Coding and computer programming has unlocked my students in ways I never thought possible. Using visually based coding, my four oldest classes have solved puzzles, created programs to draw lines, designed simple video games and made their own cartoons.
Set in Brooklyn, NY my school specializes in teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
My classroom is the technology lab. In my class students learn to use various forms of technology. Last year my four oldest classes (ages 9-11) began to learn about computer programming. Using free and low cost programs from organizations like Code.org and Scratch Jr., my students learned visual based coding. These programs tapped into their love of computers and video games, giving them tools to create simple games of their own. The process of coding has also helped my students to develop reasoning and problem solving skills.
My Project
We need four LEGO WeDo STEM kits. These kits will help to make coding even more dynamic for my students. They love building things and writing code. The LEGO WeDo kits will take that passion one step further, allowing students to build robots and then write code to have their robots move and interact with each other.
Once students understand the basic concepts their only limitation will be their imaginations. Each of the four oldest classes will have a classroom LEGO WeDo kit. The class will work collaboratively to build robots and to write the code to make the robots move. Building projects will be modeled after the structure of a JARs (Joint Action Routine) activity.
Using this model each student will have an assigned role such as builder, contractor, programmer etc. which will give each project structure and also allow students to work on their communication skills, something many of them struggle with.
Your donations will help stimulate my students imaginations, refine their problem solving skills and also allow them to work on their communication skills.
Having access to STEM and continuing to work on their communication skills, gives my students a much better chance of having a brighter future.
More than half 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 Ms. Cosimano and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
