Past projects 3
Minecraft Building Blocks for Our STREAM Lab
Funded May 24, 2024The students have had an amazing learning experience using the Minecraft magnetic blocks throughout their science units of study. They have also been able to make meaningful connections to their computer science units as well. The versatility of these blocks are indeed time and resources well spent.
The students have used the blocks as a means of building habitats for different kinds of animals. They are tasked with explaining how an organism would survive and have their needs met in their habitat built from Minecraft blocks. Additionally, they have explored the blocks as a means of energy transfer utilizing mechanical and magnetic energy. They have also been able to re-create their 2-D coding projects from the Minecraft education app, into a 3-D hands on project. I find the uses for these blocks to be endlessly engaging and educational for all ages in our STREAM lab”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Berretta
This classroom project was brought to life by Young Sheldon on CBS and 3 other donors.Robot Parking Needed!
Funded Mar 27, 2024My students could barely contain their excitement when they saw all of the robots and technology on display and ready to use in the new shelving.
They have wasted no time utilizing the robots for their end of unit STEAM projects. It was perfect timing because every grade is working with a different robot and now they are able to independently acquire, use and recharge the coding robots when they are done.
Some examples of current projects are
-Kindergarten scholars are designing paper pinball machines and coding the mouse robots to go through it.
-3rd graders are currently creating life cycles robotics project where Botley the robot is coded to go through an organism's of their choosing's life cycle stages from birth to adult.
-4th grade has been using the Dash Robots to create interactive models that teach about how different organisms use their structures to survive in their habitat.
All of my students in every grade now utilize the full period with this new robotics organization shelving system-all thanks to donors like you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Berretta
Calling All Coders!
Funded Dec 30, 2023I can not thank you enough for bringing our Dash robots to life! My students across multiple grades can now use the coding skills that they've learned on an actual 3D robot instead of the virtual sprites they've been coding. They will progress from building and decoding basic algorithms to incorporating more complex functions such as using loops and conditionals within their program. By the end of the year, every student will have participated in a coding/robotics project that integrates the science content that we have been learning in class. For example, my 4th grade will be making coding games that teach about plant and animal structures and functions, using the Dash robots- all of which would not be possible if we did not have the tablets to download the software on.
The buzz of excitement in my classroom can hardly be contained. Students feel relaxed and joyful, as if they're playing ,as they learn important life skills such as collaboration, perseverance, problem solving and critical thinking. They also step into the role of the teacher as they help each other master coding and robotics skills and seek each other for support when faced with challenges.
The dynamics are forever changed and every student, regardless of academic and or financial limitations can participate in challenging robotics with confidence and joy!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Berretta