Compound Microscopes for 7th Grade Future Scientists

Willow Creek Academy is a charter school in Sausalito, CA. I am currently the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade math and science teacher. This will be my fourth year at a school established only 6 years ago. Our students come from the Sausalito/Marin City area, and although Sausalito is an affluent area, the majority of our students are from lower socio-economic households. The school began as a K-4 elementary school and has grown each year with the students to now include the grades K-8. As the school has grown, so has the need for new curriculum and materials to teach these now young adults in the upper school. Our school relies upon fund raising in the community for most of its financial support. We have little budget available to teachers to purchase materials outside the "must haves." The 7th grade this year will be studying biology. An integral, and fun, part of biology is looking at plant and animal cells and single-celled organisms through microscopes. This enhances and reinforces the student's experiences and allows them to become the scientists. It encourages students to become involved and enthusiastic about their learning. I am asking for three compound student microscopes to help facilitate this student discovery. Please help to support science learning in the schools! Thank you.