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Goal

The purpose of this project is to enhance our school’s growing robotics elective and elementary STEM program by providing high-quality, hands-on tools that support creativity, problem-solving, and future-ready learning. As a small school beginning to expand access to STEM education, we face limitations in acquiring innovative technology that engages students and builds core computational and engineering skills. This project seeks to provide accessible and scalable tools—Sphero BOLT+ accessories, MakeCode Arcade handheld devices, and Minecraft EDU subscriptions—to ensure all students can explore robotics and coding in exciting, age-appropriate ways.

This project aligns with STEM learning goals focused on design thinking, coding, engineering, and critical thinking. Students will develop algorithmic reasoning, collaborate on design challenges, and apply science and math concepts in hands-on contexts. These tools will reinforce Florida's state standards and practices by engaging students in active experimentation, iteration, and reflection. The program fosters an authentic love of learning while preparing students with foundational skills in robotics, logic, and computer science. 

 

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 provide interactive STEM tools to expand robotics and coding access across elementary and middle school. Specifically, funds will be used to purchase:

Sphero BOLT+ accessories, which allow students to code and operate programmable robots, navigate mazes, complete obstacle courses, and learn advanced movement and sensor applications.

MakeCode Arcade handheld game devices, where students build and play video games they’ve coded themselves—promoting real-world applications of logic and design in a portable, tangible format.

Minecraft EDU subscriptions, which enable immersive, standards-aligned challenges like circuitry, digital engineering, and creative collaboration in a familiar and highly engaging format.

Activities will include robot obstacle design, remote vehicle missions, student-designed video game projects, and Minecraft-based building tasks that apply engineering and computational skills in real-time. Tools will be shared between elementary STEM rotations and middle school robotics electives, ensuring wide student impact.

Our school is building a robotics and STEM foundation from the ground up. This project ensures we start with accessible, flexible, and engaging materials that grow with our students. These tools support early exposure to robotics, introduce block and JavaScript coding in developmentally appropriate ways, and offer hands-on experiences across all grades. Because these tools work well in small-group and whole-class models, they provide immediate value for teachers and students while laying a long-term foundation for future expansion of our STEM offerings.

 

 

Benefits to my students

This project will help students:

Strengthen their understanding of coding and robotics fundamentals.

Apply problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking to real-world tasks.

Engage with STEM concepts through creative play and challenge-based learning.

Build confidence in using new technologies, testing ideas, and refining solutions.

Begin developing a sense of identity as engineers, coders, and makers.

Students will be empowered to take intellectual risks and see the impact of their work firsthand—whether it’s a robot completing a challenge, a game they programmed themselves, or a virtual design created collaboratively in Minecraft EDU.

Outcomes will be measured through:

Student-created artifacts (coded games, robotic routines, Minecraft builds).

Checklists and reflections tied to project goals and engineering steps.

Teacher observations and informal assessments during hands-on work.

Student feedback on their interest, confidence, and growth in STEM.

Increased student participation and excitement around robotics and coding across grades.

These outcomes will guide future program development while demonstrating the deep impact hands-on STEM learning has on students of all ages.

 

 

Budget Narrative

Grant funds will be used to purchase targeted STEM tools that build core skills in robotics, coding, and problem-solving. These include:

Sphero BOLT+ and RVR+ accessories (e.g., sensors, shields, mounts) to enhance robot design and obstacle-course challenges.

MakeCode Arcade handheld devices to allow students to play and refine their own games on portable consoles.

Minecraft EDU subscriptions to create immersive design and engineering experiences using collaborative gameplay.

These tools are intentionally selected to serve both the elementary STEM rotation and the middle school robotics elective, making the most of our shared learning space and supporting long-term program growth. Their use will immediately impact student engagement and allow teachers to integrate STEM exploration across grade levels and subjects. 

 

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