The Amazing Catapult Challenge!

My Students

Students learn by doing, not just by watching. A typical day in my classroom consists of collaborative learning. Students are working with partners and small groups on daily assignments and projects. I incorporate the use of small groups and centers to so that I can differentiate my instruction.

My students are 5th graders at a K-5 elementary school with approximately 800 students.

My students are kind, respectful, and curious individuals who enjoy working together. These students have shown that they can work together and assist one another. They are comfortable sharing their ideas and asking questions for clarification. Many students come from disadvantaged backgrounds but they have shown their commitment to their education. I would describe my school as adaptable, innovative, and collaborative. The teachers at my school are always learning new and more effective teaching methods and strategies. As our curriculum goes through shifts and changes, my school has helped to provide us with support and training to meet the needs of our students. My school offers reading and math support to help differentiate instruction for all students. The teachers and administration at my school frequently meet to share ideas and the end result has always been impressive.

My Project

My students will work collaboratively to conduct research projects using technology. For example, students can use the tablets do research online in order to construct catapults out of common materials in the classroom like craft sticks and string.. They will need to research the best plans for making a catapult, decide on how to design a catapult, and then test out their design. They will be able to learn how to work together, how to research and analyze information, and see their design come to life. They will then be able to present their creation using technology by photographing their catapult and explaining their design process. They will also record their catapult launching results on the tablets. They will be able to graph their data on the tablets and make adjustments to improve their catapults.

I would greatly appreciate any donations to my classroom.

If I am able to incorporate technology in my classroom, it will allow me to create S.T.E.M. research projects. I would like students to collaborate on research, planning, and design through the use of technology. This will change my students' lives for the better because many do not have technology at home and we only have 1 computer in my classroom. They could see how useful technology is and how it could lead to a career in S.T.E.M.