My students need copper tape, coin cell batteries, LED lights and supplies like glue sticks, scissors, markers and paper to make paper circuits not only successful but also fun and personal.
All students deserve opportunity despite their background. Opportunities I am working to afford my students is through personalized learning and creativity for learning technology beyond using a computer. Students are being prepared to transition from a traditional computer lab with fixed seating and desktop computers to a flexible, collaborative, mobile, hands-on learning environment.
Our student population consists of an almost even split of girls and boys where 33% of students are free and reduced lunch.
Two challenges facing me and my students are most students do not have computer or Internet access at home and students have their special classes on a six-day rotation. Therefore, if a student is absent or misses class due to speech or other accommodations, it could be weeks before the student(s) have class again. It is my goal to overcome these challenges by changing from a culminating class approach to mini-projects that can be completed in one class.
Creating an encouraging learning environment that fosters an, “I can do it mentality,” hopes to bolster self-esteem, expose more girls into Computer Science and provide supportive opportunities that children may not have otherwise.
My Project
Currently, most technology is being learned in a traditional setting with students sitting in front of a computer. There is so much to be learned about Computer Science and technology through hands-on activities that our students are not being exposed to. Gifted students and the after school club, Girls in Engineering, Math and Science (GEMS) are the two groups most frequently exposed to non-traditional projects. All students should have the opportunity to be exposed to projects that foster critical thinking and get them interested in potential career fields. Incorporating a project like paper circuits will get students excited to come to class, learn a new skill that can be applied to other areas of their lives.
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 Dr. Kulick and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.