GRANT PROPOSAL GUIDE

INTRODUCTION

Are you seeking financial assistance to purchase Barnabas Robotics’ kits and curriculum for your organization?

There are numerous organizations that provide grants to help fund projects that enhance STEM education, improve student outcomes, promote teacher professional development, and/or support an underrepresented group in the community.  Application cycles vary.

• https://stemeducationworks.com/grants/
• https://www.societyforscience.org/outreach-and-equity/stem-action-grants/
• https://www.f5.com/company/global-good/us-stem-grant
• https://www.apu.edu/education/grants/bringing-stem-to-life/
• https://www.thefreestemfund.org/

SAMPLE PROJECT SUMMARY

Below is a sample project summary for a  S.T.E.M. class/workshop using Barnabas Robotics’ S.T.E.M. kits and curriculum that can be incorporated into grant applications.

PROJECT SUMMARY: BARNABAS ROBOTICS WORKSHOP

Overview

Our proposed project is an educational robotics class/workshop utilizing Barnabas Robotics’ S.T.E.M. kits and curricula.

Barnabas Robotics’ unique program provides comprehensive S.T.E.M. projects designed to impart technical engineering skills and practical life skills.  Through a hands-on approach, participants in the workshop will engage in building robots while also learning essential socio-emotional competencies such as teamwork, problem-solving, creative-thinking, and communication.

Objectives

• Engineering Skills Development: Participants in Barnabas Robotics’ program will learn fundamental engineering concepts such as mechanics, electronics, and programming through the construction and customization of robots. Practical exercises will enhance participants’ understanding of S.T.E.M. principles and encourage creativity in problem-solving.

• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): The workshop will integrate SEL components such as teamwork, communication, troubleshooting, resilience-building into each activity. Participants will practice communicating effectively to solve challenges and developing resilience in overcoming obstacles.

Workshop Structure

• Introduction to Robotics: Participants will be introduced to the basics of robotics, including the components and tools for building a functioning robot and learning how to power and move the robot.
• Hands-On Robot Building: Participants will assemble robots using technical components included in Barnabas Robotics’ S.T.E.M. kits, such as motors, wires, batteries, sensors, etc.  They will learn about design while customizing their robots to perform specific tasks.

• Problem-Solving: Participants will work collaboratively to overcome challenges when assembling their robot and getting it to move.  This will also test their engineering skills and foster SEL competencies.

• Reflection and Discussion: Throughout the workshop, participants will engage in reflective exercises and group discussions to articulate their learning experiences, identify challenges encountered, and share insights gained. Facilitators will guide discussions to promote self-awareness and empathy.

Outcomes

Barnabas Robotics’ program aims to empower participants with both technical expertise and interpersonal skills, preparing them to succeed in a technologically complex and interconnected world. Anticipated outcomes include:

• Enhanced Engineering Skills: Participants will develop proficiency in building and programming robots, gaining practical experience in applying STEM concepts to real-world challenges.

• Improved Social-Emotional Competencies: Through teamwork, communication, and resilience-building activities, participants will develop essential SEL skills that are crucial for personal and academic success.

• Confidence and Creativity: By overcoming obstacles and collaborating with peers, participants will gain confidence in their abilities and cultivate a spirit of innovation and creativity by the end of the workshop.

Assessment and Evaluation:

Barnabas Robotics’ S.T.E.M. curricula include worksheets for participants to fill out during the course. The program is intentionally designed to reinforce learning by introducing and repeating technical learning modules. Participants will need to use previous learning to complete later segments of the projects. They will be expected to synthesize and utilize basic electrical, mechanical and coding concepts to complete their robots.