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 are from varying neighborhoods within Baltimore City and are a very compelling group of scholars. The students believe that we as their teachers have their success as our number one priority and with that, they will always try their best. The students who I work with have aspirations of becoming programmers, doctors, engineers, and scientists. I want to be able to expose them to a plethora of resources and opportunities that they may not be normally afforded.
I have never met a set of students more deserving and have such a burning for learning.
The unfortunate truth is that many of our children come from low-resourced homes and may only get exposure to certain opportunities at school. Thus, producing an unfair disadvantage when they may enter into their next body of schooling or the job market post-college. I want to be able to give my students a legitimate chance at success.
Lastly, supporting my scholars would allow for the disruption to the high rates of incarceration of African-American boys via STEM engagement. Also, any assistance provided would heighten the number of African-American boys completing college and entering STEM careers.
My Project
The goal of having a 3D printer is to enhance the education of approximately 450 students who attend our school for boys. Moreover, a 3D printer would allow for the modeling of science, engineering or math concepts. In addition, the 3D printer in conjunction with the filament would allow the scholars to be able to create goods which will motivate independence through entrepreneurship. In addition, the 3D printer would serve as a key component in the Makerspace being launched this year at BCPS.
There are many concepts that can be reinforced with 3D printing.
For instance, allowing students to create scale models of the solar system, or creating math manipulatives to teach angles, shapes, and fractions and percentages. Also, to acknowledge the difference in structures in engineering by creating various types of replicas of buildings, bridges, and even computers. This type of engagement would lead to students becoming engineers, scientists, programmers, and even teachers.
In addition to enhancing their science, technology, engineering, and scientific interest, the 3D printer will also work to boost the entrepreneurial education provided to the students at our school. The students have been exposed to basic economics, and the idea of being a creator, designer or an inventor. The 3D printer will allow students to acknowledge a niche, create a prototype and have it evaluated. If the product is popular it will be moved into production. The students involved would be able to see firsthand how a product goes from an idea to a finished product that is in demand. The 3D printer will also be a part of the Makerspace as well as other equipment students can be used to build something to address a problem, a need, or a want.
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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 Mr. Gregoire and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.