Today is a Great Day to Learn Something New

School:: Bay School
Subject:: STEM Education
Teacher:: Cassie Wheatley
Students Impacted:: 15
Grade:: Pre-K
Date:: October 6, 2022

Investor

Thank you to the following investor for funding this grant.

CHELCO - Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative - $987.94

Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 16

I am so appreciative of the funds that we were able to use to support learning in our VPK classroom. My goal as an educator when applying for this grant was for learning to be brought to life in our classroom. Through the materials that we were able to purchase, my students received hands on expriences in not just science but dramatic play, math, language, literacy and creativity. While the majority of the materials that we purchased were for our science center, we were able utilize various other products in other areas throughout our classroom.

Our students learned about community helpers, exploration and engineering and began using their creativity thinking in utilizing the materials. They began asking questions and using critical thinking skills to challenge themselves to think bigger. In addition, the new materials became their favorite items to engage with in centers. We saw students who very rarely played with other children begin to talk and share their experiences with others.

I am so thankful that I have an opportunity to make an impact on the learning experience of the students in my classroom. Through this experience, my students gained substantial knowledge that will carry them through their early elementary years and beyond.

grant photo

Original Grant Overview

Goal

When students enter my classroom, I want them to be able to experience the world around them through the materials and activities that we incorporate on a daily basis. Pre-K students are inquisitive, curious and imaginative. They have a desire to learn and to experience new things. One area that I believe many Pre-K students have little access to is the subject of STEM. My goal is create a strong a foundation in math and science with a learning environment that provides various learning opportunities each and every day. With these materials, I want to create an environment where my students are exploring and using hands on experiences that give them a desire to ask questions about the world around them.

What will be done with my students

At the beginning of the 2022-23 school year, it was evident that many of my students had not been exposed to various STEM materials and activities. While I have been able to provide a small amount of STEM learning opportunities, there is so much more for them to explore and learn. Through these materials, my desire for my students is have them begin to ask questions, explore on their own and to show their imagination and creativity. I want them to have the opportunity to be a scientist, doctor, veterinarian or marine biologist.

Currently, I have a STEM center that students visit everyday. I plan to rotate materials so that students are consistently exposed to various STEM materials throughout the school year that allows them to be actively learning.

Benefits to my students

My the end of the 2022-23 school year, my desire is for my students to have gained substantial knowledge and to be able to demonstrate the things they have learned through exploring. My plan is to create a teacher designed evaluation that I will present to my students at various times throughout the school year. In this evaluation, we will look at observing, predicting and identifying. It will also allow me to specifically check what my students have learned and continue to offer opportunities for them to grow in the process.

Budget Narrative

Lakeshore Science Viewers
Lakeshore Animals Up Close Puzzle Set
Lakeshore Kid sized binoculars
Lakeshore Real Bugs Discovery Set
Lakeshore Can Do! Discovery Kits
Lakeshore Animal Counters Library
Learning Journey Match It! Who Am I?
Dress Up Clothes Careers
Learning Resources Play and Pretend Doctor
Career Dress Up Vests
Melissa and Doug Scientist Costume
Magnetic Dress Up Pretend Dolls
Magnetic Toy Cart Set
Specimen Set Bugs
Specimen Set Marine Life
STEM Construction Building
Toy Drill
Learning Resources Sill Science Fine Motor
Learning Resources Rock 'n Gem
Learning Resources 1-2-3 Build It Robot
National Geographic Book Set

Items

#	Item	Cost
1	Lakeshore Science Viewers - Set of 3	$59.99
2	Lakeshore Animals Up Close Puzzle Set	$119.99
3	Lakeshore Kid Sized Binoculars	$49.99
4	Lakeshore Real Bugs Discovery Kit	$24.99
5	Lakeshore Can Do! Discovery Kits - Complete Set	$149.99
6	Lakeshore Animal Math Counters Library 2	$179.99
7	Learning Journey Match It! Who Am I?	$11.00
8	Dress Up Clothes Careers	$51.95
9	Learning Resources Play & Pretend Doctor	$33.99
10	Career Dress Up Vests	$24.99
11	Melissa and Doug Scientist Costume	$24.99
12	Magnetic Dress-up Pretend Play Dolls Careers	$19.90
13	Magnetic Toy Cars Set	$52.79
14	Specimen Set Bugs	$27.90
15	Specimen Set Marine Life	$29.90
16	STEM Construction Building	$19.99
17	Toy Drill	$8.49
18	Learning Resources Silly Science Fine Motor	$24.99
19	Learning Resources Rock 'n Gem	$10.94
20	Learning Resources 1-2-3 Build It Robot Factory	$24.99
21	National Geographic Kids Book Set	$36.19
	Total:	$987.94

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