"I am a middle school teacher in an impoverished neighborhood located in Chicago. The largest demographic here is Black (99%), where 87% of the 584 students are low income. In the fall of 2009, we are moving from self-contained classes to a departmental setting. I will be teaching 6th and 7th grade S...
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"I am a middle school teacher in an impoverished neighborhood located in Chicago. The largest demographic here is Black (99%), where 87% of the 584 students are low income. In the fall of 2009, we are moving from self-contained classes to a departmental setting. I will be teaching 6th and 7th grade Science.
This year, I aim to take an experiential approach in teaching. I am interested in presenting a more intensive, hands-on style in learning environmental science. One project we did last year -that really had my class excited about learning- was a unit on hydroponics. My students really got into caring for their personal plants, as they enjoyed the laboratory methods employed to problem-solve and keep their plants healthy. This year, I want to continue in that vein and strengthen those activities that will ensure my students have multiple opportunities to experiment -hands on- with various manipulative's that relate to our selected readings regarding environmental science.
My plan is to create a learning environment where my students understand that learning is deeper than rote memorization. I believe that it is important to help my students realize that their reading of the written word is directly tied to active participation. By having various on-going side projects dealing with ecology and botany, I plan to bridge text and action. After reading and discussing various text regarding genetic mutations and biotechnology, I want my students to have the chance to play, investigate, ask questions, and problem-solve with living manipulative's as they relate to our readings.
I know that, through active participation and experience, my students will be able to better establish connections and develop a genuine understanding for what they are learning -including why these lessons are important. I believe that learning by doing is a far more authentic practice than the rote memorization of isolated facts and skills. Based on my success last year with the hydroponics experiments, I am confident that through a laboratory and a field-experience approach my students will achieve an understanding of how humans influence our environment while simultaneously exploring avenues that introduce activism, awareness, and self-reliance.
Be assured that, during these projects, my students will use the materials donated to engage in on-going investigations, to create portfolios documenting their research and understandings, and to present their findings to their teachers, peers, and hopefully, the community at large. In addition to being exposed to the basic principles and foundations of life, earth, and green science, students will also have multiple opportunities to engage in various discussions concerning ethics, community building, and environmental activism.
If you are interested in donating to this project, please know that this is but one-step of many in hopes of developing awareness and understanding regarding various issues surrounding environmental science. My hope is that, with your help, I may begin to create an environment that is safe, fun, and cool to learn about our environment.
I hope you consider my proposal as an attempt to involve students as co-creators in the learning process in a time where awareness of environmental science is critical and necessary.
Thank you for your time,
My students need two kits of genetically modified seeds, two kits of mutant seeds, 2 spectrum lamps and 2 gooseneck lamps (to facilitate growing), replacement bulbs, seed starter mix, Jiffy Pellets, soil and water pH testers, and vinyl gloves.
The cost of this proposal is $1,051, which includes shipping for any materials requested and fulfillment  ."
HIDE
Mr. B. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
Nov 10, 2009
Dear Meghan, Lynn, Rachel, Judy and Thom, Stephanie, dena, Cindy, Christina, Raleigh, Gaythia, D. Reyes, Cedar Park, Tx, Daniel, Lilia, Becca, Dice Holdings and Anonymous Donors,
Thank you all so much for your attention and generous donations. My students (in all classes) are extremely excited to begin their units on ecology, botany, and environmental science. I know that by creating an atmosphere that is filled with opportunity to experiment, learning -through active participation- will be a new lift for all of my students. I truly believe that the best lessons we teachers present are those that provide ample opportunity to imagine, experiment, and create. These forthcoming lessons surrounding ecology, botany, and environmental science will undoubtedly shake my students' foundation of what learning can be -fun, experimental, applicable, and relevant. Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity! With gratitude,
Mr. B.
Photos coming soon!
Region:
Illinois (Chicago)
Where is the classroom located?
Submitted:
Jul 27, 2009
| Expires:
Jan 02, 2010
Great news -- this project is now a reality! We ordered the materials and they were sent directly to the classroom.
