Somewhere deep in the heart of the Midwest lies our town. It is the quintessential rural town that has always been described in books, television, and movies since the beginning of time. Families have lived here for generations and take pride in everything that the small town has to offer. The townspeople come out in force at the annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, as well as the Strawberry Festival. They crowd the stands to see their hometown team play ball and line the streets during the annual homecoming parade. It is, indeed, a tiny piece of Midwestern paradise.
Our high school special education classroom is a place of growth in academics, personality, and citizenship.
We celebrate each other's successes while learning from each other's mistakes; in short, we try our best and come together as one team with the common goal of becoming productive citizens in a global society.
My students don't let their disabilities define who they are or what they are capable of; instead, they embrace them and the challenges they pose without fear.
My Project
The goal STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Math) learning is to take the concepts learned in these areas and apply them to a given problem. And what way is better at creating a simulated problem than an exciting game with a problem that is actually interesting enough for teens to solve? According to Magy Seif El Nasr at Northeastern University, "Research shows games can be a valuable learning tool, encouraging children to think critically and solve problems. The goal, though, isn’t to develop a game that’s purely educational. Those are so notoriously dull that the gaming industry has all but abandoned them. A really compelling fun game is the key, so that should be the goal."
Our project is requesting various types of STEM games that appeal to high school students, but can be played in under 20 minutes.
My students see me every other day for 90 minutes, and for a portion of the time, we work on that quarter's transition skill. Through the purchase of these games, I would like to begin also incorporating various STEM games/activities into this time as well. With the Circuit Maze, Beaker Game, and Science Speed games, students will work on a variety of applied science skills. With the Rush Hour, Gravity Maze, Roller Coaster Challenge, and Brick by Brick, students will work on a variety of engineering skills. With Lunar Landing, Cat Crimes, Tipover, Hoppers, and Swish, students will work on a variety of math skills. With Laser Maze, students will work on a variety of technology skills.
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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. Bell and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
