Little Bits for Learning

School:: Mossy Head Elementary
Subject:: STEM Education
Teacher:: Cassidie Cooper
Students Impacted:: 14
Grade:: 3
Date:: September 30, 2019

Investor

Thank you to the following investor for funding this grant.

The Alys Foundation - $475.00

Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 0

We were able to order the Little Bits and the class was so excited. It was placed on back order and due to COVID we did not get to use but we were so excited when they came in right before Spring Break and we had planned our Little Bits Day. The students felt empowered because you chose them and many expressed that was their greatest disappointment about virtual learning.

Original Grant Overview

Goal

Students will have increased knowledge of scientific concepts and show improved reading scores for non-fiction text on STAR assessments. Currently 57% of my students are proficient in reading, through use of this hands on technology which require them to read informational text I plan to reach my goal of 80% proficiency in reading by the end of the year.

What will be done with my students

Students will complete LittleBits science labs once a month for 4 months. Students will receive labs with directions they will then have to follow the steps in the process by reading this informational text and build plant structures, constellation viewers, energy machines and a sign for park visitors. They will be given the process steps (which 8 out 14 students can not read proficiently) and they will read and follow them to create their invention. They will have to work with a team and problem solve and come up with solutions when their invention does not work. This will allow them the opportunity to see how what they read about can come to life. They will read the steps and follow the steps and create this hands on experience will be key for my struggling readers. We will do one LittleBits Lab every month. I hope to create student leaders who will manage their team and require only me to see the finished product work effectively or mediate clear team divides on the next step.

Benefits to my students

They will work on a STEM activity which involves teamwork and hands-on highly engaging learning. They will have the opportunity to share their work with other students. They will have to use computer skills and problem-solving skills which they are just developing to create a project. This project type learning that is using technology is a good introduction to the types of task they will have to perform as they move into careers or college.