My students need 4M Solar Robot Kits to assemble and "test" as they carry out "STREAM" activities, using the scientific method. Our class also needs to acquire more books that have nonfiction content, which support our grade level standards.
How does a teacher describe how special her students are in just a couple of paragraphs? It is like asking a mother to describe her kids, because to many teachers, their students are also their kids! My class is composed of students from lots of different backgrounds, with one goal in mind, and that is for them to become contributors to the world and to preserve the environment as best as they can do in their lifetimes. The immediate community where my students reside is located near a state university, but the community is in one of the poorest parishes of one of the poorest states in our country.
Knowing the location of my students' homes is important because while they see a university daily, and they are reminded all of the time that there is a world beyond our rural district, they cannot always see how to get to any of those places.
They also do not always understand the concept of interdependence in the world! By studying the locations, cultures, climate, and resources of different places around world, they will be better able to determine personal passions, to recognize where their talents are needed, and to help others.
My Project
A large unit of study that my students explore involves alternative forms of energy. We study many alternatives, but we spend a great deal of time studying water and solar power. Since our school is located on a college campus, we can walk on campus to see various forms of energy being used. However, the students would learn so much more if they could assemble and test various items powered by these alternative sources.
In this project, I would like students to use the scientific method as well as the engineering process to assemble solar-powered rovers and robots.
As students research in order to obtain additional background knowledge, I want to provide books as well as continue to research online. The entire project will be conducted in cooperative groups of 3 students in order for as many students as possible to be engaged through the process. The groups will choose to assemble rovers or robots, and they will also create artwork to accompany the figures, as students transfer the nonfiction information into a fictional story to share with younger students.
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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. Jeanfreau and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
