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This teacher needs your help!

Mr. Kavanagh from Portland, OR is requesting supplies through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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Fully Funded

Mr. Kavanagh's classroom raised $581

Bring the River to the Classroom.

My students need a complete river tank aquarium with plants, animals, and accessories to learn about river ecosystems.

Classroom photo
Mr. Kavanagh Shaver Elementary School
Portland, OR Grades 3-5

"Like swift water, an active mind never stagnates." -Author Unknown My group of third and fourth graders are a wonderful bunch of students who live in a tough urban setting. They face a lot of challenges with over 90% living in poverty, over 70% speaking English as a second language even though all instruction is in English, and many have witnessed a crime or act of violence. But with all of that, most of them still come to school most every day and try their best.

Most of my students live in pretty run-down apartments. Although they actually live about a mile from the Columbia River and just over ten miles from the Willamette, most of these students have never seen the natural environment beyond the weeds, blackberries, and bushes that line the railroad tracks near their apartments. When they think of wildlife, they think of animals they watch on their television sets.

My students need to be surrounded by life and constant reminders that we are all a part of a greater ecosystem that includes plants and animals. I already have a few small animals including a worm bin. My kids love the animals, and having to take care of them teaches them responsibility builds their confidence. What they really could use is a running river aquarium that models a more natural environment where plants and animals depend on each other to keep each other alive and the system going. The plants feed the animals and create oxygen. The animals create carbon dioxide and add nutrients to the environment for the plants through their waste. Other animals help keep the tank clean by eating remaining waste. Students will witness over time how an ecosystem works and how life and non-living parts interact and depend on each other. This will lead to a better understanding and increased curiosity of how the nearby rivers provide so much and depend on us for their maintenance.

Your contribution will motivate, inform, and empower my students to learn more about river ecosystems and understand their own connection and responsibility towards their local natural environment.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

More than half of students from low‑income households

60 students impacted 7 donors
Mr. Kavanagh Shaver Elementary School Grades 3-5

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Portland, OR View local requests

More than half of 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

60 students impacted 7donors

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
River Tank Plant Set • Carolina Biological Supply Company $48.15 1 $48.15
River Tank Animal Set • Carolina Biological Supply Company $53.10 1 $53.10
River Tank Accessory Set • Carolina Biological Supply Company $60.75 1 $60.75
River Tank Ecosystem 20 gallon complete • Carolina Biological Supply Company $256.50 1 $256.50

Materials cost

$418.50

Vendor shipping charges

 $41.85

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$6.28

Fulfillment labor & materials

$9.00

Total project cost

$475.64

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$104.41

Total project goal

$580.05

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $580.05

5 Donors

-$290.02

Donations toward project cost

-$237.82

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$52.20

match offer

-$290.02

Match offer toward project cost

-$237.82

Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$52.20

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

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

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Project Activity

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. Kavanagh and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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