Mini-Grant Application for School Year 2017-2018

Submitted by: Martin Evans Email: evansm@flaglerschools.com Grade Level: 5-6 Subject: Science,Math, Technology, Engi
Co-Applicant:Joseph Adona Email: adonaj@flaglerschools.comGrade level: 5 Subject: Science

School: Lewis E. Wadsworth Elementary School STEM Academy Type: Public Grade Levels:PreK-6 County:Flagler

Approx. Enrollment: 1014 Number of teachers:64

School Address:

4550 N. Belle Terre Pkwy
Palm Coast, Florida 32137

Phone: 386-446-6720 Principal:Anna Crawford Email: crawforda@flaglerschools.com

Project Title: Flagler FIRST Technology Challenge
Project Dates: 11/1/2017-3/1/2017 Grade Levels:

Focus Area(s) :Technology/Coding- Design/Engineering- Critical Thinking - Collaboration

Abstract:
Flagler FIRST Technology Challenge allows our students to emerge into the exciting, innovative world of advanced robotics. Students will work collaboratively to design, build, program, and operate a robot that must work in tandem with other robots in order to complete a complex task. The FIRST (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) organization provides the necessary support and guidance to assist the teachers and students in achieving their goal. This year's event challenges students to build a robot that can work both autonomously (using raw java programming) and wireless remotes controls to stack cubes and manipulate relics by using arms that extend far beyond the dimensional limits of the robot. Our students will learn to work in design teams that are assigned to achieve specific goals that in turn help develop the entire project. Collaboration and perseverance are essential to the success of the robot. Scheduled class time for science, math, technology, and writing will be given to this project since the basic elements can be integrated into the standard curriculum. Scheduled after hours lab time, where students can practice and troubleshoot their ideas, will also be incorporated into the learning schedule. Students will attend multiple competitions, where they are expected to demonstrate their level of mastery. This project also requires them to share their experiences with younger students by creating a minimum of two exhibition events. Finally, students will present their experiences during a televised County School Board meeting.

Proposal:

How is your project innovative?   (25 points)
This project is the first of it's kind for the students of Flagler County. The FIRST organization has been providing students across the world with innovative robotic challenges for about a decade, but our students have never had the chance to experience it. The technological instruction of the project is also innovative in nature. Students at the 5th and 6th grade level live in a world dominated by computer programming and mechanical and electrical engineering, yet the current educational programs do very little to truly develop skills and interest in these areas. Our project engulfs our students in STEM skills, while still fulfilling the requirements of their curriculum.

How will it fit into your curriculum (include standards)? (10 points)
Listed below are the primary standards that are reflected in this project: In the field of mathematics, students will need to understand the basic structure and function of number theory, algorithms, and equations. They will apply these basic skills in the design and building process by conducting measurements, calculating dimensions, and experimenting with gear ratios. Students will then use basic algorithmic knowledge to generate equations in order to program the autonomous portion of the robotics challenge. MAFS.5.MD.3.5, MAFS.5.MD.1.1, MAFS.5.NBT.2.6, MAFS.6.RP.1.1, MAFS.6.EE.1.2, MAFS.6.EE.2.6, MAFS.6.G.1.1, MAFS.6.G.1.4, MAFS.6.SP.1.2 In order to collaborate and share their experiences, students will need to record their experiences through narrative and informative text. They will need to practice discussing ideas in a safe environment and use research to support their ideas. Students will also need to develop keyboarding skills to increase their production in coding activities. Proper communication throughout the project will require students to read each other's ideas both formally and informally (texts, chats, posts) and respond with relevant ideas and opinions. LAFS.5.W.1.3, LAFS.5.SL.1.1, LAFS.6.RI.1.2, LAFS.6.W.1.2, LAFS.6.W.2.6, LAFS.6.W.3.8 , LAFS.6.SL.1.1, LAFS.6.SL.2.4, LAFS.6.SL.2.5 This project will require a high level of critical thinking skills that are grounded in a firm understanding of the scientific concepts in force and motion, electrical energy, mechanical energy, and simple machines. Students will also need to investigate and experiment with scientific efficiency including making predictions, analyzing data, and conducting logical experiments. SC.5.N.1.1, SC.5.P.10.1, SC.5.P.11.1, SC.5.P.13.4, SC.6.N.1.1, SC.6.P.12.1, SC.6.P.13.1, SC.6.N.3.4, SC.6.N.1.4

How will it encourage long-lasting change in your classroom, school or community? (20 points)
As the first of its kind in our district, this project will encourage others to take chances and get involved. Our students will be the trailblazers for what we hope will be a growing community of learners in STEM. In order to score successfully, FIRST competitions require participants to reach out to rookie teams and share their skills and experiences. We have already been contacted by a mentoring team from a neighboring county named SMASH, that will help our students get the program up and running. In the following years, we hope to be mentors for other local teams. As with other competitive teams associated with our schools, we hope that our team can instill a sense of pride among all students.

How will technology be utilized?  (20 points)
Students will begin the project by using iPad pros to research and discuss the guidelines of the FIRST Tech Challenge; along with collaborating with their teammates using shared Google Apps and through academic posts on the LMS (Learning Management Syatem) Schoology. Next, students must develop their robotics designs using online research and 3D Fusion 360 software. Students will then use the Tetrix building kits to construct their robotic designs while incorporating custom 3D printed attachments made on the Makerbot Replicator 3D Printer. Finally, students will use Android studio to create programs using javascript that will be loaded onto Android mobile phones that will be installed on the robots to provide the brain center of the the robot.

What evidence will you collect to show student gain?   (10 points)
Our students take periodic assessments that measure their skill levels in math, science, and language arts. We plan to use the data collected over the past two years to track student gains. We intend to see an increase in student gains above and beyond the average rate by at least 5%. We will also track our lowest quartile of students and intend to see a 15% increase in learning gains over their averages in all three subjects. The cause for this increase is that believe students will be more engaged and motivated by participation in the project.

How will participants share your project results with the community?  (15 points)
Students will create two exhibition events for the community; one at school and the other at a non-educational facility. Advertisements for these events will be sent out via inter-district communications and via radio spotlights by the local station: Beach 92.7. We will also present our completed project at a district school board meeting as a school spotlight item. The entire process will also be documented using our class Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Budget:

I, Martin Evans, certify that the application is complete and final, AND I verify that I have received permission to apply for these funds from Anna Crawford,the Principal of Lewis E. Wadsworth Elementary School STEM Academy and any other individuals required by my school district.

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