My students need programmable robots called Ozobots and Spheros with accessories to teach them the complex principles of computer programming, math and science and applying them to the physical world.
My students are fourth graders in Kansas. We are located in the southeast corner of the state, near Pittsburg State University which brings in various cultures and students from around the world. Many of these children attend our school. Our school operates with 45% free and reduced-price lunches and is considered to be a rural and impoverished area.
My students are eager to learn and love hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities.
We work closely with PSU and recently received the opportunity to pilot brand new flexible STEM furniture that a professor at the university designed. We have a beautiful partnership with the university.
Unfortunately, we have new STEM furniture this school year, but very little STEM equipment for the kids to use on their new furniture. Here is where you can help!
I believe that a true "STEM" program which we are trying to achieve, requires a "robotics" section. Our school has very limited income, so it is hard to purchase this type of equipment. In today's world, our students need to learn 21st Century skills like computer programming to succeed. These robots teach them this in a fun, hands-on way.
My Project
This summer I was given the opportunity through a grant that I received, to fly half way around the globe to Taiwan to see first-hand why they rank fourth in the world in math and science, when the USA ranks 28th. I was blown away by the abilities of the students to learn through robotics!
Play is a powerful teacher.
Using the Spheros and Ozobots, they were excited and engaged; I want this for my students in Kansas!
Sphero's SPRK program (Schools, Parents, Robots, Kids) was created to harness the power of learning and creativity. 4,500 teachers in 20 countries have used SPRK to teach 90,000 students. I want my kids to be in this group!
Ozobots was the winner of "Best Robot" (2015 Consumer Electronics Show and 2014 International Toy Fair). It is a simple, fun and engaging introduction into computer programming. It is teacher recommended and has free STEM inspired lesson plans that can be used in my classroom. I got to watch these robots in action in Taiwan. The kids were able to move and turn the ozobot on command, using a computer program. It was amazing!
In addition, they used 3D pens to solve a problem that their teacher gave them. The 3D pens helped them to improve their spatial thinking ability. They had to think outside the "2D box" that we so frequently put our kids in! How can we possibly adequately prepare our students for the 21st Century work force, without exposing them to these types of technology and creative and innovative types of learning?
400 students will benefit from this technology, because even though I teach fourth grade and will specifically be using them in my classroom, they will be available to all the teachers to use with their kiddos!
Sphero 2.0: The App-Enabled Robotic Ball
• Amazon Business
$107.20
6
$643.20
Ozobot 2.0 Bit, the Educational Toy Robot that Teaches STEM and Coding, Dual Pack (White & Black)
• Amazon Business
$119.99
3
$359.97
Manve Intelligent 3D Printing Pen, 3D Drawing Model Making Doodle Arts & Crafts Drawing, Stimulate childrens' creativity, improve spatial thinking ability.(Send ABS Fibrous Material)
• Amazon Business
$32.99
6
$197.94
Sphero SPRK Edition: App-Enabled Ball
• Amazon Business
$104.95
1
$104.95
Ozobot Starter Pack, Programmable Robot Toy, Red
• Amazon Business
$49.95
2
$99.90
Orbotix Nubby Cover - Retail Packaging - Blue
• Amazon Business
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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. Rogers and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
