As a teacher in a low-poverty Title I school, I see the different challenges that our students face in and outside of school. With all of these challenges, sometimes it is difficult to see what is hidden in their hearts. However, when given the chance, and with some coaching and encouragement, I know our students can open up to reveal their true colors of positivity and awesomeness to the world. By opening up, I hope that they can help others become more positive remind themselves that they can achieve greatness now and in the future.
My Project
I am interested in implementing a project using Ozobot robots and then allowing students to create personalized 3D "skins". These are programmed to follow instructions based on colored marks on lines in paper. Students learn how different instructions will affect how these robots work. 3D skins allow them to be artistic by designing and literally create 3 dimensional art.
Not only are Ozobot robots cute and fun, but they help to introduce fundamental coding concepts to students.
These walnut-sized robots are practical because they are small and easy to store, their battery life will be able to last for multiple classes, and they provide immediate feedback to students who are learning the basics of coding and debugging. They follow a black line drawn on paper, but then perform different tricks depending on how additional colored patters are inserted over these lines. In a short session that I was introduced to them, I saw how much fun students had learning to code. I am also requesting pre-printed stickers that help with the designing of the drawn paths that the robots follow.
My classroom has access to special 3D pens. 3 dimensional creations help to teach engineering concepts when being built and designed. Additionally, the more obvious benefit of designing a 3D objects--being creative--should not be overlooked. With the filament requested, students would create helmets and costumes for the robots so that it makes learning even more fun. I am requesting specialized filament that works specifically the child-friendly 3D pens already available to me.
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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 Mr. Wakabayashi and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
