This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
I am the proud librarian of an inner city middle school with a 100 percent free breakfast and lunch program. Many of my students come from a low income/high poverty environments and often don't have opportunities we take for granted such as learning chess or playing with LEGO bricks.
However, this does not impact the students' natural inquisitiveness and desire to learn.
I have discovered that even my most reluctant learners can be coaxed into "playing" in the library's makerspace. Everyone likes to play.
My Project
Over the last two years, I have been creating a space in the library for students to create, tinker, inquire, and build. Through grants, gifts, and book fair funds, my students have access to a Lego Wall, Keva Planks, Snap Circuits, an Ozobot, and various arts and crafts type centers.
It is much easier to fund the craft resources than the technology items, yet I know my students need exposure to coding.
Recently, our library received OSMO kits. Through creative problem solving, my students will learn basic coding concepts. These interactive coding devices are fabulous but require an iPad.
We need a dedicated iPad that will only be used with OSMO and other activities in the library makerspace.
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 Mrs. Lambusta and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.