is really an opportunity to learn!
My Project
I would first like to introduce students to engineering through the use of the story Rosie Revere: Engineer. Once students begin understanding what an engineer can do, I would like to use the two sets of 10 books, Fantastic Feats and Failures as well as Making a Circuit, in guided reading groups. Better than just having the opportunity to read non-fiction as a way of understanding, students will then be challenged to use various kits like the K'NEX Intro to Simple Machines and Keva Contraptions to build and create items that they have read about. This is a great way to motivate learners and keep them engaged during literacy time.
I will also have enough materials to make 5 learning groups during science where students will be able to further explore what these materials can do.
I will use a cross curricular approach to incorporate science with literacy so students begin to make stronger connections in learning.
In my experience students that read and then create what they have read will have a better understanding of materials.
By donating to this project you will allow students to have the tools that will help them make stronger connections between what they read about engineering and trying it for themselves! By allowing these materials to enter my classroom, you will help open a generation to engineering and create excitement while learning!
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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. Worm and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.