Help me give my students access to STEM materials to develop coding skills using Sphero robots, and develop design process /engineering skills with items such as LEGO-type building bricks.
In this small rural town, there is one school, which is a special place. Students come to us with great diversity. Approximately 61% of our students qualify for free or reduced rate lunch at this Title I school, and 20% of our students are English Language Learners. As a school, we are committed to providing all of them with the most excellent environment and education possible.
Many of our low socioeconomic students are underachieving.
Statistics show that the achievement gap exists for them before they reach kindergarten. By the time they reach fourth and fifth grade, many are more than a grade level behind, and again, statistically, their chances of reaching grade level, or finishing high school are slim.
But there is hope. This project is inspired by a student I recently had join my classroom. He was taken from his custodial parent and placed with his great grandmother. He has extreme ADHD and struggles academically and socially. In December, he wrote in his journal that "his house was sad, that there was no Christmas tree or presents". I saw this and was able to get staff to provide a tree, decorations, and lots of presents for him.
My Project
Our staff collected money to purchase the number one item on his list that Christmas...a drone. We found one that was codable so that he would learn some coding skills. It was wrapped and delivered by Santa.
That drone had such a positive impact on this student that it inspired this project.
When school reconvened, he brought his drone to school. He had learned to code it. And he had learned to take it apart, change the propellers, and take video.
I was fascinated watching this student who has great difficulty focusing in class, and also difficulty with his peers. He had mastered the drone, and he loved it. He was able to show his fellow classmates how to program it. He brings it every Friday, having learned new things to demonstrate.
I knew I had to get more STEM supplies for my students - it is an avenue that will take my low socioeconomic students into science and a possible future - one that will be difficult for them to attain through the traditional curriculum.
For the other students out there - the kids who don't fit into the round hole...
Play Platoon 1100 Piece Building Bricks Kit with Wheels, Tires, Axles, Windows and Doors Pieces - Classic Colors - Compatible with All Major Brands
• Amazon Business
$39.99
1
$39.99
Engino Discovering STEM Mechanics Levers & Linkages | 16 Working Models | Illustrated Instruction Manual | Theory & Facts | Experimental Activities | STEM Construction Kit
• Amazon Business
$30.83
1
$30.83
ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Logic Game and STEM Toy for Boys and Girls Age 8 and Up – Toy of the Year Award Winner
• Amazon Business
$29.95
1
$29.95
Materials cost
$378.77
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$34.66
3rd party payment processing fee
$5.68
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$449.11
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$79.25
Total project goal
$528.36
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$528.36
2 Donors
-$353.00
Donations toward project cost
-$300.05
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$52.95
match offer
-$175.36
Match offer toward project cost
-$149.06
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Wilson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.