Our Title I School has 900+ students with a free lunch rate of over 90%. Most of the students in my classroom are English Language Learners and have learning disabilities. Along with the difficulty in learning, many struggle to focus during class. They are so energetic that they get easily distracted during class. Most of my fifth grade students come from low-income backgrounds and come from single parent families. Technology is very limited at our school but our students are eager to learn about everything. Many students don't have access to technology at home. At school, we aim to provide my students the inspiration to be lifetime learners in any area of their choice by offering them the technological tools and skills they need via hands-on opportunities to develop 21st century skills.
My Project
As an educator I feel compelled to provide my students with as many opportunities to learn and problem solve. With so much technology out there, what is the best way to enhance student learning and develop their lifelong learning skills? In this project, I am requesting six Spheros and covers so that our 5th grade students may design and program the Sphero to navigate courses and test their coding skills. Sphero makes the difficult task of coding more concrete for students, while providing a visual of STEAM skills application in a fun and innovative way. That goal will be accomplished with this project through engaging and insightful lessons.
Through student inquiry, students will connect the Sphero balls to the Sphero Edu App, and use block code to direct the sphero to follow the masking tape shape.
Another lesson that fosters problem solving skills will be for students to record the time it takes the Sphero to follow another team's created course. Students will have to measure the distance the Sphero travels in a set time, enabling them to make modifications to their program. Through these lessons, students will develop coding, problem solving and teamwork skills to design, program and test their coding skills with Sphero on Sphero Edu App to complete STEAM tasks created by themselves or me. The materials in this project will be rotated among all fifth grade classes. This technology request is meant to be reused for many years. For most students, Sphero will be an introduction to the world of Robotics, all thanks to your donations.
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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. Gonzalez and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
