Help me give my students items to fill our STEM Center and Maker Space. We will use LEGOs, STEM learning toys, PlayDoh, magnetic building blocks, sand, rocks, and a variety of other everyday materials for designing and engineering.
I teach math, science, and social studies to fourth-grade students in a rural, Title I school. I am excited about my new group of students, who are innovative thinkers.
I am passionate about preparing students to be successful in their journey to becoming the leaders and problem solvers of tomorrow.
We are a small, rural school, with less than 300 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Our teachers work hard to use engaging teaching methods and materials, but the lack of available funding is an issue due to our size. Our goal is to add motivation and excitement to learning each and every day. Resources are not easy to come by but necessary to foster the creativity and problem-solving skills necessary for success.
My Project
Makerspace and STEM Challenges give students opportunities to take real-world problems and be put in the engineer's seat to design solutions. The students identify problems, work to create solutions, and build prototypes using materials provided in the kits.
These STEM challenges are beneficial to students, because they ask students to solve situations that are very real in today's world.
Our first project will come at the conclusion of our current science unit where we have been learning about destructive and constructive forces, such as weathering and erosion. My students will design a solution for the basketball court on our playground, where rain causes the dirt and rocks to wash onto the court and cause a slipping hazard while running and playing.
Students need to know the long-term benefits of what they are learning, and how it will relate to their everyday lives. STEM challenges and Makerspace activities provide these hands-on, meaningful experiences. Likewise, it is important that students understand the work of scientists and engineers is not always confined to a lab or office. There are problems being solved everyday by these amazing professionals.
LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box 10696
• Amazon Business
$27.99
1
$27.99
IQ BUILDER | STEM Learning Toys | Creative Construction Engineering | Fun Educational Building Toy Set for Boys and Girls Ages 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Year Old | Best Toy Gift for Kids | Top Blocks Game Kit
• Amazon Business
$24.97
1
$24.97
EXPO Low Odor Dry Erase Markers, Fine Tip, Black, 36 Count
• Amazon Business
$22.99
1
$22.99
WITKA 99 Pieces Magnetic Building Blocks Toy Brain Training STEM Toys Intelligence Learning Games Set Gift for Kids
• Amazon Business
$19.99
1
$19.99
Elmer's Liquid School Glue, Washable, Pack of 12
• Amazon Business
$19.31
1
$19.31
Sandtastik Sparkling White Play Sand, 25 Pounds
• Amazon Business
$16.95
1
$16.95
PGM Super Clear 3/4 x 300-Inch Tape Dispenser - 9-Pack
• Amazon Business
$6.79
2
$13.58
Sargent Art Plastilina Modeling Clay, 5-Pound, White
• Amazon Business
$12.94
1
$12.94
Play-Doh Party Bag Dough (15 Count)
• Amazon Business
$4.30
3
$12.90
Nicole Home Collection 200 Count Everyday Dinnerware Paper Plate, 9-Inch, White
• Amazon Business
$11.54
1
$11.54
Darice 100-Piece Premium Quality Tissue Gift Wrapping Paper Crafts, Packing and More, 20 x 26 inches (100 Sheets), Assorted Colors
• Amazon Business
$10.20
1
$10.20
2000 Count Double Tipped Cotton Swab 100% Pure Cotton - Many Uses (2000 Count)
• Amazon Business
$9.99
1
$9.99
Supply Guru SG2133 River Rocks, Pebbles, Outdoor Decorative Stones, Natural Gravel, For Aquariums, Landscaping, Vase Fillers, Succulent, Tillandsia, Cactus pot, Terrarium Plants, 2 LB. (32-Oz).
• Amazon Business
$8.98
1
$8.98
ForPro Embossed Foil Sheets 500S, Aluminum Foil, Pop-Up Dispenser, for Hair Color Application and Highlighting Services, Food Safe, 5” W x 10.75” L, 500-Count
• Amazon Business
$8.39
1
$8.39
Darice 30003709 Foamies Foam Sheets Value Pack - Assorted Colors - 4.5 x 6 inches - 100 pieces
• Amazon Business
$8.04
1
$8.04
Goodtimes Bathroom Cups, 3 oz 200 ea, Assorted designs (1, Child)
• Amazon Business
$7.99
1
$7.99
Masking Tape (Huge Pack of 6) Each Roll is ¾" x 33 Yards - Approved for Interior or Exterior Use - Easy to Write On - Perfect for All Paint Projects - Industrial or Household Use
• Amazon Business
$6.99
1
$6.99
Crystalware, Plastic Stir Straw, Sip Stirrer, For Coffee and Cocktail, 7 1/2 Inches 1000/Box, Black
• Amazon Business
$6.74
1
$6.74
Easytle 5" Paper White Twist Ties 100 Pcs
• 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. Wheatley and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
