Curiosity is contagious! Teaching a few basic computer science classes this year, a few of my students asked about older PC's that were sitting around. One in particular asked of she could take one apart in order to see the internal workings. I happily supplied her with some basic tools and let her know that some of the best ways we learn is through reverse engineering.
Once she "cracked the case", the fun and learning really started!
I was peppered with questions about what was inside and how it all worked. My suggestion was that she take the initiative to research components associated with PC's, identify them, and then come talk to me. Long story short, as other students saw what she was doing, there was soon a long list of kids that wanted to join her.
Students have since reverse engineered and put back together countless PC's that were no longer in use. The learning along the way is priceless. I've often told my students that self directed learning is powerful and at times has greater impact than the traditional classroom environment. This is one of those examples. A single student started a wave of curiosity.
My Project
Allowing students to securely store their phones will alleviate concerns about safety and increase student engagement! A few years ago I collected all cell phones at the door and securely locked them up until the end of class. The difference in student engagement was incredible with the distraction of their phones removed. Many students told me that they were relieved to not have their phones during class because it allowed them to focus better. I am no longer able to collect phones, but I can offer an alternative; the cell phone locker! I would like to equip my class with the locker and locks ensuring safety of the phones and relieving any student concerns about the safety of their phones.
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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 Teacher Beman and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.