
FIND IT FUND IT FLORIDA
Driving Achievement with INDI
			- School:
 - Van R Butler Elementary
 - Subject:
 - STEM Education
 - Teacher:
 - Mary Emily Ridder
 - Students Impacted:
 - 36
 - Grade:
 - 2
 - Date:
 - September 13, 2025
 
Goal
The goal of this project is to strengthen students’ problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills through hands-on coding and STEM exploration using Sphero Indi Student Kits. By integrating Indi into math and science lessons, students will develop computational thinking while increasing engagement and proficiency in core academic areas.
Currently, many students struggle with applying abstract concepts in math and science to real-world situations. The Indi kits will provide interactive opportunities for students to practice sequencing and logical thinking. The project objectives are to:
•	Increase student proficiency in math and science by providing real-world applications of problem-solving and coding.
•	Enhance collaboration and teamwork as students work in pairs or groups to design and test solutions.
•	Build student confidence and perseverance by engaging them in inquiry-based, hands-on learning.
 
Category
Learning Aids - Sunshine state book sets, robotics kits, puzzle boards, science models, engineering supplies, etc.
What will be done with my students
This project will be implemented throughout the 2025–26 school year. Activities will include:
•	Introduction (Quarter 2): Students will be introduced to the Indi kits, learning how to use color cards and routes to program their cars.
•	Exploration (Quarter 2): Students will complete guided challenges aligned to math and science standards, such as sequencing steps, measuring distance, and exploring cause-and-effect.
•	Application (Quarter 3): Students will design their own mazes and challenges, integrating math skills (measurement and problem-solving) and science concepts (motion, speed, and force).
•	Culminating Projects (Quarter 4): Students will work in teams to create and present original projects that showcase their coding, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Each lesson will connect to specific learning objectives, and progress will be documented through student work samples and teacher observations.
 
Benefits to my students
The Indi kits will provide students with an engaging, hands-on way to strengthen math and science achievement. Benefits include:
•	Improved Academic Achievement: Students will apply mathematical concepts such as sequencing, addition, subtraction, and measurement to coding challenges, which reinforces grade-level standards.
•	STEM Skill Development: Students will gain early exposure to coding and computational thinking, preparing them for future STEM opportunities.
•	Collaboration & Communication: Working in small groups, students will develop teamwork and problem-solving skills.
•	Equity & Access: All students, including English Language Learners and those with learning differences, will benefit from Indi’s visual, color-coded programming, which makes coding accessible and inclusive.
The project’s success will be measured by:
•	Growth in student proficiency on classroom assessments in math and science.
•	Increased student engagement, documented through observations and participation data.
•	Completion and presentation of culminating projects demonstrating applied coding and problem-solving skills.
 
Budget Narrative
I am requesting 5 Indi Student Kits by Sphero. Each kit includes a robot car, color tiles, and activity cards. These resources will provide engaging, interactive learning experiences that strengthen academic achievement while preparing students with foundational STEM and coding skills.
Items
| # | Item | Cost | 
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 Indi Single Student Kits | $945.00 | 
| 2 | 1 year warranty | $18.00 | 
| 3 | Shipping/Handling | $37.00 | 
| Total: | $1,000.00 | 




	
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