Picture this- walking into a room full of engineers, scientists, artists, inventors, leaders, and innovators who are only seven and eight years-old. You just pictured my classroom. I am so incredibly fortunate to teach 22 inquisitive second graders. Each student has so many unique qualities that they bring to the table. I think of each student as a puzzle piece. Without one piece, our class puzzle is incomplete.
I teach at a low-income school that is located in the Upstate of South Carolina, where kindness is a priority and learning is an adventure.
Our school works hard to provide support and opportunities that open numerous doors for our students to grow and succeed.
My students are often faced with difficult obstacles in and out of the classroom, from personal struggles to learning disabilities. Despite those obstacles, my goal is to provide a meaningful learning environment, that will encourage students to see their abilities and know that anything is possible. In our classroom, we love to discover new topics, take on challenges, solve problems, and navigate through second grade learning together.
My Project
Incorporating STEAM into your classroom opens up a world of possibilities. Students will develop a love for science, math, and the arts. STEAM activities are an effective way to help design and mold students into critical thinkers. Students who are exposed to STEAM are able to think like scientists. They experience hands-on activities that allow them to view things differently and focus on specific details while simultaneously looking at the bigger picture.
STEAM also encourages students to collaborate and work together.
It is a very meaningful way to teach students to value others’ opinions and ideas. Students learn how to delegate responsibilities and use their strengths to work together.
I plan to use STEAM materials to explore our Force and Motion Unit. Students will be able to use science and engineering practices to construct different objects that will be great visual representations for learning the concepts of motion. Students will build ramps, swings, catapults, and other structures using the K'Nex, Magnet Tiles, Magnet Wands, Tinkertoys, Zoob set, Marble Run, and Popsicle sticks. They will use the bouncy balls, toy cars, and marbles to test their structures and watch the relationship between the motion of an object and the pull of gravity. Students will also learn about the different contact forces (pushing, pulling, throwing, dropping, and rolling) and noncontact forces (gravity and magnets) that are involved with motion. I would love to give my students the educational opportunity to explore their imagination and creativity through STEAM.
Learning Resources Magnetic Wands, Set of 24
• Amazon Business
$50.39
1
$50.39
K'NEX K`Nex - Imagine 25th Anniversary Ultimatebuilder's Case Building Kit, Varies By Model
• Amazon Business
$49.49
1
$49.49
Goobi Juniors 40 Piece Construction Set | STEM Learning | Educational Building Toy | Assorted Colors
• Amazon Business
$48.45
1
$48.45
Dowling Magnets Solid-Colored Magnet Marbles (400 Count)
• Amazon Business
$48.39
1
$48.39
K’NEX Imagine – Power and Play Motorized Building Set – 529 Pieces – Ages 7 and Up – Construction Educational Toy
• Amazon Business
$41.95
1
$41.95
Holiday toy Marble Run Toy - Meland 122 Pcs Marble Game STEM Learning Toy, Educational Construction Building Blocks Toy, Marble Set Gift for Kids 4 5 6 + Year Old Boys Girls
• Amazon Business
$37.99
1
$37.99
GBD 98 Pieces Magnetic Tiles Building Blocks Magnet Stacking Educational Toys Set Construction Kits for Kids Boys Girls Preschool Adults Birthday Summer Holiday Gifts
• Amazon Business
$29.95
1
$29.95
Learning Resources Dive into Shapes! A Sea and Build Geometry Set, 129 Pieces
• Amazon Business
$27.21
1
$27.21
TINKERTOY ‒ 100 Piece Essentials Value Set ‒ Ages 3+ Preschool Education Toy
• Amazon Business
$26.60
1
$26.60
Learning Resources Tumble Trax Magnetic Marble Run
• Amazon Business
$21.99
1
$21.99
Bouncy Balls Bulk Set - Assorted Colorful Neon Bright Solid Colors - High Bouncing Balls Bulk - for Kids Playtime, Party Favors, Prizes, Birthdays & More! - Pack of 100, 2.3cm
• Amazon Business
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. Clark and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
