What is better, learning about science and engineering or doing science and engineering? Getting into to the hands-on experiences help students really apply the concepts and not just learn about them. Give them useful and relevant tools, combined with the right opportunities, and they dive into it.
Imagine working with two hundred 13-14 year old kids every day.
Then imagine keeping thirty-five of them not only occupied but actively learning at the same time. If the thought doesn't terrify you, you can see the challenge. This is a fun age to work with if you have tricks to get them to buy into what you are doing. One of the keys I have found is making learning relevant. Most kids' lives revolve around their phones, computers, and iPods. Rather than being scared of it in the classroom, embrace it. They get excited and are often more engaged in what we are doing.
Through teaching science and integrating technology, I am trying to help students learn how to use their technology for more than entertainment. They moan at the thought of documenting data, but when you give them the chance to take pictures and share with their friends they go crazy and beg to do it. They are engaged in learning and sharing with others. It's a Win Win - if you have the right tools on demand.
My Project
My classroom is structured to lead students through three stages of developing the understanding and skills to be able to recognize and apply the science concepts in their own lives: 1) Experience & Observation 2) Info & Practice 3) Application.
This project will allow students to work in groups of 3-4 students and use the five HP Chromebooks and one ASUS Chromebook daily to support learning in all three areas. As they have introductory investigations they will be able to easily document and compare data, questions, and observations.
Stage two gives access to tools allowing them to be more independent and skilled in discovering relevant information from sources, in addition to the teacher and textbook. In this digital world it is critical to teach students to be good consumers of information.
Finally, the devices will provide students opportunities to apply what they have learned, and involve them in designing and creating experiments and engineering projects. Up-to-date tools to plan, document, and share are key.
Giving students the opportunity and classroom tools to discover the principles of Science and Engineering will help them more fully engage in learning.
They will also be less isolated in their experience (compared to at home) as they are able to see and compare with what others are trying around them. This tool will help students apply STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) principles in their education and life.
NEWEST HP Chromebook 11 | Latest Edition 11.6 inch | Intel N2840 | 2GB RAM | 16GB Flash SSD | Dual-core | 720P HD | Intel HD Graphics | Bluetooth | HD Webcam | WIFI with Chrome OS (ENERGY STAR)
• Amazon Business
$189.99
5
$949.95
ASUS C201 11.6 Inch Chromebook (Rockchip, 2 GB, 16GB SSD, Navy Blue)
• Amazon Business
$154.99
1
$154.99
Materials cost
$1,104.94
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$16.57
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$1,151.51
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$203.21
Total project goal
$1,354.72
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$1,354.72
20 Donors
-$880.89
Donations toward project cost
-$756.26
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$124.63
match offer
-$465.00
Match offer toward project cost
-$395.25
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. Bostwick and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.