In an already impoverished district, finding the funds necessary to run a classroom is hard to do. When you decide to prepare students for a "millennial" life outside of the classroom by implementing new classes that require vast amounts of funding and supplies? Almost impossible.
This year, I, along with 19 students, have created a competitive Robotics team. Together, they have designed, built, and programmed a functioning robot. This team of 19 students is one of two in our southern half of the state. Only a few days into creating our robot we realized that we were lacking supplies. Luckily, we were able to reach out to the other team in our area for help.
Our first attempt at creating a robot was a learning experience that I wasn't sure if we could continue. However, I saw engagement and excitement from otherwise silent students. I saw the gears turning inside struggling students' brains as they learned how to code and program a robot. Students that were not excited about school suddenly had a reason to show up in the mornings. This small robot that might make the affluent schools laugh when we show up to compete has sparked a new sense of responsibility in a group of poverty-stricken students.
To continue with our Robotics team, we cannot travel the 45 minutes to our neighboring team each time we need tools. We are in need of basic shop equipment and more advanced technology such as a 3D printer. These tools will allow us to continue to compete and will help me continue to foster to the needs of my students. In an ever-advancing society that is focused on Science and Technology, I want to help prepare my students for both the work-force and college through the implementation of the Robotics Team.
About my class
In an already impoverished district, finding the funds necessary to run a classroom is hard to do. When you decide to prepare students for a "millennial" life outside of the classroom by implementing new classes that require vast amounts of funding and supplies? Almost impossible.
This year, I, along with 19 students, have created a competitive Robotics team. Together, they have designed, built, and programmed a functioning robot. This team of 19 students is one of two in our southern half of the state. Only a few days into creating our robot we realized that we were lacking supplies. Luckily, we were able to reach out to the other team in our area for help.
Our first attempt at creating a robot was a learning experience that I wasn't sure if we could continue. However, I saw engagement and excitement from otherwise silent students. I saw the gears turning inside struggling students' brains as they learned how to code and program a robot. Students that were not excited about school suddenly had a reason to show up in the mornings. This small robot that might make the affluent schools laugh when we show up to compete has sparked a new sense of responsibility in a group of poverty-stricken students.
To continue with our Robotics team, we cannot travel the 45 minutes to our neighboring team each time we need tools. We are in need of basic shop equipment and more advanced technology such as a 3D printer. These tools will allow us to continue to compete and will help me continue to foster to the needs of my students. In an ever-advancing society that is focused on Science and Technology, I want to help prepare my students for both the work-force and college through the implementation of the Robotics Team.
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