I teach in a large, rural elementary school comprised of a very diverse range of learners. We have a large military population, which brings us children from all around the country, many of whom have spent years of their lives overseas. We have a large population of students whose families have immigrated to America from Mexico, Guatamala, Sweden, Kenya, China, Haiti, and Iraq. These students bring other languages and cultural traditions into our small community. Like the sprinkles in a "funfetti" cake, these children are mixed and blended with our local children, many of whom have never left the county, not even to see the nearby beaches or mountains. To say we have a wide-range of experiences, needs, abilities, and interests to serve each day is clearly an understatement.
However, no matter where they come from or where they may be headed, each and every one of our children carries a spark within them we strive to ignite.
This curiosity, if tended, will turn into an eternal flame, a love of learning, of self-growth and improvement, a never-ceasing desire to better themselves and the world around them. Every one of them is brimming with potential, just waiting to be tapped.
My Project
In her book "School Library Makerspaces," Leslie Preddy describes the maker movement as “a community destination where students – sometimes alongside staff, parents and mentors – can create, problem-solve, and develop skills, talents, thinking, and mental rigor. Envision the DIY Network meets the hands-on learning philosophy of a children’s museum, but there in a school library.” I strive to create just that for our students; a place where learning occurs through creation and not lecture-style learning. The Library Makerspace will be a place where the design-based learning theory taught in the Next Generation Science Standards and our STEM classes can come to life. A place where every student in the school has the opportunity to create, and a place where failure is embraced and shown that it is really the first step in learning.
Creativity and collaboration are essential skills for our students to develop.
The materials requested will be used in centers for students to explore, create, and invent. The Legos can be used right out of the box, allowing students to build whatever they can imagine. The K'nex requested will fit in with our Science standards, allowing students to build and experiment with forces of motion and simple machines. The Gizmos & Gadgets will allow for experimentation with circuitry. The Chromebook I plan to use with a Makey-Makey I have already purchased. Once connected to the Internet, a Makey-Makey becomes a powerful learning tool in a STEAM exploration as everyday objects become touchpads.
Through these guided learning experiences, students will grow, develop skills, become inspired, and become more independent thinkers. They will be encouraged to build on their personal interests and try new things. These materials will help develop their 21st Century Skills as well as improving their understanding of Science and Math concepts taught in their classrooms.
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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. G. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.