My students need the Makey Makey Invention Kit and project books to introduce them to circuitry, computer interface design, and thinking outside the box!
This year I have taken on the most incredible task. I will be transforming our Technology Lab into a fully integrated STEM Lab for every little scholar to enjoy. I am a former archaeologist who worked for the National Park Service, turned educator. I have been fortunate to be given the opportunity to ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in so many little hearts.
My students come from many diverse backgrounds which are often underrepresented in STEM; therefore, I have made it my personal goal to single-handedly increase the number of racial and ethnic minorities, women, and children from low-income families who later pursue a career in STEM.
Did you know that by middle school most students have already decided what they're good at and what they love to do? A child who leaves elementary school without a love of STEM is very unlikely to decide later to pursue it because they won't view themselves as "good" at it. I want every child who comes through my door to have the opportunity to fall in love with STEM. I want every child who comes through my room to succeed in STEM.
My Project
Kids today love their computers. They also love drawing and designing their own ideas. Makey Makey will allow my students to do both of these things while learning! Makey Makey is an amazing product at an amazing price (both of which are winners in this teacher's book!). Makey Makey allows the user to turn anything into a keyboard. Anything! A banana? Check! A student drawn picture? Check! Lego toys? Check! An ice cube? Check! That's right anything! It works by using alligator clips to complete a circuit with the object the student has chosen to use as their "keyboard".
My students will be able to use a design they drew or built to manipulate the computer--in this fantasy turned reality my students can make a piano out of bananas that actually plays!
My students will learn all about completing (and breaking) electrical circuits safely in a way that is truly relevant to their lives. They will open their minds to amazing possibilities and really think outside of the box. The will learn what materials conduct electricity effectively. They will create, invent, and experiment and they will love every minute of it.
Help me transform two of my computers into an imagination station with limitless potential for learning. In a world that is moving more and more toward a digital landscape it is imperative that my students in this Title I school have the opportunity to become tech savvy and invent new ways to use technology. Thank you so much for your support, without donors like you I couldn't meet my goal to single-handedly increase the number of racial and ethnic minorities, women, and children from low-income families who later pursue a career in STEM. Thank you!
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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 Ms. Mims and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
