Past projects 4
3D Printing: If You Can Imagine It-You Can Create It
Funded May 27, 2017I am an urban educator and have the pleasure of working at a newly designated STEM school with a major emphasis on technology. My current position allows me to work with small groups of students during and after school on various academic and STEM enrichment programs. Basically, I get to do the "fun" stuff because all students LOVE technology. They immediately gravitate to it and their engagement level heightens whether it's a Smart board, iPad, laptop, and now a 3D printer. Technology is a way for students to take their learning beyond the traditional textbook and really explore the global world.
The 3D printer is an amazing tool that will help them expand their learning capabilities. It is truly a resource that lets a person transform a conceptual idea into a real life tangible item. Of course, my students and I are not at that level yet, but we aim to be and are taking baby steps to learn the process. I often tell them, "We will learn and explore the 3D world together". It's important for them to know that I'm not the expect; we are all learners and will teach each other. The capabilities are endless.
When I first took the 3D printer out of the box for my first set of students, I was immediately greeted with a lot of "oohs" and wide eyes full of excitement. Building off their enthusiasm, we had several discussions about what is it and how is it used. A few students said they were familiar with a 3D printer, several knew of 3D glasses, but no one really could explain what this cool cube could do. So, we tested it out. Modeling the importance of reading directions, we read and set it up, and proceeded to make our first sample item. The students were glued to every side of the printer trying to predict what was being created....Is it a bee? A butterfly? a backpack?.....no – a heart pendant. In all honesty, it didn't matter what the final product was because they 100% engrossed in watching the creation unfold before them. Fortunately for me, I was able to relive this experience with each group I met as I introduce our new resource. The energy and excitement was duplicated throughout the grades.
I am very anxious to learn the ins and out of this product and share it with my small groups throughout the year. Our school also promotes a monthly STEM challenge where students create a variety of designated projects using recycled materials. However, now that we have access to a 3D printer, we can introduce a new level of challenges that students can actually design and build. Such an amazing process. Although I know my day students will love this tool, I am also the coordinator of our after-school enrichment program where one of our classes is "Product Design". The students literally come up with ideas to make from stationary to musical instruments, and they create it using a variety of materials. When I brought the 3D printer to their class and shared it with the instructor, I could see the thinking gears in action. I feel this one tool has truly opened a whole new way of thinking, designing, and creating for some of our students, and I am excited to learn with them.
Thank you for giving us this opportunity.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Singleton
This classroom project was brought to life by H&M and 4 other donors.Keeping It Going With STEAM
Funded Jul 2, 2015As a teacher, it is my nature to put my students' needs before my own, which is why I was very reluctant to submit a project for my own professional needs. However, when my project was funded, I was humbled by the fact that generous donors like each of you are willing to invest in teachers as much as you invest in children. This realization rendered me speechless, and I cannot thank you enough for your commitment to education.
Having never owned a laptop or a high-end camera, I was as anxious as the students to open the packages and explore the "goodies". I made sure not to open any box until the majority of my STEAM students were present so that we could all discover our new resources together. To say we were excited is an understatement. Believing that students learn from hands on experiences, I immediately encouraged them to touch and try their new items and admitted that we would learn together as they probably know more than me. Without a doubt, the best feature to my students is the touchscreen element of the laptop. None of my students have computers in their homes so their interactions with technology is limited to our school activities. Even though the club is very familiar with using iPads, they had no idea that a laptop could have touch capabilities like a tablet. The exposure alone to this level of technology has been so inspiring for my students and has been a springboard for new ideas. Initially, the students spent several sessions becoming familiar with the tools and started testing their camera and computer skills. Starting with Halloween, the students took pictures with the Sony Cyber-shot camera and used the HP Notebook to upload the images, add effects, crop, and submit them (with my supervision) to our school website. The students have also been testing their movie making skills by recording footage of yoga classes, college visitors and other school wide events and creating short video clips. At this time, we have not mastered our movie creating techniques – so ongoing learning is key! Just recently, our principal requested for the STEAM club to make a PSA video on cyberbullying. We welcomed the request and are anxious to use the new tools to assist with this project that is slated for spring.
In addition to our club sessions, I have invested a lot of time in learning how to use the equipment and the various capabilities for my own professional needs. Having the luxury to travel with my laptop outside of the workplace, I have been able to attend BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) workshops and join Saturday webinars on a variety of topics that will enhance my teaching efforts such as Windows Movie Maker; Excel Basics; and iPad Apps for the Classroom. However, the most significant professional impact thus far stemmed from a request from a special education teacher. As the lead technology coordinator for my school, she approached me in late October in need of assistive technology tools to use with her special needs students. Normally, I would have been limited to school functioning hours to search for solutions, however, the laptop gave me the flexibility to work anywhere anytime which increased my effectiveness to seek resources. Based on that, I was able to work from home, download and test potential applications until I found one that met her needs and even used the netbook to train her for classroom use. Not only was I able to expand my own technology skills, but also share my growth with a colleague – a win-win situation.
Even though I have been able to enjoy the resources for several months, I feel like I am still in the beginning phases – taking baby steps. Technology is constantly evolving, but having resources such as these available for professional and classroom use helps me hone my skills as an educator. The experience thus far has been priceless and I appreciate your support.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Singleton
Oh, How I Wish We Could Print!
Funded May 29, 2012Thank you so much for your generous donations to my ink project. Ink is truly a supply that many take for granted, but our school needed desperately. Now, when a child asks, "Can I print this?", I can finally say with no hesitation..."ABSOLUTELY". It fills my heart with joy to see so many happy faces walk out of my lab with printed work in their hands. Over the last few months, I have worked with small groups of students on various assignments. So far this year, third graders have researched city wildlife animals and printed pictures for their dioramas; first graders have learned about the colors and meanings of patriotic symbols and were able to take home their final pictures; sixth graders were able to print their math discovery essays; the computer club created original Wordle projects and many students have been able to finally take home their achievement certificates they earn for reaching new levels with our web based math and reading programs. These proud moments have all been possible thanks to each of you. Your willingness to help others is truly appreciated.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Singleton
Can You Hear Me Now?
Funded Feb 4, 2012Thanks to your generosity, I recently received my delivery of 40 new headphones for my computer lab. I can't begin to explain how excited I am to finally have a complete set of working equipment. As a teacher, I'm accustomed to adjusting my lessons and always having a Plan B, C, or even D just in case something doesn't work out. However, your headphones allowed me to implement my Plan A effectively and the timing was perfect.
The week I received your donation, I had several Black History and Valentine's Day computer lessons designed for my students. Originally, I planned to display parts of the lesson to the entire group since I knew everyone wouldn't be able to hear on an individual level. However, that problem was now solved. I immediately put your headphones to use, went over proper care and use of them with the students and proceeded to guide them to several educational and interactive web sites.
For once, all of my 1st graders were able to hear the phonetic sounds in a Valentine's Day game. My 2nd graders could follow the sound clues in a scavenger hunt for hearts. My 3rd graders could watch various Black History videos and my 6th graders thoroughly enjoyed watching Rosa Parks explain (in her own words) about her historic day on the bus. Even my Computer Club members were thrilled to finally be able to add sounds to their Power Point presentations. With each class, I just sat back and smiled knowing that for once everyone could hear, control their own volume, and wouldn't complain that the headphones were too big or hurt their ears (especially my little ones).
Your donation will impact so many students. Thank you for taking the time to invest in my project.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Singleton