My students are a diverse group of young girls and boys who have demonstrated a real affinity for STEM. The school has a strong robotics program (which I coach) and the students love it. But in doing this program, it is clear that many students in 4th and 5th grade have a strong aptitude for higher levels of STEM learning. My goal would be to provide opportunities for students in public schools who can achieve a higher level of engagement with STEM!
My Project
My students have an affinity for STEM, and this would allow them to deepen and broaden their understanding of technology.
Students will learn digital literacy, participate in creative problem solving, become innovators and inventors and work together collaboratively through a technology based station which incorporates 3D printing and design software.
The 3D printer will integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (S.T.E.A.M.). Students will develop 3D prototypes to test or solve missions.
The missions that I will choose for the 3D printer would incorporate the following goals:
-To prepare students to be effective users of 21st century technology skills.
-To provide a media center space that encourages not only consumption of resources, but innovation.
-To teach collaboration, problem-solving, critical thinking, experiential learning, project based learning and teamwork.
-To offer students choices and alternatives in the creation of projects to suit their individual learning styles.
-To allow students to explore interests and discover new areas of strength that could lead to future job options.
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