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Goal

The goal of this project is to improve mathematical accuracy, assignment completion, academic engagement, and independent problem-solving for 35 students in grades 9–12 enrolled in Unique Skills classes. Students will use accessible calculation tools and hands-on STEM challenges to connect classroom mathematics with everyday decisions, including budgeting, comparing prices, calculating wages and discounts, measuring, and interpreting results.

By the end of the 2026–27 school year, students will demonstrate measurable improvement in classroom participation and assignment completion, as documented through teacher observations, completed work, and progress-monitoring data.
 

 

Category

Electronics - WCSD Approved Electronics 

 

What will be done with my students

A classroom set of 12 calculators will be available during daily instruction, individualized practice, and rotating small-group activities. The 35 students will share the calculators across classes and instructional groups rather than each receiving a calculator. Students will use them to solve practical problems, check calculations, interpret quantities, and build confidence completing tasks more independently.

Students will also take part in teacher-guided STEM challenges that integrate calculation, measurement, prediction, testing, and reflection. For example, students will construct pasta or penny bridges, measure and compare the weight supported by different designs, build balloon-powered cars and calculate distances traveled, and design foil boats while counting and graphing the loads they carry. Additional investigations, such as crystal growing and engineering towers, will provide repeated opportunities to measure materials, record observations, compare results, and revise designs. Activities will be adapted to individual student needs and conducted with appropriate supervision.
Students will work individually or in small teams, record results in accessible formats, use calculators when appropriate, and explain what they learned.

• November–December 2026: Purchase and organize supplies after award approval; introduce calculator routines and practical mathematics tasks. Conduct STEM challenges.
• January–February 2027: Conduct applied mathematics lessons and STEM challenges; collect work samples; complete grant purchases and submit required receipts by February 15, 2027.
• March–April 2027: Continue lessons using purchased reusable materials and remaining consumables; complete follow-up assessments; summarize outcomes for final reporting by April 30, 2027.
 

 

Benefits to my Students

Many students in Unique Skills classes perform below grade level and require additional support to complete academic tasks successfully. For these students, a calculator is more than a convenience: it can reduce the barrier posed by computation so that they can focus on reasoning, decision-making, and applying mathematics to meaningful situations. Ready access to classroom calculators can reduce time spent waiting for shared equipment and provide more opportunities for successful independent practice.
Hands-on STEM investigations will make abstract skills concrete. Students will practice counting, measuring, estimating, calculating, comparing, recording information, working with peers, and learning from trial and error. These are valuable classroom skills and also support preparation for employment, daily living, and increased independence.
The teacher will compare each student’s baseline and follow-up applied mathematics performance and review assignment completion records. The direct impact will be 35 students during the current school year. Labeled calculators and reusable measuring and engineering supplies will remain in the classroom to benefit future groups of students. 

 

Budget Narrative

Grant funds will be used to purchase 12 calculators ($132) and a storage organizer ($26.45), creating a reusable set of instructional tools to support practical mathematics, problem-solving, and daily classroom assignments. The calculators will be labeled, securely stored, and shared during small-group instruction to ensure all 35 participating students have access to these essential learning tools.
The remaining funds ($341.55) will purchase consumable materials and instructional supplies for 18 hands-on STEM challenges throughout the school year. These engaging activities will provide opportunities for students to apply mathematical concepts through measuring, calculating, comparing, testing, and improving their designs. By connecting classroom instruction to real-world applications, these materials will strengthen students' academic skills, critical thinking, confidence, and independence.
All purchases will be coordinated with the school bookkeeper and administrator in accordance with district procedures. Any necessary substitutions will receive required approval, and all purchases and receipts will be completed by February 15, 2027. 

 

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