Fifth grade students need complex STEM challenges to engage their curiosity, creativity, and problem solving. We need tools that give students choice in their approach and design. Additionally fifth grade students need exciting real world connections to the academic standards taught to them. This grant seeks to purchase STEM drones, solar robot sets, launching rockets with parachute. This will support the fifth grade units of renewable energy and Earth Science.
The fifth grade students learn about renewable versus non renewable energy sources. We cover standards with Earth systems and space. These resources purchased will help reinforce the concepts of flight, building and design, and problem solving skills. cooperative teamwork, simple machines. We need enough materials so all students in a classroom can get their hands on the learning. With larger class sizes, this means we need 10 sets so students can work in teams of 3 on each lesson.
Specifically, the rocket launcher aims to provide a connection to our unit on Earth Science. The launcher has 2 different heights modes by controlling the launch button. Pressing the launch button once will soar up to 100 ft, and pressing the launch button twice in a row will launch the rocket to 200 ft. The rocket is made of durable EPP foam, the built-in parachute which will be ejected when the rocket flies to the maximum altitude, and then it will land slowly and safely. This motorized rocket toy is powered by high quality lithium batteries. Fully charged in 40 minutes, the rocket launcher toy can fly up to 25-40 times, which depends on the heights mode you choose. The parachute will help with the instruction of drag and resistance and will support their ability to make their own parachutes and canopy.
The 5 in 1 drone sets will help with teaching about flight design. These sets will provide practical STEM skills while introducing them to the world of drones and STEM concepts. It can foster kids’ imagination and creativity by building up different kinds of structure and enhance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math skills. Each drone set includes a step-by-step guide booklet for kids,easy reference to build a variety of patterns. These drones are to do a 360° circle and fly at high speeds, offering special and exciting engagement. They can hover and land using a remote control. Five different versions of a drone can be made out of each box, offering scaffolding and differentiation if needed.
The 12-1 solar robot offers students the opportunity to better understand space rovers like the Mars "Perseverance." This stem robotics kit for kids can build more than 12 different types of robots by themselves which helps children build a solid foundation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at an early age. The parts can be easily disassembled after completion of one robot kit. This stem building toy is powered by the sun and no batteries required. The robot can crawl, roll and float under the direct sunshine which allows children to understand the environmental concept of renewable technologies and renewable resources.
The success of this program will be based on the increase of student engagement with Earth Science concepts, as well as their confidence to work on STEM projects. These projects require a lot of student collaboration and discourse while working through a problem. While we practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking in science, it is equally important that students experience these technologies first hand. Success for this grant will be defined by student excitement with flight and solar energies.
The use of these kits will be woven into the Earth Science and Energy standards taught in the fall and spring. Each kit will be numbered and disassembled after each use to ensure all components are intact when cleaning up. Students will work in teams of two or three to complete these challenges.
Yes, this grade level will be share with my fifth grade team at Truckee Elementary.
From my understanding there is no other site funds to cover a supplemental science kits to this degree.
Thank you for considering the funding of these Earth Science extention tools.