Can You Hear Me Now?

School:: Big Cypress Elementary
Subject:: Language Arts
Teacher:: Christine Schott
Students Impacted:: 20
Grade:: 2
Date:: August 12, 2018

Investor

Thank you to the following investor for funding this grant.

Harlan & Heather Dam - $225.00

Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 20

My students have loved using the Qball to count and answer questions. They toss the ball to the next person and we are able hear clearly. They are anxious to be the next person. Everyone engaged. Best of all, it’s okay if they drop it. No harm done. What I didn’t catch on video was a student who said , “ Hey Mrs. Schott! Throwing the ball is part of our science lesson!” I asked... what do you mean? He said it’s all about the force! How hard or soft you toss the Qball!” I loved the connection he made. Priceless!

We share our Qball when other classes join us too.

This year over 40 students have enjoyed using the q-ball in my classroom. It’s an exciting tool to have and be able to use. Thank you again from this years class and future classes.

Original Grant Overview

Goal

My goal is to have every student (young or old), eager to participate in responding verbally to questions to explain his/her learning and enhance motor skills along the way.

What will be done with my students

By using the Qball, which is a audio enhancer inside a foam ball, students can be "tossed the ball" to answer a question. If they drop it-it's no big deal! (What a relief!) The wireless microphone is fully protected. The student can then "toss the Qball" to other students for further participation and conversation as well as back to the teacher. Often students speak softly and cannot be heard although they know the answer. This way students can participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups. It meets so many of our standards across the curriculum in every subject area. By using the Qball to express his/her thoughts, its demonstrating the command of conventions of standard English grammar when speaking . Students will be able to recount, describe key ideas, describe key details or information presented orally or through other media. The most exciting thing- everyone can HEAR the response. Even the softest voices can be heard and it also helps the teacher who is also hearing impaired. Sometimes I can't hear the student's soft voice who is the farthest away from me. Now all can be heard with a simple toss of a ball. While teaching the standards and goals of each subject area, the Qball can be one tool that can be used to check their understanding. "Yes! I can HEAR YOU now!" Students can also work on their motor skills too as they learn to throw a ball as well as catch the ball. Speaking + moving = Engaged students!

Benefits to my students

The number of students this will impact is numerous. Not only my current class, but when other classes join for collaboration. This will be something that will be used with students year after year. I expect to see students eager to share their knowledge so everyone can hear. This will also be shared during our grade level (160 students) assembly that requires audience participation. This can also be used with our entire team when we collaborate together. Everyone is engaged in the lesson and has a voice.

Budget Narrative

Catch box was the original throwable wireless microphone cube. It is close to $600. The Qball is designed to be more affordable with the same concept. The Qball does offer a replaceable outer foam cover for an additional $29. The exterior can be wiped down with a disinfecting wipe to help keep it clean. This can be purchased without the additional foam cover. (optional price is $191.00 w/shipping.)

Items

#	Item	Cost
1	Qball microphone/receiver	$179.00
2	A/C wall adaptor	$0.00
3	3' - MicroUSB Cable X 2	$0.00
4	3' - 3.5mm Audio Cable	$0.00
5	Qball foam replacement	$29.00
6	shipping	$17.00
	Total:	$225.00

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