My gifted pull-out classroom is a place where students are challenged to think creatively and problem-solve. My students need additional enrichment that cannot always be provided in the regular classroom setting.
My students are bright and excited to learn, and my younger students would love to learn programming skills so they can join the older students on a FIRST robotics team.
They are full of ideas and questions, and they are just waiting for the opportunity to think outside the box.
They do not have many available resources in the classroom. They attend urban public schools, and they deserve the same opportunities and experiences as students in more affluent districts.
My Project
My primary-age students are hoping to gain knowledge of robotics and the engineering design process by programming physical robots. I started a robotics team in my building, and I would love to introduce younger students to the FIRST competition. We currently compete against 19 other elementary schools in my district, and the hope is to compete through FIRST next year after this "training" year.
The practical application of robotics and the engineering design process encourages problem-solving and creativity.
The LEGO Wedo 2 is a codable robot that teaches kids problem-solving skills while they play. It is a hands-on solution for younger students that ignites students’ curiosity while enhancing their programing skills. It also strengthens students’ understanding of the eight science and engineering practices: asking questions and solving problems, modeling, prototyping, investigating, analyzing and interpreting data, computational thinking, creating evidence-based arguments, and obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information.
By utilizing the LEGO Wedo 2 within the framework of their Makerspace, along with recyclable materials, my budding programmers will have the opportunity to explore and identify challenges in their own world and to create solutions to solve those challenges. We have one iPad to run the LEGO programs, but we need one more. Participating on a robotics team is our ultimate goal.
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education and the soft skills associated with team work leads to increased literacy and critical thinking; this enables the next generation of innovators.
Most of my students come from lower-income families who cannot afford the tools and resources needed to compete in the job market. This project focuses on skills students need to be successful adults and leaders.
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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 Dr. Flynn and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
