Help To Create A Technology Makerspace & Learning Center!
My students need two Lego Mindstorms kits, three Makey Makey Science Kits, and educational games to be able to explore technology in a classroom makerspace.
I recently learned about an amazing trend with makerspaces in schools. I felt that excitement of wonder through exploration and experimentation as when I was young like my students. My goal is to be able to create a classroom makerspace for my students to feel that same exhilaration that I had.
I teach the sixth grade in an area with a high amount of economically disadvantaged families.
Many of these students still are enthusiastic about learning new things, especially when offered in new and innovative ways. In addition to teaching ELA, math and being the grade level's science teacher, I am also one of the school's robotics coaches. I instantly see the impact that an opportunity such as robotics can have on the students as well as the doors it can open.
Unfortunately many students still do not have the opportunities to participate in a program like this due to limited capacity in these programs. It breaks my heart to have to turn down students due to these limitations. My goal is to be able to alleviate some of this by creating my own makerspace in my classroom that will provide additional opportunities for many more students to explore robotics, electronics, and to just be able to have learning in more ways.
My Project
I intend to create a center in my classroom that allows for a larger freedom of creativity with the students. Through the Lego Mindstorms EV3 kits, they will have the opportunity to build robots, to program instructions, and to even complete Lego League missions that may not have previously been available to them. Students will also be able to explore electronics by creating circuits using the Makey Makey kits and to be able to apply it to a fun and educational use. I also would like to expand on my game center by being able to provide more educational learning games that challenge their logic and problem solving skills while having fun with the Gravity Maze and Logic Maze games.
This is just the beginning of my makerspace in my classroom.
I have previously bought Snapcircuits for my classroom with my own money. I would like to continue to expand this space to provide more opportunities for students for many years to come. With these opportunities, it may open new doors and have students realize untapped passion for potential STEM professions.
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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. Okumura and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.