Despite my students' vast diverse backgrounds, they are some of the most inspired workers I have ever had the pleasure of teaching. Every day, my students come in excited to work on new projects. By allowing students to experiment with the most up-to-date technological developments in school, it is giving them the same opportunities students in more funded districts receive.
From Kindergarten through 8th Grade, my students are eager to take every opportunity they are given and explore new ideas.
They are natural engineers and it is truly a gift to watch them grow in their knowledge and love for using technology. In addition to learning more about technology in their world, it helps students engage more in other content areas in school. It is amazing the change in focus a student has on the same information when they are working on it on a computer vs. reading it from a worksheet.
My Project
I am attempting to replicate the "If We Build Up Girls, Then We All Become STEMinists" project. By giving students the opportunity to explore different STEAM activities, their knowledge base, and drive to succeed grow exponentially. I am very excited that my classroom will be developing a Maker Space area this coming school year. However, we need tools supplies to let the students make with! My students had such great ideas last school year with individual and group projects and I am so excited to hopefully give them the opportunity to see these projects come to life.
Having the ChibiChips allow students' imaginative creations to come off of the computer screen and into their world.
These tools will help teach them how to connect their coding knowledge with circuits and how their ideas can make a true impact on the classroom, school, and community. By giving them the power to create, it will also help them take ownership of their learning and have additional pride in their success.
My favorite part of this project though, is it also allows for the connection between STEM and Arts. My students will use the IF/Then Collection to research Ana Maria Porras, Beata Mierzwa & Yamilee Toussant Beach, to learn how they connected their love of arts & fashion with STEM to truly make it STEAM. Just as If/Then biologist Beata Mierzwa turned cells into fashion pieces, I would love my students to turn their artwork and designs into interactive electronic pieces.
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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