My goal is for students to take ownership of all facets of their academic experience, from monitoring their progress to asking questions to finding new ways to express themselves and work together. I want my students to be challenged and succeed in ways they never thought possible.
I'm lucky to teach an amazing group of students who are curious about the world around them.
One section of students is a 6th-8th grade classroom with a diverse range of disabilities and my other two classes are 7th graders. My students come from diverse racial backgrounds and many are economically disadvantaged. My students thrive using a variety of technologies available to them. They are also amazing at advocating for what they need, as a group of students requested Minecraft and are now teaching others to use Minecraft as an educational and collaborative tool. Whether we are blogging, writing to our international pen pals, updating our class Twitter, participating in global projects, or reading novels, we are always working to improve our communication and collaboration skills in an authentic, engaging environment.
We consistently challenge each other to be the best we can be while recognizing that everyone in the class is a valued member with unique ideas and needs.
My Project
With a 3D MakerBot Replicator, students will be engaged in an elaborate planning process from deciding what to create through the final process of printing their creation. Students can use the 3D printer to create physical representations of characters to expand their methods of storytelling, including stop-motion videos, as well as for cross-curricular projects that relate to science, social studies, and of course math. However, as students work with the printer on a regular basis, I am excited to see the ideas they generate come to life. The entire creative process related to the 3D MakerBot Replicator gives students a wealth of material to write about. What I also love about a 3D printer are the opportunities it creates for my students to collaborate with each other and increase their improving communication skills, which are skills we reinforce and practice on a daily basis.
A 3D printer will help my students envision their world in a new way.
If they can dream it, they can create it. My students, who are often overlooked for extracurricular and enrichment opportunities, are curious, energetic, and, most impressively, do not back down from challenging situations. A 3D printer also allows for students of all abilities to create and use pieces they can be proud of, as well become a teacher to their fellow students and teachers.
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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 Mr. Kayser and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.