STEAM and Sustainable Possibilities

Funded Jul 25, 2022

It felt great to walk into the classroom this year knowing that I was bringing something new to it that would leave a mark. The Cricut machine was waiting to inspire and symbolized my hopes for my students. They were mostly unfamiliar with what a Cricut can do and so we are taking it slow. I familiarized myself with this new tool by creating some signage on the doors and classroom materials. The personalization of having the Cricut to do this adds that little extra touch.

A big project that I did with students was called the Smashing Pumpkin Paper Bombs. While not containing any dangerous materials, it starts out as a flat paper that would unexpectedly pop up into a 3-dimensional pumpkin when dropped. This project was able to show students what is possible with the Cricut. The laws of motion lesson tied in with the pumpkins well. Students could diagram their understanding of which law was related to the motions of the pumpkin. The building of each pumpkin took some time; nevertheless, novelty of this new object drove curiosity for the lesson, making it worth it to give students a hands-on learning tool.

In addition, students also tried to create prototypes to protect an object from a collision, and I encouraged them to use the Cricut. This time, most groups chose to use cardboard, which worked out well. The shapes were cut precisely and safely, unlike when students attempted to cut the cardboard themselves. Most students will need some coaching to be able to use the Cricut themselves, but so far it has been eye-opening for many. The curricular applications of this tool are so many that we have so much left to explore thanks to you!”

With gratitude,

Ms. Yee