Young Innovators Need Materials for Learning and Exploring.
My students need learning materials to introduce and enforce STEAM learning: problem solving kits, instant learning centers. They then a cart filled with purchased and recycled materials to create art and engineer solutions.
The children I teach come from a wonderful community that all serve a common goal: to support our kids. We are a truly diverse community serving children of many different races and speaking many different languages. Our students don't always have the opportunities that their more affluent peers may have (trips to the zoo, access to books).
We work hard to create opportunities for them to have everything they will need to thrive as the next generation of thinkers, doers and dreamers.
I know that with the right materials my students can change the world.
My Project
My students are already incredible innovators. Kindergartners are unbounded in their fresh ideas, curiosity and ability to find solutions to problems that an adult would never think of. Earlier this year, my students were tasked with creating shelter. They were given little more than cardboard and free use of any materials within the classroom. One future architect extended his roof so "the rain will fall away from the walls." Many used ziploc bags to allow for light to enter windows while keeping unfriendly elements away. Others created doggy doors and satellites. That's when I knew I had to find them more varied materials to work with.
I want to encourage the inner artist and engineer that coexist within each of my wonderful students.
I want to expand their understanding of both math and science using the teaching materials: the science kits and math centers. Then I want to fill the cart with the art materials, along with any recycled materials we can find or ask parents to donate. I want my students to experience a Maker's Space with the freedom to create whatever they can imagine.
Lastly, I want to have posters of STEM careers as part of our classroom environment. I want them to start dreaming and see different choices their future may hold. Their futures are bright and I want them to have every available opportunity open to them.
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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 Mrs. Sterner and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
