Past projects 3
Makerspace Meet Qubit Creations
Funded Oct 31, 2018Students were very excited to work with Qubitz. They could barely wait for me to explain the basics as they were eager to get their hands on them and start building! For the first activity students built 8 different shapes: super star, vortex, triangle, girder, zig-zag, straight spar, x-shape, and mega star. The mega star was the most challenging and students had to be persistent in completing it. It was wonderful to students working cooperatively together to trouble shoot any building challenges.
After students built the 8 shapes they created larger objects of their choice. Some built a tower, some made a large span bridge, others built a bicycle! Qubits is an open-ended construction toy the is very engaging. Often students will be reluctant to break down take apart their creations so we set aside their projects for them to continue working on during a future class.
Qubitz has never ending possibilities as a STEM style toy. We're very fortunate to have it in our enrichment classroom for students to enjoy and learn from.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Schumacher
This classroom project was brought to life by Chevron Fuel Your School and 2 other donors.Math from the Third Dimension
Funded Nov 1, 2017My students could not wait to start building with the Keva planks! I work with students in grades 2-6 and all of them enjoyed using the planks during a Math Unit that was a semester long. Some students could not get enough of using the planks and would come to my classroom once a week during their recess so they could work on their creations.
Anytime I can incorporate hands-on experiences into the classroom the students' engagement levels are high. They are motivated and excited to learn. What I really appreciate about using the Keva planks is how they tie into future higher level math courses my gifted students will take. According to Keva, "Calculus head start. Early exploration with simple blocks builds a subconscious understanding of mathematics and physics. Children learn balance, equality even geometry as they play. By handling the planks, they build a concrete understanding of numbers and how numbers interrelate. Recent studies confirm that children who actively play with blocks do better when they attempt higher mathematics such as algebra and calculus." (http://www.kevaplanks.com/new-to-keva/)
Any advantage that I can provide my students for future success is worth the investment. These planks would not have been possible due to their cost without the generous donation. Thank you for helping keep students engaged and providing important learning experiences for their future academic pursuits!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Schumacher
To Infinity & Beyond - Balloon Launch 2017
Funded Nov 22, 2016After receiving the supplies for making hot air balloons, students were excited to get the project started. They faced many challenges during the construction process. Tissue paper is fragile and tricky to work with, but students persevered as they cut the gore pattern step by step and glued the seams together. They beamed with pride over their finished balloons and eagerly looked forward to the launch.
We were lucky to have a beautiful blue-bird sky for launch day. The air was cold and the wind was still- perfect weather. Students joyfully carried their balloons out to the playground. As the balloons were launched, we all looked to the sky and enjoyed the sight of their steady ascent. Students then ran to catch their balloons as they floated down. Many students were able to do multiple launches. The energy and happiness from launch day are hard to articulate but students were thoroughly engaged throughout the exhilarating experience.
Hot air balloons were among the highlights of activities during a semester long Flight unit. Students are currently making and testing kites and rockets. Thank you for donating so the students could get outside and learn about science.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Schumacher