Grade: K-5 STEAM 

Teacher Name: Ricki Rodriquez

Description and purpose of grant: 

Print It, Chomp It, Make It! will transform our K–5 STEAM classroom by adding 3D printers and kid-safe Chomp Saws. These tools empower learners to step into the create phase of the engineering design process with greater depth and creativity than ever before. With 3D printers, students can design and produce custom prototypes, while Chomp Saws allow them to safely cut foam and cardboard to build models, structures, and solutions with precision. This combination opens doors for students to test, refine, and bring their imaginative ideas to life. The purpose of this grant is to provide authentic maker tools that encourage innovation, problem-solving, and hands-on learning, giving every child the opportunity to see themselves as a designer, engineer, and inventor.

Implementation process: 

In our STEAM classroom, students will use 3D printers, filament, and student-friendly Chomp Saws during the create phase of the engineering design process. We will start with guided projects to teach safe operation and basic skills, then move to independent or small-group challenges that encourage problem-solving and creativity. Students will design, build, test, and refine prototypes, using the tools to bring their ideas to life. 3D printers would be used with Tinkercad so students can design and create 3D printed models to solve authentic real-world problems. A Chomp Saw project could inlcude different grade levels collaborating with each other to create an arcade with games built with cardboard! Completed projects will be shared with peers and families, giving students the opportunity to reflect on their learning and celebrate their innovations, while continuously developing hands-on STEAM skills. This grant would impact all grade levels and be used for many years. 

Items you plan to purchase with grant money

Creality K1C 3D Printer $519
Creality K1C 3D Printer $519
Chomp Saw $259.99
Chomp Saw $259.99
Chomp Saw $259.99
Chomp Saw $259.99
Chomp Saw $259.99
Chomp Saw $259.99
Chomp Saw $259.99
Kingroon PLA 3D Printer Filament, 12Rolls $129.99

In the event my grant is not fully funded, this is minimum amount I would need to get started on this project: $1,558.96