Need Technology for 3rd Grade Scientists and Class Reporters

My Students

My students work around multiple issues on a daily basis while using the decade-old computers at our technology center. I want my students to have access to current technology to complete some interactive classroom projects in science and social studies to spark learning of content and technology.

My 3rd grade students are striving readers, developing scientists and news reporters who lack access to technology and have many special and individual needs.

They are hard-working and most lack access to technology at home. When they come to school, they come to a classroom with old, but functional computers. Our urban school serves a diverse, transient population with most qualifying for free or reduced price lunch. Our school lacks the necessary current technology to prepare our students for meeting the rigors of Common Core State Standards and the Next Generation Assessments (PARCC). "The digital divide is alive and well, and providing access to technology alone does not bridge the digital divide. [Teachers] can support the development of information capital in at-risk communities by intentionally and appropriately using new media in programming for young children." - Fred Rogers Institute "Digital Media Mentors" (April 14, 2014).

My Project

My students need a Toshiba laptop, an HP laptop, GoPro starter bundle, Adobe, recording microphone, CD-Rs, tripod, wireless mouse, headphones, surge protector and other recording technology for innovative learning opportunities at a classroom science investigation and a social studies news-reporting station. My students will use the laptops to record Daily Headlines for our grade-level news reports. These headlines are student-reported current events and recorded using the laptops during the Social Studies workstations. The student recordings are used to encourage student writing and participation in Social Studies. Students will learn how to compile video segments into a broadcast to be shown during the weekly 3rd grade class presentations. The video camera will be used to track and record video for the Science Investigation Station. During the Life Science unit, the camera will be used to track weather, plant growth and animal activity. The goal is to use the video to bring the science classroom outdoors so my students can see practical applications of science in our developing butterfly garden. The technology helps engage my students with innovative ways of learning about science and social studies.

Your donations will help provide access to current technology in my classroom.

Furthermore, I can use the laptops and video technology to build creative learning opportunities for my students. Your contributions will help bring my students into the 21st century by providing them current technologies to meet their individual needs and help my students develop necessary technology skills in meeting the Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Assessments (PARCC).