Teacher: Carolyn Barrios

School: Lochbuie Elementary

Website: lochbuie.re3j.com

Address: 201 Bonanza Blvd., Lochbuie, CO 80603

Grade Level: K-6

Region: Northeast

Project Title: After School Robotics Club

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

Funding Amount Requested: $1500

Project Description:
Last year, I started an after-school robotics club for 5th graders at Lochbuie Elementary in Lochbuie, Colorado. This year, I plan to expand the club to include both 5th and 6th grade students, but need funds to do so. Lochbuie is a Title 1 school with a predominantly Hispanic population, serving 4th to 6th graders with around 250 students. As an underserved community, students have limited access to after-school programs, so I am excited to continue offering this opportunity. With the funds, I plan to purchase 30 Micro:bits and 30 Micro:bit robotics kits, providing students with more options and variety in the types of robots they can build, hoping to encourage more students, including girls, to join.

Photos:
Photo 1
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Photo 3

Impact:
The Robotics Club offers students a chance to explore engineering and STEM subjects early on. Many students, particularly those who struggle with traditional academics, excel in hands-on activities like 3D printing, animation, and computer programming. The club fosters collaboration, leadership, and teamwork while allowing students to build essential STEM skills. Through this project, students are empowered to think creatively, help one another, and develop leadership and empathy.

Use of Funds:

• 3 classroom sets of Micro:bits (10 per set): $175-200 each
• 30 Micro:bit robotics kits: $27 each

Total: $1500