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Mr. Murphy-Smith from Baltimore, MD is requesting books through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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Fully Funded

Mr. Murphy-Smith's classroom raised $598

Cartoon History Class

My students need a class set (20 copies) of Larry Gonick's Cartoon History of the Universe, to supplement a difficult textbook.

Mr. Murphy-Smith William C March Middle School 263

Baltimore, MD Grades 6-8

Hi, I teach sixth grade social studies in a high needs school where most of my students are significantly below grade level in reading. In addition most of my students are highly resistant to reading standard textbooks, so as teachers we have been encouraged to use different types of texts and methods of teaching.

My students' struggles and resistance to reading makes it very hard to utilize the textbook, not to mention actually teach the stories and lessons from history. We currently use an excellent textbook, but it is at a higher reading level than most of my students can handle, let alone read multiple pages of.

I selected this cartoon text for a number of reasons, first of all student interest: most students are far more likely to be receptive to a cartoon, especially given the current popularity of graphic novels. As a history teacher I love this book because it is funny, has great maps, timelines, pictorial representations of history,and informational text. Although the cartoon is written for a slightly older audience, my students have had such mature experiences in their short lifetimes, it would be naive of me to not take this into consideration regarding the resources I use.

Although I can always copy certain pages from this book, its not the same thing as giving the students a physical copy to work with. Not to mention that many of the images, especially the maps, are not easily copied, taking away some of the book's best resources. As a donor you would give my students the opportunity to read from a "textbook" that they actually enjoy, demonstrating to them that textbooks don't have to be intimidating or boring.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Nearly all students from low‑income households

110 students impacted 2 donors

Project tagged as

Baltimore, MD
Grades 6-8
History & Geography
Books
Nearly all students from low‑income households

Mr. Murphy-Smith William C March Middle School 263 Grades 6-8

Celebrate Black teachers and kids! This project supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of students are Black.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Baltimore, MD View local requests

Nearly all students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

110 students impacted 2donors

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes

Materials Cost Quantity Total

The Cartoon History of the Universe, Volumes 1-7 Larry Gonick, Larry Gonick (Illustrator) • Barnes and Noble $20.65 20 $413.00

Materials cost			$413.00
Vendor shipping charges			$41.30
Sales tax			$20.65
3rd party payment processing fee			$6.20
Fulfillment labor & materials			$9.00
Total project cost			$490.15
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms			$107.59
Total project goal			$597.74
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal			$597.74
1 Donor			-$95.00
Donations toward project cost			-$77.90
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms			-$17.10
match offer			-$502.74
Match offer toward project cost			-$412.25
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms			-$90.49
Still needed View calculation Hide calculation			$0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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Project Activity

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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. Murphy-Smith and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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This teacher needs your help!

Cartoon History Class

Project tagged as

Celebrate Black teachers and kids! This project supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of students are Black.

Boost your odds

Top rated for efficiency and transparency.

TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes

How we calculate what's needed

Project Activity

Project Activity

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.