Hello everyone! I am a third grade teacher working for a high poverty school district located in rural mid-Missouri. Our small elementary school provides education to around 300 students. The poverty rate of the population we serve is higher than the national average, with around 65% of our students being eligible for Free & Reduced Lunch.
My classroom usually consists of around 20 bright and shining jewels!
These children each bring with them their own unique personalities and characteristics, helping to make our wacky classroom family complete.
My Project
I plan to use these engineering manipulatives to create STEM bins. I will incorporate the STEM bins into my daily math stations. In these stations, students will be allowed to choose whichever STEM bin they want. In each STEM bin, I will have task cards with corresponding STEM challenges on them. These STEM challenges will require students to use critical thinking as they use the building materials of their choice to build a two foot long bridge, construct a Ferris wheel, or even create a replica of their favorite car.
STEM education is important because it creates critical thinkers and problem solvers.
It fosters creativity and allows students to be innovative. According to the U. S. Department of Commerce, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) occupations are growing at 17%, while other occupations are only growing at 9.8%. This is all the more reason to incorporate STEM education in our classrooms. By donating to our project, you will not only be buying engineering manipulatives, you will also be enabling the next generation of innovators!
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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. G. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.