Creating learning opportunities is the job of every teacher, no matter the subject taught. To function in today's ever growing technological world student must be outside the box thinkers who are comfortable with all types of challenges and technology. Lessons must bring real world relevance to the classroom. Students need to bridge the gaps between what they read and reality, adding STEAM or science, tech, engineering, art and math, to literature units will allow them to bridge subjects and understand more than just the stories they are reading in class. My student live in a small cozy town, where everyone knows everyone else. There are no bookstores, no libraries, no large superstores, none of the amenities that larger city schools have, not even a stop light. Our school is in an area with little industry or commerce. Small farms surround us and many of our children have limited access to enrichment opportunities or technology outside of the school environment. For many their experience is limited to school. This is why it is doubly important to allow all students to create, explore and learn.
My Project
The goal of this program is to integrate real world, hands on learning with literature units. STEAM or Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math, teaches kids to bridge subjects and problem solve. STEAM activities bring benefits to all students, at all levels of ability, creating a truly inclusive and effective educational opportunity. We live in an ever changing and evolving world, where continually growing, developing and learning is critical to success. STEAM helps to children bridge literature's morals, ethics with the science, technology, engineering, art and math needed to understand their world.
Literature is important for student learning, but literature without real world context is just a story.
This grant will purchase materials for grades k-6. For example, each year the fourth grade students read The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau. This book deals with themes such as resource depletion and infrastructure break down. By integrating STEAM, students would be able to build their own pipe systems using building straws, chenille stems and Legos to see how water is delivered in cities and homes vs. just read it in the book, or create their own invention, using recycled materials like the main character of the book. 1st grade student's learns about Root systems. We read the books, Tops & Bottoms, and Roots, Roots, and More Roots. Instead of coloring roots on a worksheet, students would be able to plant, and see the roots using Root-Vue Farms.
STEAM and literature combined have no limits other than imagination. These hands-on additions to the literature allow students to bridge subjects and engages them in critical thinking. Students who develop critical thinking skills and the ability to translate words into actions are the ones who will grow up to effect the most positive change in the world.
LARGE 800 Piece Straws Builders Construction Building Toy - Giant Pack with Special Connectors by Playlearn
• Amazon Business
$34.99
3
$104.97
HSP162 ROOT-VUE FARM EA
• School Specialty
$33.09
3
$99.27
VIAHART Brain Flakes 500 Piece Interlocking Plastic Disc Set | A Creative and Educational Alternative to Building Blocks | Tested for Children's Safety | A Great STEM Toy for Both Boys and Girls!
• Amazon Business
$12.99
3
$38.97
Lego 200 Random Pieces of Used Bricks and Parts Bulk Lot
• 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 Mrs. M and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
