STEM Spaces for MInd Races

Sandrock Elementary

Craig, CO

Requested Amount: $994

Donation Amount: $100

The STEM field is growing rapidly and students need exposure to the types of careers. We need improvements to our learning environment so student creativity can flourish.

I see every single student at Sandrock Elementary School ranging from 5 to 12 years old. In my small classroom, I see 300 students a week as each of the 18 classes come through for their hour of science learning. My classroom has just been set up to be a STEM classroom so that students can learn science in an engaging platform that allows them to use critical thinking and problem solving. Our school funds are very limited so the materials I am requesting will help foster collaboration, discussion, and creativity.

I currently do not have a place to store project materials that students can easily access, which is why I have requested a cart. The florescent lights in my classroom can be a distraction and do not allow the room to be the most welcoming place so I have requested light covers so students can focus. Flip chart paper is a great way to have students work in groups to brainstorm and then share their ideas. It will also allow me to save notes the class creates. Generation Genius is an amazing resource that features "Dr. Jeff". Students love to engage in these short videos and follow up with amazing discussion and examples about our science topics. Unfortunately the subscription price has gone up, I used to pay for it out of my own pocket.

Our school is located in a very rural community. Almost half of the families receive free and reduced lunch and we have a large hispanic population with many students who do not speak English.