My students need KIBO robots that introduce powerful ideas around the concepts of engineering design process, computational thinking and problem solving.
I have a classroom of the most wonderful, thoughtful and creative kindergartens who are filled with the Aloha spirit. We have spent months building a strong classroom community where we all support and encourage each other. They are scientists, artists, builders, creators and deep thinkers. They are excited to learn, explore and use technology in the classroom.
Living on an island has disadvantages for students, as they are not exposed to as many opportunities as the schools on the mainland.
Our elementary school is a Title One school that falls well below state and national poverty indicators. Our school exceeds the state average for free or reduced price lunch recipients by over fifteen percent and exceeds the national average by twenty-two percent. Unemployment is high in this district and good paying jobs are few. Our class is a true melting pot of ethnic diversity. Over half are of Asian decent, thirty percent Hawaiian, and Whites and Hispanics make up the rest. Other students come from homes where English is not the first language spoken.
My Project
Young children can learn programming and engineering at a very early age. This is possible when children are given tools that are developmentally appropriate, that encourage open-ended play and that allow the integration of technical skills with expressive arts, math, literacy and cultural explorations. Now they can thanks to Kinderlab Robotics and the KIBO Robot. What is KIBO? KIBO is a robot kit specifically designed for young children aged 4-7 years old.
With KIBO, children build, program, decorate, and bring their own robot to life.
STEAM learning with KIBO is fun, imaginative, and easy. Now, kindergartners will be able to playfully discover new concepts by coding with wooden building blocks, creating sequences, and learning design processes.
Students will engage in playful learning, cultivate their curiosity for the technological world, explore problem solving, and understand concepts such as sequencing, cause-and-effect, programming, sensors and motors. KIBO robots will allow students to learn best through hands-on activities and interdisiplinary core curriculum, all while allowing students' imaginations to soar without requiring screen time. Students will work in small groups and participate in collaborative problem solving and small group conversations while learning how to become engineers, designers and programmers for the 21st century.
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 Mrs. Lowry and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
