I believe we have the greatest education system in the world but are testing our students to death. We are spending billions to create a nation of test takers when we should focus on what we do great: teach all students to be independent, creative problems solvers that are excited about learning.
My students are a creative and motivated group of problem solvers.
We are not afraid of failure for we know to be great, you need to fail over and over again with the key being to continue to get up and never quit. We have a class rule that the C word (can't) is not allowed because "Can't means won't try." My class is also very enthusiastic. They get excited when introduced to new technology that allows them to be creative and solve problems, especially when done in a group/partner setting. With our district's emphasis on the Common Core, we've had less opportunity for this type of cooperative, imaginative work and I feel this is an important part of any curriculum. In our push toward the Common Core, we've lost time for problem solving and time for cooperative learning. My kids need this back in their day!
My Project
I want to purchase a 3D Printer for my classroom/school so I can encourage and inspire student to invent, create, problem solve and produce. Creating and designing 3D objects is accessible for all ages and levels and brings innovative STEM computer engineering skills to students. Today, STEM means creating learning environments that allow students to be more active. Whenever that happens, students are engaged in their own learning. There’s no manipulation in getting students active, either, it just happens. The outcome is that students better remember what they've learned when they are engaged in the process, and not passive by-standers.
3D printers encourage and inspire student to invent, create, problem solve and produce instead of simply consuming.
3D printing is also incredibly useful for STEM subjects by allowing students to implement their visual imagination in reality. Please consider donating to this project.
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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 Mr. Fladland and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
