STEMing It Into Second Grade

My Students

What are plants made of? How far away is the sun? Who invented computers? Why do computers make noise? Why do we need algebra? How many stars are in the sky? ... Sound familiar? That's what a classroom full of inquisitive, information seeking kids sounds like!

My students are amazing!

They are eager and excited to start a new school year. They laugh and play through the day, while I am engaging them in activities that take learning away from textbooks and slide shows and into their world, their universe! Our school is located within a tight knit community that is embracing the great diversity within our city. Most students at our school receive free or reduced lunch. We also have a growing special needs population with needs ranging from minimal daily assistance, to constant medical attention. The diversity of our students in abilities, ethnic background, and learning styles keeps our school moving in positive directions developing goals and dreams with our students while providing them the most well planned, exciting, and integrative academic experience possible. Our students, regardless of exceptionalities, have no limitations. We strive each and every day for success for all students.

My Project

My students utilize computers and iPads each day for scientific inquiry and math practice. Although we have these things ready for our use, we'd like to take our learning to the next level by exploring concepts beyond our current means. We would like to have Osmo Learning Systems to use with our iPads to help build our visual/spacial understanding through the use of Tangrams and other metacognitive and manipulative games. To go with that, we could really use a set of headphones for our iPads so we don't disturb others. While we find technology highly important in our classroom, we are still focused on laying the proper math foundations. We could really use a Rekenrek to practice composing and decomposing numbers and magnetic ten frames to add the visual element to our learning. Lastly, we really need new science experiment sets. The STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) experiment kit will help to bridge the gap between math, science, engineering and technology and bring STEM to life through scientific inquiry.

Having these materials in our classroom would streamline our technology integration and provide more time for students to utilize our tools.

It would also allow for more visual instruction of STEM skills and provide engaging and exciting opportunities for learners of all academic levels. By bringing students together though Science and Technology, we are developing a positive classroom community that will go on to share their discoveries with our world. Please consider being a part of that change!