Lifelong learners...Students who take ownership of their own learning will truly achieve success. Their inquisitive minds wonder about so many things, but we have very few resources to expand those minds, especially with science and technology. My students ask questions every day to solidify ideas and to expand their ways of thinking. They want to know the "why" and "how" of why things occur. They are truly little masterminds, trying to fuel their brains with knowledge.
In a diverse 4th grade classroom where collaboration is modeled, encouraged, and expected, my students have shown that working as a team has huge benefits on their own learning, as well as those of their classmates.
They have learned that collaborating with others will help them achieve success on their own, as well as with others, in all aspects of their lives. They are eager to share their knowledge with others in a positive and energetic way.
My Project
Having additional Chromebooks in our classroom will allow for different structures of learning in our classroom. The Chromebooks will be used for STEAM projects. Students can look up pictures of catapults, bridges, and cars and then design their own using items found at home and in the classroom. The Chromebooks will be used to record the results of an experiment. Recently, we investigated how far buses (made from tissue boxes, rubber bands, and pencils) would travel with attached CDs as wheels. Students measured the distance and discussed why their buses traveled farther or less than others. They recorded their observations on a chart. They could also collaborate with other groups about their findings. Along with researching about their various STEAM projects, students could also visit math sites to practice skills needed to be successful. Having more Chromebooks would allow me to have activities for both my highest performing and most struggling students.
My project will make a difference because, as I said before, these students are striving to become 21st century learners.
Our classrooms are not yet at the level technologically to meet their needs as learners. This grant will help to close that gap just a little bit 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 Mrs. Moore and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
