PLTW: Engineers at Work

School:: Dune Lakes Elementary School
Subject:: STEM Education
Teacher:: Nancy Rentz
Students Impacted:: 300
Grade:: K-5
Date:: October 7, 2023

Investor

Thank you to the following investor for funding this grant.

The St. Joe Community Foundation - $957.30

Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 300

At the beginning of the year 59% of the kindergarten students scored in the 50th & Above Percentile in Math. I had hoped to increase that number to 70%, but the students came in at 63%. There was some good growth, but a little lower than expected. The first-grade students scored 54% in the 75th & Above category at the beginning of the school year. Unfortunately, this group of students dropped to 48% instead of increasing their number. The hopes are that during the last administration of the test at the end of the school year we will see an increase in this number.

While the data was not as favorable as I had hoped it would be, students learned many lessons during the PLTW modules. Students were able to learn how to work with a partner to create some amazing projects. Kindergarten students developed maps showing off their skills providing directions to others. First grade students used iPads to create animations showing the needs of animals. Other benefits to my students included learning how to work better in teams. They practiced using their words to communicate with others. Students loved the hands-on activities they were able to participate in. They were able to make choices on their own about what they would like to include in their projects. I loved seeing the students become more independent in their work. The students loved the engineering aspects of the projects. They became engaged in the real-world challenges they were presented with and did an excellent job in solving the problems they were presented with. Over the next few years of implementing these units, students will continue to grow and explore the world around them to build their confidence and strengths at thinking critically and communicating with others.

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Launch Log Recording

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Launch Log Reports

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Logic Problems Work

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Checking Partner Logic

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Launch Log Work

Original Grant Overview

Goal

59% of our Kindergarten Students scored in the 50th & Above Percentile in Math and 54% of our First Grade students scored in the 75th & Above category. By using the PLTW materials, I would like to increase the number of Kindergarten students to 70% or higher and the number of First Grade students to 70%.

What will be done with my students

Kindergarten students will be introduced to PLTW using the Spatial Sense and Coding PLTW Unit. Students will develop spatial sense as they engage in activities that explore directional movement - over, under, through, and around. They begin to develop coding skills as they plan a path, create wearable code, and code an interactive robotic device. Using the engineering design process, students create code that will lead them to the location of a hidden item.

First grade students will be introduced to PLTW using the Animals and Algorithms PLTW Unit. In this module, students develop the ability to design simple algorithms and implement them digitally on a device. Students explore the sequential nature of computer programs through hands-on activities, both with and without a computer. Applying skills and knowledge learned from activities in this module, students work in small groups to design and program a simple digital animation about an animal in its habitat.

Benefits to my students

Project Lead the Way is a program that provides transformative learning experiences for students in grades
PreK-12 across the United States. By implementing their program in the classroom students become engaged
in hands-on classroom activities that empower them to develop in-demand knowledge and skills they will need
to thrive in the world today.

Using these materials, my classroom will be reinvented for my students. I have selected an engineering
pathway that will engage my students to solve real-world challenges so they can reimagine how they see
themselves.

Project Lead the Way will help me to lay a foundation for success in my classroom. To handle the challenges,
students will need to think critically and creatively, communicate and collaborate with others on their team, and
persevere when things do not work out the first time. The skills learned during the modules I have selected will
be relevant to any career or role students wish to take on.
Students will be empowered to make a difference in
our classroom, in our community and around our world.

Budget Narrative

Launch PreK.4 Full Kit - Spatial Sense & Coding - Beginning PLTW kit for Kindergarten students. Module will be used with all Kindergarten students.

Launch K.4 Full Kit - Animals and Algorithms - Beginning PLTW kit for First Grade students. Module will be used with all First Grade students.

20 Kids Lightweight Protective iPad Covers will be used to protect the iPads necessary for implementing the PLTW units with the Kindergarten and First Grade students.

Items

#	Item	Cost
1	Launch PreK.4 Full Kit - Spatial Sense & Coding	$542.25
2	Launch K.4 Full Kit - Animals and Algorithms	$95.25
3	20 Kids Lightweight Protective iPad Covers	$319.80
	Total:	$957.30

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PLTW: Engineers at Work

Investor

Impact to My Classroom

Original Grant Overview

Goal

What will be done with my students

Benefits to my students

Budget Narrative

Items

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