My students need engineering tools such as Makey Makey invention kits, Lego bricks, and safety googles to integrate their STEM learning.
FULLY FUNDED! Mrs. Ballou's classroom raised $717
This project is fully funded
My Students
I am lucky to have the opportunity to work in a Gifted Zone Center where I teach math and science to 4th and 5th graders. This is a wonderful opportunity because I get to loop with my students. Recently our school was Title I. In my classroom I struggle with having enough supplies for each student to have an authentic hands-on learning opportunity.
My students are spunky, inquisitive, and hardworking.
Some of my students travel up to 30 minutes on the bus each morning. Talk about commitment to learning! Our program pulls students from five surrounding school zones as well as our own. This means I have a very diverse group of learners including those with 504s, IEPs, and English language learners. Each of my students come to school with an open-mind and work hard daily to push themselves academically.
My Project
While on a family vacation to Myrtle Beach we came across a museum featuring, "The Art of the Brick" by Nathan Sawaya. I was immediately enthralled in how Sawaya used what we think of as a kid's toy to build art. His art pieces and documentary were phenomenal and inspired me to bring his ideas into my own classroom.
The Makey Makey invention kits and Lego bricks will allow my students to build their own projects and bring them to life right before their eyes.
Imagine a robot walking around our classroom, a piano made from Legos playing in the background as students are hard at work, or a treat dispenser for their pet. The Makey Makey invention kits would allow my students to do this and more! Overall my students are incredibly creative, but sometimes students need a starting point, so the books that have been requested will give them a jumping point to get their juices flowing.
An added bonus to Legos? They are not just used for science and building, but can also help us with our math instruction. Their different shapes will allow us to dive into fractions, measures of central tendency, probability, and more!
Who would have thought a little brick could be so diverse? We can't wait to be able to implement all of these aspects into our classroom!
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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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 Mrs. Ballou and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
