This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
My students live in a suburb of Washington, DC. Our school is 73% low income. Many are latch-key kids, going home alone or being responsible for the care of younger siblings. Their parents, like many working parents, are busy and often overwhelmed. However, many of these parents often don't have the support system or resources to provide their children with extra curricular activities.
My students are so thrilled when presented with a new experience or when asked to design and complete independent projects.
They become highly engaged and more productive when given a choice about their learning. It is like using their creativity gives them "super brains" they are transformed when allowed to plan, and collaborate in order to complete an assignment. When they present their work their sense of pride and accomplishment leaves them wanting more.
My Project
I want my students to be inspired to begin exploring a wide range of career possibilities as well as learning a practical skill. Because of the importance of the initiative to prepare our students to be college and career ready I will Introduce my students to a new field of technology called fibertronics. This includes smart textiles, smart materials and e-textiles: electronics embedded fabrics.
I want my students to see beyond stereotypes attached to designing, creating and producing with a sewing machine.
I am excited that the use of the machines will be easily integrated across the curriculum and that students will be learning a life skill. We know that this cross curricular approach to learning promotes a deeper understanding of subject matter.
That being said, we will study the history of the sewing machine, we will learn the physics behind how a sewing machine works along with how to use and maintain a sewing machine. Then students will learn how to layout and cut a pattern (Math) in order to construct a reusable shopping bag.
For social studies students will read and discuss articles about "maker" stereotypes along with stereotypes about sewing and design.
Finally, students will research fibertronics and explore how, in the future, e-textiles will be an integral part of everyday life. They will brain-storm ideas about career possibilities stemming from the knowledge they have gained from their experiences with being a "maker".
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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 Mrs. Matthews and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
