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Completed: Water Quality Analysis of Local Ponds and Streams

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"Who wants an environment with poor quality water? Not me or my students and, I'm guessing, not you either. My 11th grade environmental science class wants to investigate the water quality of surrounding ponds and streams, as we live in a rural area dominated by agriculture and are concerned with t... " MORE
"Who wants an environment with poor quality water? Not me or my students and, I'm guessing, not you either. My 11th grade environmental science class wants to investigate the water quality of surrounding ponds and streams, as we live in a rural area dominated by agriculture and are concerned with the effects of runoff.

We currently do not have the necessary testing kit to carry out water quality tests. The lack of this kit prevents us from having a hands on learning experience that relates classroom learning with real life situations in the surrounding environment. The students preparing for college need exposure to the scientific method and real world testing that this kit would provide.

The environmental monitoring test kit would allow my students to get out into the field and experience water quality tests firsthand. The test kit contains chemicals and equipment necessary for quick and accurate measurements, allowing the students to gain a clearer understanding of the water quality in the area. Students entering college will have this experience of working with test kits just as they would in college science lab classes.

Your help will allow my students to understand the importance of water quality and factors which affect that quality. Some of these students will go on to work in agriculture related jobs and need to know how runoff can change water supplies. This will also help those students going to college by giving more hands on experimentation in environmental issues. Your donation will go a long way in helping prepare students for a wide array of future endeavors.

My students need 1 environmental monitoring test kit.

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See Mr. B.'s class participating in this project! (Enlarge photos)

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Dec 8, 2009
Dear Paul M. Murphy and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 
I would once again like to thank you for your donation to my project. My class was able to gather local water samples and perform tests to determine water quality. We tested properties such as pH level, alkalinity, and carbon dioxide levels. From this information, my students were able to draw conclusions about the water quality in our area ponds and streams. They wrote detailed lab reports based on their findings. This project was carried out over the course of a few days and would not have been possible without the testing kit.

They enjoyed being able to get out of the classroom, collect the samples, and return to the room for testing. The hands-on aspect of the project made it a memorable one for the students. We discussed how the testing kit was obtained and they were very appreciative of your donation. It is my hope that this project has fostered an interest in environmental issues for these students. I believe they will be able to carry these memories with them for years to come.

Again, thank you so very much for your generosity. It is greatly appreciated by many people.

With gratitude,
Mr. B.

Mr. B. sent this note after the project was fully funded:

Oct 2, 2009
Dear Paul M. Murphy and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 

I can't begin to adequately express my thanks for the generous donation to fund this project. This is my first attempt at getting a project funded and I wasn't sure what to expect. I know that my environmental science students need more hands-on learning and your help will allow them to gain those experiences.

I am really looking forward to getting the water quality test kit in so that we can open it up and begin exploring our surrounding environment. The students will put it to great use, taking samples, analyzing the data, and creating graphs to determine the water quality in our area.

Again, thank you so very much. The students and I are anxious to use the new equipment in our studies!

With gratitude,
Mr. B.

Live Updates
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Meghan D. (volunteer) on Sep 7, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested supplies and posted this project.
Ryan G. (associate) on Sep 9, 2009
"I gave to this project because I believe in the environmental awareness that this world has embraced. I believe also that every child has an opporunity to live their dreams and give to society each making a unique contribution to it. I started with water sampling and made the environment my career. "
Paul M. Murphy from Glenview, IL gave on Oct 1, 2009
"We provided DonorsChoose.org with matching funds for projects that improve college readiness. We believe that when all people in the United States have the opportunity to develop their talents, our society thrives."

gave on Oct 1, 2009
Project fully funded!
Happy news on Oct 1, 2009
The teacher Mr. B. on Oct 2, 2009
Purchased the supplies for Mr. B.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.
Jenni D. (staff member) on Oct 2, 2009
Packaged the thank-you letters written by Mr. B.'s students and sent them on to the eligible donor(s).
Jenni D. (staff member) on Oct 2, 2009
PhotosPhotos posted!
The teacher Mr. B. on Dec 8, 2009
Teacher MailImpact Letter posted!
The teacher Mr. B. on Dec 8, 2009
Please notify our staff of any messages or photos of concern.
Funded!
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