Past projects 4
Expanding our STEM/STEAM Makerspace
Funded Sep 24, 2018My students and I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for believing in us and funding our Makerspace expansion project. Not only are they excited about the new pieces of technology we have received, they are also loving the low-key building of marble runs and wooden structures. Everything we have received allows students to be creative and share with others what they have learned from completing their projects.
As we sail through the 21st century, technology in the classroom is becoming more and more predominant. We no longer rely on textbooks in the classroom. Rather most work is done on Chromebooks, desktops, or even student's personal electronic devices. Google Classroom is also heavily used in our school as students turn in assignments online verses turning in a worksheet.
Our school uses PC and Chromebooks on a daily basis; having Apple products in our district is rare. My students are being exposed to using these new software and hardware and this is exciting to my students. While there are some similarities to using PC and Apple products, there are some learning curves that students must overcome. If they don't know how to do something, they will search online and figure it out. I am learning along with them as this is my first time using Macbook and many of the applications, too.
My media class is especially excited to use the iPad to record video footage and the Macbook for editing. Allowing them to use different applications will only strengthen their abilities to adapt to the ever changing world of technology.
Again, thank you for believing in us and donating to our Donors Choose Project.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Holder
We Can Hear It Now
Funded May 21, 2018Thank you so much for your donation to our school. The headphones that were purchased are used in the multi-media classroom and library makerspace area. Students in the multi-media class are responsible for covering school news. They prepare for their interview, record interview, edit video footage, and produce the video to share with stakeholders. The students use a professional editing software to edit video clips. The headphones we purchased are used so that students can hear their video and can determine sound quality and if the sound is acceptable quality. Students who learn about video production can use throughout their education and beyond.
I am excited that we have headphones for students to use to be able to enhance the sound quality of the video production. Our videos are shared with stakeholders and we want to put forth our best.
All students reach for the headphones. When there are ten other videos being edited, it's much easier for them to hear their project. All we excited when we received them and have enjoyed being able to "hear it now".
Thanks again for your donation.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Holder
Storytelling and Robots = Bot Tales
Funded Mar 27, 2018My students and I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for fully funding our project. It was exciting to share the news with students that the library had two new Mindstorm Robot Kits and microphones. As soon as we opened the boxes, students we eager to get started building robots.
Word got out. Students began dropping by during lunch to see what the robot kits were all about and asking how they could be involved. After reminding students what this project would entail, they wanted to get started. It was amazing to see students working together to accomplish a task.
My goal for next school year is to continue to use the robot kits in our newly created computer tech class. Hopefully, these students will work toward entering projects for Jr. Beta Club and STLP (Student Technology Leadership Program). Another goal is for students to continue to learn more about coding and will begin to use this knowledge to complete other projects. Students can build upon the social and technology skills they have gained through this activity to be successful students and adults. I see robots being built and programmed for many years to come.
Again, thank you for believing in us and donating to our Donors Choose Project.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Holder
This classroom project was brought to life by AT&T and 3 other donors.Makerspace + Robotics= Winning Combination
Funded Nov 14, 2017My students and I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for fully funding our Makerspace project. I could hardly contain my excitement when I received the email that two Mindstorm Robot Kits would be arriving soon. I couldn't wait to share my excitement with the students. I met a few Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) members after morning assembly and shared the great news! They were ecstatic! When the kits finally arrived, the students were "bouncing off the walls" literally begging me to immediately start building robots.
That afternoon, I finally let them do what they had been wanting to do all day; build robots. The first step was reading directions and finding pieces to assemble the first robots. It was amazing! We were in awe of these creations. Word got out that two Mindstorm Robot Kits were in the library. This immediately sparked interest throughout the student body. Many students came to me asking how they could be involved. I couldn't say no and I let any interested student join the activity.
There are students who are not really interested in academics and rarely get engaged in any extra curricular activities involved in this robotics group. It makes my heart happy to see them excel with the Mindstorm Robot Kit. This activity is not only raising their self-esteem, it gave them the confidence to join STLP and make plans to attend state competition to showcase their creations.
Students used a Chrome book to download software because it is mobile and can be moved from place to place. They then began to write and download simple programs for robotic movement. These simple programs led to more complex robotic designs. For example, one robot could pick up blocks and move them to a different location.
Our next goal is to enter a robot sumo challenge at the state STLP competition in March. Our school district's technology department, an engineer from our community and STLP members have scheduled a meeting to discuss innovative ideas for success when competing in this challenge. This is only the beginning for my students in our Makerspace area. They can build upon the social and technology skills they have gained through this activity to be successful students and adults. I see robots being built and programmed for many years to come.
Again, thank you for believing in us and donating to our Donors Choose Project.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Holder