The students in my classroom are eager to learn using hands-on techniques and real-world situations to discover the importance of S.T.E.M. Without the proper materials to experience science, technology, engineering, and math, the students have a difficult time making these content areas relevant and real to them. Often, these areas of learning are not the focal points because of state testing, which leaves a majority of our students without a strong background to succeed in these fields in the future.
The goal of my classroom is to make science, technology, engineering, and math relevant and exciting for my students by giving them the opportunity to experience real-world, hands-on situations that encourage group collaboration and problem-solving.
These moments are critical to foster the understanding of these content-area subjects but to also encourage students to think outside of the box and find areas of interest that incorporate reading and math skills beyond those classes. The 21st-Century requires a sound knowledge of problem solving and collaboration, which can be applied and promoted in a STEM classroom program.
My Project
The creative and diverse group of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Elective students I see require the Snap Circuits to explore the principles of electrical engineering more deeply. Without the proper materials to experience science, technology, engineering, and math within the classroom, the students have a difficult time making these content areas applicable and real to them. Many materials are not ordinarily found within most classrooms because they involve learning that applies students' knowledge beyond that of the regular classroom setting.
The addition of the Snap Circuits to our STEM Elective classroom will allow students to have the hands-on, exploratory experience they need to discover what it takes to design and build electrical relays.
These materials will help students develop motor skills while they are engaging in building projects that use 21st Century thinking skills. Often times, finding alternative materials to suit the needs of all students are required to make the learning meaningful. I see these materials helping my students explore electrical engineering and explore their future possibilities.
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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. Majewski and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
