I teach in a rural community about three hours away from a large city. Approximately 30 percent of my students receive free or reduced lunch. I am in a school where budge cuts have eliminated the purchase of new technology. I want to help prepare our students to be job-ready upon graduation. According to a 2015 study by the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, 80 percent of jobs in the next 20 years will require a background in technology, science, or engineering. Because we live in a small coastal community, many of our students are not regularly exposed to STEAM activities.
I want my students to learn how to use a 3D printer, so they can create hands-on projects with state-of-the art technology.
In order for my students to be able to compete with their peers in other parts of the nation, they need to become exposed to technology.
My Project
My students would love to be able to create 3D objects such as cars, trains, books, and mini cities. No one in my school has ever seen a 3D printer or had the opportunity to use one. We have only been able to imagine this technology that has become popular at many other schools. Instead, we have only read about 3D printers in books and seen videos of what they can do.
I want to create engaging real-world experiences where my students can use their imaginations to build new projects, while extending their knowledge of math and science.
A 3D printer will engage students in design challenges using real-world problem solving skills. I plan to have activities to reach every student at our school, including every content area and ability level. For example, if my students are reading a short story about a car, they can create a model of the car with the 3D printer. Likewise, if they are studying scientific developments for people who have prosthetic limbs, they can actually build a prosthetic arm to see how this would change a person's life. In music, if they are studying different instruments, they could actually build a 3D trumpet or flute. By incorporating a 3D printer in my school, I can show my students how exciting technology can be. Instead of learning with old-fashioned textbooks, they can actually use hands-on technology which creates a life-like product.
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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. Blackwell and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.