My students need the Lego Mindstorms Kit and bullying books to learn basic programming, problem solving, team work, and the ability to compete in the First Lego League.
This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
Bullying is a real problem in and out of schools. In an effort to fight the spread of bullying, our school wants to provide additional structure and problem solving skills that can not only enable them to learn how to deal with bullying, but also lead them to technology and engineering careers.
Our students, quite frankly, come from an environment that is struggling.
They struggle financially, academically, succumb to peer pressure and suffer bullying. However, despite those struggles, most want to overcome these obstacles and improve themselves. Also, like other students, ours want to compete and show that their skills are the best. With this being said, they want to compete not in a physical sport, but a mental one. One that places value on intellect, wits, and problem solving and that helps build confidence and self assurance.
My Project
The Lego Mindstorm kit we are requesting will open up new possibilities in the minds of our students! They will understand the importance of structured problem solving and critical thinking. They can begin to set the foundations of programming and see how systems interact and intertwine, supporting and building on each other. Legos lend to creativity. Combining Legos and robotics enables a creative storm for our students! The competition that this kit will allow the students to eventually participate in will help them understand concepts such as teamwork, fair play, accountability, tolerance and acceptance. They will put in time understanding and comprehending not only the software and hardware, but also each other. Understanding is one of the best counters to bullying anywhere. Eventually, this kit will be able to help our students compete against other students, allowing them the joy of competition on a level playing field. With that comes good sportsmanship and camaraderie.
To be blunt, some of our students will not be able to experience technology and engineering outside of a school classroom.
They will be less likely to break out of the cycles they are in without an initial bit of assistance.
Some students look to physical sports for discipline and a chance to get to a secondary education. The students that would use this kit, and the ensuing competition, need a creative outlet and way to compete--way to excel that they have not experienced before.
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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. Talley and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.