I have a great class of 2nd-grade students this year. They are so eager to learn every day, and so motivated to work hard and improve.
My students love to read, write stories and illustrate them with pictures, tackle challenges, investigate science, and explore with technology.
As second graders, they have a good foundation in beginning math skills, and are ready to move on to more challenging STEM activities where they can take their math and science skills to the next level. They need activities to get them thinking in creative, problem-solving ways. They also benefit from the teamwork skills that many STEM activities provide. I love to watch them help and support each other as they work, and celebrate together a job well done.
My Project
My students enjoy developing and expressing their creativity and problem-solving skills in many different ways. Osmo Genius Kits will integrate with some existing technology we have to let kids explore, imagine, and investigate at their own speed and according to their own passions. They self-adjust to provide the right level of difficulty to the each student.
My students will work both individually and in small groups to tackle a variety of STEM challenges through the Osmo Genius Kit.
The different add-ons for the Osmo center will let my students pick the challenges that interest and intrigue them, and help them develop the skills they most need. The Creative Set with Monster game will help my STEM center become a STEAM center, and let my students use art to solve a variety of challenges and games. They are already such good illustrators of their own stories, and I look forward to them using their drawing skills to solve science challenges! Coding Awbie teaches fundamental coding skills in a fun way as students help a friend find his food. The concepts will be even more concrete as kids will physically arrange the coding blocks that represent the steps Awbie needs to reach his strawberry. The Pizza Co game will drill my students in math and fractions as they manage a pizza shop. My second graders probably won't even notice all that math as they imagine all the yummy topping combinations to sell! When running the company in pairs or small groups, they'll also have to use cooperation, patience, and tolerance to compromise and make decisions together.
Osmos also reinforce skills in a way that give instant feedback, so I'll be able to see their progress and make sure all students get the specific attention and assistance they need.
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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. Larson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.