Grade: Kindergarten through Fifth Grade (STEAM class)

Teacher Name: Tracey Kling

Description and purpose of grant:  

In my K–5 STEAM classroom, students explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math through hands-on projects. However, our ability to build functional prototypes is limited because students don’t have the tools to safely cut and shape materials like cardboard.

Chomp Saws are designed specifically for children — they’re lightweight, safe, and easy to control, allowing students to experience authentic engineering and construction work without risk. By using these tools, students can deepen their understanding of measurement, force, design, and structural integrity through real, tangible experiences.

Implementation process: 

The Chomp Saw project will be implemented as part of our STEAM program, which serves all students at our elementary school. Over the course of the school year, approximately all students in grades K–5 will participate in hands-on engineering and design challenges in the STEAM lab. The students will be in  groups to work together (approximately 3-5 learners per group) to work on designing and engineering their prototypes or projects. Every student that comes to STEAM will have the opportunity to create with the Chomp Saw.

Some of the activities for K-2 would be learning how to use the machine to build a game, a bridge to explore balance, or protype.  In grades 3-5, we will be designing and testing simple machines, creating cardboard carnival games, and creating prototypes/models to solve real world problems.  These saws will be used as soon as we receive them and will continue to be used in STEAM for years to come.

Items you plan to purchase with grant money 

Chomp Saws are $249.00 each (1,245.00) 

If we purchase 5 or more, there is a discount and the price is $229.10 each for a total of  $1,120. Shipping is estimated at $34.50. So buying 5 would be a total cost of $1155.

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

If it can't be fully funded, here are my options.  I really would really need at least 3 for this to have an impact on my classes.

4 Chomp Saws are $249.00 ($996 for all) plus $29 shipping for a total of $1025.

3 Chomp Saws are $249.00 ($747 for all) plus $24 shipping for a total of $771.