My students need resources that will allow them to "tinker" and create, including K'NEX kits, a computer tool kit and an Erector construction set. They also need tools, including a vise grip, quick square layout tool, and a screwdriver set.
Ours is a fun, quirky spaced library. The former wood shop of an aging school, we have industrial pipes and a creaky staircase; but those are not the highlights of our library--it's the environment! Here kids discover new adventures, learn new things and come to gather outside of class time.
We have many students from under-serviced homes who don't have access to books or technology in their homes.
We service a 72% free/reduced lunch population with a large ethnic diversity. We are also home to the "AVID" program--"Advancement Via Individual Determination"--a program that supports students toward academic success from Jr. High until college enrollment. This program helps us help students who might be "under-represented" racially, culturally or economically in colleges and universities.
Our goal of providing a place where kids can "tinker" and create on their own time will help support STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) curriculum.
My Project
Supplies and resources such as K'NEX kits, robotics and electronic components and craft supplies will all be supplied so that students can "tinker" and create on their own time in what we're calling our MAKER LAB.
We are re-purposing a space in the library to house the lab. It's a small space with counters and stools and shelving (to hold supplies). Students will be able to reserve a space to accomplish their creations. We will then record students' creations and upload them to our own YouTube channel so students can share their accomplishments with friends, family and teachers. This will become our archive of projects so that materials can then be dis-assembled and reused for other projects.
We envision a place for informal creations, but also a place where specialists can come and teach new skills in a workshop environment. Crafts, soldering skills, higher level robotics, competitions...with supplies and space we can perpetuate an excitement to create and a challenge to learn!
Recently the National Research Council (2009) stated "In our research on where, why and how youth learn science, we find informal contexts...can provide stimulating educational experiences that help set initial interest in a topical niche of science." In other words, when students are allowed to free-style and create their ideas, it sharpens their interest the very curriculum we are teaching at school.
Creating in an informal environment gives a sense of accomplishment and innovation.
K'NEX Education - Forces, Energy & Motion
• Amazon
$130.90
1
$130.90
Meccano-Erector - Super Construction Set
• Amazon
$109.95
1
$109.95
Arduino Uno Ultimate Starter Kit -- Includes 72 page Instruction Book
• Amazon
$54.99
1
$54.99
Arrela® MB102 Solderless Breadboard Power Supply Module Jumper cable Kits for Arduino Project
• Amazon
$10.99
5
$54.95
K'nex Hyperspeed Hangtime Roller Coaster Building Set
• Amazon
$50.42
1
$50.42
IRWIN Tools VISE-GRIP Multi Tool Stripper, Cutter and Crimper, 8-Inch (2078309)
• Amazon
$13.99
3
$41.97
Belkin 55-Piece Computer Tool Kit with Black Case
• Amazon
$40.48
1
$40.48
K'NEX Education - Intro to Simple Machines: Wheels, Axels and Inclined Planes
• Amazon
$26.49
1
$26.49
K'NEX Education - Intro To Simple Machines: Levers and Pulleys
• Amazon
$25.99
1
$25.99
K'NEX Education - Intro to Structures: Bridges
• Amazon
$24.99
1
$24.99
Make: Electronics (Learning by Discovery)
• Amazon
$19.14
1
$19.14
Stanley 46-071 Premium Quick Square Layout Tool
• Amazon
$5.97
2
$11.94
Professional 45 in 1 Magnetic Precision Tool Screwdriver Set w/ 42 Driver Head Bits Phillips Slotted Torx Hex Handle Tweezers Case for Hardware Electrician PC Mobile
• Amazon
$9.50
1
$9.50
SE MH1047L Illuminated Multipower LED Binohead Magnifier
• Amazon
$7.50
1
$7.50
Materials cost
$609.21
Vendor shipping charges
$10.80
Sales tax
$36.86
3rd party payment processing fee
$9.14
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$696.01
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$122.83
Total project goal
$818.84
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$818.84
2 Donors
-$793.84
Donations toward project cost
-$674.76
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$119.08
match offer
-$25.00
Match offer toward project cost
-$21.25
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
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. Jenson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.