Chirp, Chirp - The Cricut is Calling

School:: Dune Lakes Elementary School
Subject:: STEM Education
Teacher:: Nancy Rentz
Students Impacted:: 432
Grade:: K-5
Date:: September 25, 2022

Investor

Thank you to the following investor for funding this grant.

The St. Joe Community Foundation - $1,493.56

Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 347

With the assistance of this project the first grade numbers improved slightly this year. There was a 1% reduction of students scoring in the Below 25th percentile, and a 1% decrease in the number of students scoring in the 25th to 49th percentile. This means that 2% of our students moved up from the less than proficient categoriesto the proficient category. The number of students scoring in the 75th & Above percentile increased by 3%.

With the assistance of this project the second grade numbers improved more than first grade. There was a reduction of 4% fewer students in the Below 25th percentile, and a 5% reduction in the number of students in the 25th to 49th percentile. This means that overall 9% of our students move out of the less than proficient categories into the proficient category. The number of students score in the 75th & Above category increased by 17%.

Original Grant Overview

Goal

Every two weeks I see all students in our school in the STEM classroom. The goal for this grant is for our kindergarten (112 students), first (160 students) and second graders (160 students) to develop their measurement skills while learning to use a fun tool like the Cricut machine. Second grade students will learn to solve one-and two-step real-world measurement problems involving addition and subtraction of lengths given in the same units. (Standard: MA.2.M.1.3). First grade students will learn how to measure the length of and object to the nearest inch or centimeter. (Standard: MA.1.M.1.1). Kindergarten students will work on identifying the attributes of a single object that can be measured by its length. (Standard: MA.K.M.1.1)

What will be done with my students

My students will learn to use the Cricut machine to create projects that will give them real-world experience measuring items as they create cards, stuffed animals, book bag tags all from their imaginations. Students will be taught how to use rulers to measure the surface of items they will be using to decorate. They will then be taught how to use the Cricut Design App to create designs that will fit on their workspaces.

Benefits to my students

Students need more hands-on activities to give them real reasons to learn math skills. Math is a challenge for some of our students to learn because they do not see real world applications for why they might need to use these skills. Using the Cricut machine will provide students with a fun activity they are interested in learning as we learn how to measure and use those measurements to create projects the students can take home and share with their families. These activities will teach students a skill they can use in their lives everyday.

Budget Narrative

The budget includes the materials necessary for 432 students in grades kindergarten through second grade for the following projects using the Cricut machine. Students will complete the projects during their STEM special area class.
• One page of color printed stickers
• One book bag tag with vinyl stickers
• One stuffed animal using felt
• One greeting card

Items

#	Item	Cost
1	HP DeskJet 2755e Wireless Color Printer	$84.89
2	8.5 x 11 Full Sheet Sticker Paper	$75.80
3	Heat Press Mat 12 x 12	$13.98
4	card Mat 2x2	$29.99
5	Cricut Insert Cards Rainbow Sampler	$53.16
6	Cricut Insert Cards Princess Sampler	$77.96
7	Cricut Insert Cards Sensei Sampler	$87.96
8	12 x 12 Double Sided Cardstock	$214.68
9	Cricut Knife Housing & Blade	$20.99
10	Cricut Fine Point Blade	$10.99
11	Felt Sheets 12 x 12, 50 pieces	$107.88
12	Black Craft Felt Sheetx 12x12	$56.96
13	Embroidery Thread Kit	$62.97
14	23 Large Eye Sewing Needles	$3.99
15	300 pieces Acrylic Keychain Blanks	$156.72
16	Cricut Maker Fabric Blade	$13.99
17	Fairfield Poly Fill Premium	$161.92
18	Xtreme Comforts Bean Bag Filler 10 lbs	$139.98
19	Permanent Vinyl Sheets	$118.75
	Total:	$1,493.56

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