My school is set in a suburban community, within a large metropolitan city. Even though it is in a large metropolitan area, it feels like a small community and sheltered; an "island in the hills." Within those hills, we have a variety of ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. We are also near a large military housing area, so many of our students are grappling with parents being deployed.
The students at my school are exuberant and creative, and I am constantly challenged to explore new opportunities for them to test the waters in STEM/STEAM careers, and tailor it for transitional kindergarten through grade five!
Our STEAM Lab and Makerspace has gone through many changes over the years, and we are keeping in step with new thinking and methodology by focusing on the three-dimensional design of the Next Generation Science Standards. We also make a concerted effort to incorporate multiple exposures to engineering, art, and technology, and make it relevant to their world and interests. The curriculum is student-driven, and ever-morphing to meet their needs.
As the TK-5th STEAM Lab teacher, I feel I have the best job ever!
My Project
I would like to incorporate science lessons based on picture books and the NSTApress teacher book series: "Picture-Perfect Science/STEM Lessons: Using Children's Books to Guide Inquiry." We are requesting picture books directly related to their science content and NGSS.
Picture books help to pique student engagement and prepare us to dive into explorations, whether in science or engineering.
They help connect the students to their learning and experiences and provide another layer to their understanding, especially with concepts that are more difficult to recreate in the classroom.
In order to incorporate picture books into my lessons, I need to start gathering a full library of STEM-focused books. This collection will provide a great start toward that goal.
More than a third of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Allard's STEAM Lab and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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