Full STEAM Ahead

School:: Big Cypress Elementary
Subject:: Stem
Teacher:: Nancy Visgaitis
: Karen McGreevy
Students Impacted:: 35
Grade:: 1
Date:: August 29, 2017

Investor

Thank you to the following investor for funding this grant.

License For Learning Plate Fund - $504.43

Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 38

The Full STEAM Ahead grant has had an incredibly positive impact on our 38 first graders. We each received a new student during the year and this increased our numbers from 36 to 38. This is a diverse group, including more than fifty percent English language learners as well as nine students receiving extra interventions in the area of reading. All of our students were able to explore all of the different materials throughout the year. They were incredibly motivated for Steam Friday time and became more confident with the materials as the year progressed. The students were able to follow written instructions to build some designs but also created their own designs and structures. In addiiton to building their confidence, vocabulary, and building skills, these materials helped our students with cooperation, teamwork, and problem solving skills. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunities these materials have given our students to grow and learn in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

grant photo

Original Grant Overview

Goal

To provide first grade students with the materials needed for self-discovery and academic growth in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Our student population is diverse, with almost fifty percent coming from homes with English as a second language. These hands-on resources will build students’ independence, creativity, problem solving skills, communication skills, and confidence in these STEAM areas, keeping them on track and moving Full STEAM Ahead.

What will be done with my students

Every Friday, students will participate in Big Cypress Elementary School’s thirty-minute STEAM Friday time. With these added resources, our students will be able to explore various science, technology, engineering, art, and math using developmentally appropriate materials. Our diverse learners will work in small groups or pairs while building and growing their interests. Each week, students will explore a different resource in a comfortable academic setting. Students will improve language and communication skills by sharing.

Benefits to my students

Over the past decade, jobs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics have grown at a rate of three times faster than non-STEAM jobs. Proficiency in STEAM subjects, from an early age, is more important than ever. With these open-ended resources, students will be provided with hands-on opportunities to learn and persevere while managing their time and working cooperatively with others. The thinking skills our students will be developing will lay the foundation for success in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.

Budget Narrative

The resources listed above include STEAM materials and activities for 36 first grade students in two classrooms. Materials will be ordered from EAI Education, LEARN365, Amazon Prime, Target, and Toys R Us.

Items

#	Item	Cost
1	Gears! Gears! Gears! Building Sets	$66.95
2	Playstix Interlock	$97.31
3	Quiet Shape Pattern Blocks	$46.00
4	Pattern Task Cards	$22.24
5	Quiet Shape Building Cubes	$51.69
6	Cool Crazy Connections	$31.78
7	Geometric Connecting Shapes	$31.78
8	Lego Classic XL	$127.18
9	Sterilite Clear Storage Bins	$29.50
	Total:	$504.43

Please share this page to help in fulfilling this grant.