iLearn: Technology to Engage Students in Critical Thinking Skills
My students need two ipads, cases, and screen protectors to demonstrate their math and science learning, and develop critical STEM skills through the use of online digital portfolios.
My fourth grade scientists grow up in a city with one of the highest concentrations of poverty in the United States.
They are diverse. Some are refugees with limited English skills. One hundred percent receive free or reduced lunch. They are struggling readers. They are at risk. They have limited access to hands on authentic STEM learning experiences and technology tools. They are wonderful. They are curious, and they are resilient.
My students may struggle in some areas, but they are scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. They are artists. They are a learning community and they are thirsty for experiences. With the right tools and opportunities to develop their confidence and curiosity about the world, their potential to grow into who they are meant to be is limitless.
My Project
These fourth grade scientists will participate in a variety of hands on STEM learning experiences in the classroom. These projects will require students to think critically about fourth grade topics like energy, electricity, landforms, soil composition, food webs, and simple machines. Students will collaborate with each other on research projects with a focus on informational and argumentative writing in order to encourage critical thinking. With a deeper understanding of content, students will be required to explain their thinking verbally using the Seesaw online digital learning portfolio. The use of this digital tool will enhance student engagement in high level learning.
Ipads in our classroom will enable students, families, and teachers to connect and engage with student work, and provide real-time feedback and support to improve learning.
In the classroom, students can update their Seesaw online learning journals daily by taking pictures and videos explaining the process they took to arrive at a solution. It also enables students to document and present their work in a variety of ways, thus increasing student engagement and choice in the classroom. English as a New Language students, and those with disabilities, are able to illustrate on top of their pictures and record their responses verbally in Seesaw to help communicate their understanding of challenging STEM content. After students upload work to their Seesaw portfolios, parents, teachers, and other students can connect to give feedback, and comment on student work. This strengthened home-school connection will motivate students like never before!
With your help, iPads in our classroom can help students record their learning process, differentiate for ENL students, and increase family engagement.
Apple 9.7-inch iPad Wi-Fi - 6th generation - tablet - 32 GB - 9.7'
• Best Buy Education
$329.99
2
$659.98
Fintie Case for Apple iPad 9.7 Inch 2018 Model (6th Gen)/iPad 9.7 Inch 2017 Model (5th Gen)/iPad Air - Kiddie Series Light Weight Shock Proof Convertible Handle Stand Cover Kids Friendly - Green
• Amazon Business
$15.99
1
$15.99
Fintie Case for Apple iPad 9.7 Inch 2018 Model (6th Gen)/iPad 9.7" 2017 Model (5th Gen)/iPad Air - Kiddie Series Light Weight Shock Proof Convertible Handle Stand Cover Case Kids Friendly - Blue
• Amazon Business
$15.99
1
$15.99
[2 PACK] iPad 6th/5th Tempered Glass Screen Protector,[State Of The Art][Lifetime Replacement Warranty][Anti-Scratch][Anti-Fingerprint][Bubble Free] for iPad 9.7 inch 2018/2017/2016 Air 1 2
• Amazon Business
$8.99
1
$8.99
Materials cost
$700.95
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$10.51
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$741.46
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$130.85
Total project goal
$872.31
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$872.31
9 Donors
-$431.74
Donations toward project cost
-$374.48
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$57.26
match offer
-$431.74
Match offer toward project cost
-$366.98
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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 Ms. Vilello and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.