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Goal

The objective of STEM items being asked to purchase, is to ignite an interest in learning, and to help uncover the fascinating world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) by providing my Pre-Kindergarten ESE students the opportunity to use hands on materials as they investigate, observe, ask questions, make hypotheses, and learn about the things the world around them has to offer. Purchased items such as a beginner’s science lab, sink and float station, motion discovery tubes, magnetic science tiles, block play simple machines, real bugs discovery kit, see it grow plant lab, magnetic shape sorting rods, count with me talking cookie jar, math counters, telling time teaching clock, blocks, and telescope will provide my students unique opportunities to learn as they play and interact with the world around them. These materials will help connect the concepts that are taught in class to real world applications. In return, the skills my students will acquire through their discoveries with the STEM items will help with FAST assessments given to Pre-Kindergarten Students (entering Kindergarten) each year.  

What will be done with my students

STEM items that will be useful are scientific tools and discovery kits that will challenge their young minds to think in a new way. In my ESE Pre-K class, students will use the science materials to discover unique attributes and properties of real-world items as well as gain an understanding of how scientists use tools and safety gear to perform experiments and test their hypotheses. Another concept that will also be brought to life through these materials are engineering toys, such as simple machines, motion discovery tubes, and building toys. The shape and counting items will provide my students a play-based model to learn mathematical concepts and attributes such as shape, size, quantities, and time. The item requested titled, “Beginner’s Science Lab” will offer my students opportunities to discover the wonder of science as they follow step-by-step instructions to complete 12 simple experiments. Our classroom is a unique space where students have the chance to experience a student-centered, play-based learning approach. The items requested will foster my students’ natural curiosity about the world around them.  

Benefits to my students

As an educator for the Walton District School System, I plan to include these items in my “Imagination Research” Stem Education Grant in the ESE Pre-K MELD program at Freeport Elementary School. This will benefit at least 6 students ranging from age three to five. Pre-K students learn best through exploration and play. The students in my classroom have limited communication skills compared to their same-aged peers. Providing hands-on opportunities for them to experiment, observe, and engage in these shared learning opportunities will allow them to express themselves in other ways. My students have a natural desire to figure out how things work, to compare and contrast attributes, and to discover cause and effect relationships. It is imperative that ESE Pre-K students have access to educational resources that inspire and foster their growing love for learning. Because my students have diverse characteristics, abilities, and interests, these STEM materials will provide each individual student a personal connection to their unique interests. As Temple Grandin stated, “We have got to work on keeping these children engaged with the world. The most important thing people did for me was to expose me to new things.”  

Budget Narrative

These items can be found on lakeshorelearning.com. They would offer a priceless benefit in the education of ESE Pre-K students. All monies received would be appreciated and well used!  

Items