| Materials |
Vendor |
Price |
# |
Total |
| pH Soil Tester |
Frey Scientific, Inc. |
$4.99 |
4 |
$19.96
|
| Checker 1 pH Tester |
Frey Scientific, Inc. |
$29.99 |
1 |
$29.99
|
| Jewel Plantmobile Replacement Lamp |
Frey Scientific, Inc. |
$38.00 |
4 |
$152.00
|
| Disposable Vinyl Gloves—Large |
Frey Scientific, Inc. |
$10.85 |
1 |
$10.85
|
| Jiffy Pellets |
Frey Scientific, Inc. |
$5.35 |
4 |
$21.40
|
| Seed Starter Mix |
Frey Scientific, Inc. |
$9.95 |
1 |
$9.95
|
| Gooseneck Lamp |
Frey Scientific, Inc. |
$13.40 |
2 |
$26.80
|
| Gro-lux wide spectrum lamp, Table Top Adjustable Fixture, Botany |
Frey Scientific, Inc. |
$155.00 |
2 |
$310.00
|
| Which One is the Mutant? Kit |
Frey Scientific, Inc. |
$49.00 |
2 |
$98.00
|
| Genetically Modified Plants |
Frey Scientific, Inc. |
$43.00 |
2 |
$86.00
|
| |
| Vendor Shipping Charges |
$76.50 |
| State Sales Tax |
$0.00 |
| 3rd Party Payment Processing Fee |
$11.47 |
| Postage / Processing for Donor Thank-You Package |
$9.00 |
| Project Subtotal |
$861.92 |
| Optional Donation Towards Operating Costs |
$189.20 |
| TOTAL PROJECT COST |
$1,051.12 |
| 18 Donors |
-$1,051.12 |
| To Go |
$0.00 |
Additional Details
Level:
Grades 6-8
Teacher's funded projects:
1
Thank-you punctuality:
N/A
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
JoEllen S. (volunteer)
on Jul 30, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested supplies and posted this project.
John C. (associate)
on Jul 31, 2009
"Dear Meghan,
Thank you so much for your generous donation. I really hope that I can make this project a reality in my classroom. Now, with your donation, I feel one step closer. Thanks again!"
The teacher Mr. B.
on Oct 5, 2009
"I gave to this project because I like the fact you are involving your students in hands on science projects that can strengthen their problem solving abilities and link with the material in their textbooks. Hopefully, activities like these will inspire some of your students to pursue a career in science. "
"Gaythia,
Thank you so much for your interest and support. I agree: hands on experiences are a great way to learn- and to generate excitement about learning. Thanks again for your donation and support!"
The teacher Mr. B.
on Oct 8, 2009
"We gave to this project because we know this teacher and his work with kids. He engages kids in projects that are important to them personally, and he helps them learn how to be advocates for themselves, for their communities, and for the betterment of our society and our environment."
Judy and Thom
from Chicago, IL
gave
on Oct 10, 2009
"Raleigh, thanks so much for your attention and donation!"
The teacher Mr. B.
on Oct 10, 2009
"Judy and Thom: You guys are the best. Thank you so much for helping me out -again!"
The teacher Mr. B.
on Oct 10, 2009
"I donated because I want to support kids in Illinois (Chicago)."
Christina
from Chicago, IL
gave
on Oct 12, 2009
"Christina, thank you for your donation! Your help is much appreciated."
The teacher Mr. B.
on Oct 12, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Environment Science education."
"Becca, Thanks for your help! I really appreciate your attention!"
The teacher Mr. B.
on Oct 23, 2009
"A donor, thank you so much for donating to our project. I know that if this takes off, it will be a great learning opportunity for my students. Thanks again!"
The teacher Mr. B.
on Oct 23, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Environment Science education."
"Dena, Thank you for your attention and concern. My hope is that by introducing Science in a way where students can "play" with it, they will also discover an interest and a desire to learn more -while being and becoming innovative and creative when it comes to applying their newfound knowledge- especially in the field of Environmentalism. Thanks again for your donation!"
The teacher Mr. B.
on Oct 27, 2009
"I donated because I want to support kids in Illinois (Chicago)."
A donor
gave
on Oct 29, 2009
"A donor, Thanks so much for your donation!"
The teacher Mr. B.
on Oct 30, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Environment Science education."
Cindy
from Illinois
gave
in support of Chicago Office
on Nov 8, 2009
Stephanie
gave
on Nov 9, 2009
Lynn
from Folly Beach, SC
gave
on Nov 9, 2009
Chris
from Bedford, TX
gave
on Nov 9, 2009
Lilia
gave
on Nov 9, 2009
Daniel
gave
on Nov 9, 2009
D. Reyes, Cedar Park, Tx
gave
on Nov 9, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Environment Science education."
Rachel
from Illinois
gave
on Nov 9, 2009
"We gave to this project because we support Math & Science projects in New York City, San Francisco, Washington DC and Chicago public schools."
Dice Holdings
from Urbandale, IA
gave
on Nov 9, 2009
Project fully funded!
Happy news
on Nov 9, 2009
"Cindy, Stephanie, Lynn, Chris, Lilia, Daniel, D. Reyes, Rachel, & Dice: Thank you all so much for your generous donations! I stepped out for a couple days, came back, and was totally blown away at the barrage of donations waiting for my attention. Thank you (all) again for believing in and supporting my plan!"
The teacher Mr. B.
on Nov 10, 2009
The teacher Mr. B.
on Nov 10, 2009
"Congratulations on reaching your initial goal, the funding. Now the hard work and also all the fun, begins! I hope that you and your students are inspired to learn much and achieve great things."
Gaythia
from California
on Nov 10, 2009
Purchased the supplies for Mr. B.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.
Jenni D. (staff member)
on Nov 11, 2009
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