The students in my 3rd grade class are unique indeed. The class is split by gender with 4 boys and 3 girls. The students are all members of a federally recognized tribe and live in a remote area of Alaska. The uniqueness of each child is evident in the stories they tell of their lifeways and experiences as children living in a remote area that is only accessible by a bush plane or a fishing boat. The students know how to fish, hunt wild game and gather or forage for wild plants common to their area. The students know some of their native language and participate in cultural activities.
The students have attended the school since they were three years old.
They are like brothers and sisters. Most are related to one another, so they spend lots of time together even out of school. Their families have lived in the area for generations. Needless to say they have strong family and community connections.
The students enjoy the outdoors, sports, art, music and school activities. Because of the remoteness of the area, the students look forward to digital activities. They enjoy researching and participating in STEAM-type projects.
My Project
The goal of my project is to make materials available to the students for creative STEAM projects. Students benefit from incorporating lessons and activities that use STEAM: science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Here are some of the specific ways my students can benefit from STEAM in the classroom.
STEAM projects expose students to the creative process.
When students engage in activities that combine different elements of STEAM, they experience guided inquiry in which they must ask thoughtful questions, discover answers, apply what they learn, and problem-solve creatively. Students learn how to go from a design on paper to a tangible, functional object.
STEAM projects offer meaningful collaboration among the students. Many STEAM projects involve teamwork and thoughtful dialogue in which students exchange ideas and discuss ways to problem-solve. Through these activities, students learn how to divide up responsibilities, compromise, listen to and encourage each other.
STEAM projects increase critical thinking skills. The projects require students to systematically think through problems, applying the information they learn along the way about technology and engineering to figure out the best solutions.
All of the materials requested for our STEAM projects stimulate children’s curiosity to explore and learn through play. The LEGO Coding Express materials will be used to begin the teaching and learning of coding concepts. The LEGO Core Set is designed with collaboration in mind: each Core Set supports two students, introducing them to computational thinking and engineering principles in a fun and engaging way.
The Sphero-Robot will allow students to build, drive and code, providing endless opportunities to be creative and have fun while learning.
The Snap Circuits are learning kits that allow students to build electronics projects. Magnetic components, circuitry and gears let you explore fundamental physics concepts, while the stabilizer pieces provide support.
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. Bunch and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.