Preparing our students for their academic future includes high-stakes tests such as the ACT. For the work force, they need to be able to apply their skills. STEM is a growing field, and our students need to be engrossed in STEM projects now!
Our students hail from a small community that has two economic standards.
The community identifies itself as a farming and ranching community, though by far the largest economic influence comes from a coal-fired power plant near town. The majority of our students that consider themselves college-bound are planning to attend our major university or one of the many junior colleges available. The job market in our state is highly dependent upon energy extraction and production. For this reason, as math teachers, we need to ensure that each of our students is prepared for a career in these math- and science-intensive industries.
My Project
To prepare for the ACT and college, my students need to be proficient at using graphing calculators. We currently do not have enough calculators for each student to use their own during class, so I am requesting four graphing calculators to meet this need. If the students are able to use them every day in class, they will become more proficient and comfortable with the calculators prior to taking the timed ACT test.
Our students are eager to participate in STEM projects and activities. We recently have started an after-school robotics program. In order to assemble their robots and circuit boards, the students will need access to a multi-temp soldering station, which I am also requesting in this project.
ACT is a gatekeeper for students.
If students are familiar with and can use graphing calculators effectively, they will do better on the ACT.
Exploring potential career options in the fields of robotics and computer programming will help our students broaden their knowledge base.
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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 Ms. Sisson (Peterson) and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.