Teacher: Misty Smith

School: Florida Mesa Elementary

District: Durango School District 9-R

Website: floridamesa.durangoschools.org

Address: 216 Highway 172, Durango, CO 81303

Grade Level: K-5 Science

Region: Southwest

Project Title: STEAMing Things Up

Category: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

Funding Amount Requested: $1,460

Project Description:
I am requesting funds for STEAM supplies and diverse books about STEAM for my science classroom. The town our school is just outside of has a varied socio-economic range. We have many students of diverse backgrounds, including students from Mexico, many Hispanic families, and many students who are Indigenous Americans. Getting this project funded will help my students see themselves in some of the books we read, as well as giving them a chance to get their hands on materials to be creative and experience STEAM firsthand. STEAM teaches my students to be critical thinkers, creative problem solvers, how to work collaboratively, how to be innovative thinkers, and gain valuable confidence. I also want them to gain the real-world application piece so that they can apply these skills to their lives.

Photos:
Photo 1

Impact:
These funds will allow my students to experience their learning through the lens of creativity and problem solving. The books and materials will help them be creative problem solvers and think outside the box. They will be exposed to engineering challenges, as well as books that are about diverse characters, ultimately fostering a love for STEAM.

Use of Funds:
The $1,451.71 will be spent to purchase high-quality STEAM picture books and hands-on STEAM materials, including:

• Clixo Classroom Pack (100 pieces)
• Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! Mega Builds (235 pieces)
• Learning Resources Gears! Gears! Gears! Space Explorers
• Brainometry Game
• Learning Resources Mental Blox Critical Thinking Game
• PicassoTiles Mega Building Bundle (100PC + 60PC)
• PicassoTiles 600PC Construction Toy Straw Building Set
• HyperTiles Hyperbolic Building Toy
• National Geographic Magnetic Marble Run (75PC)
• Magnetic Chalkboard Contact Paper (39" x 18")
• Lego Classic Green Baseplate