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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Oxendine from Pembroke, NC is requesting classroom basics through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Oxendine is requesting

Bringing Biology to Life with Aquatic Science & Inspiring Decor

Help me give my students a living aquarium ecosystem, engaging science visuals, and a welcoming classroom environment that sparks curiosity and supports hands-on learning.

  • $564 goal

This project expired on October 24, 2025.

This project expired on October 24, 2025.

My Project

I love that my students are naturally curious and eager to explore the world around them. They ask thoughtful questions, enjoy hands-on activities, and thrive when learning feels real and relevant. The aquarium will allow them to observe a living ecosystem, bringing our lessons on habitats, cycles, and biodiversity to life. The science posters will spark daily conversations about the natural world. The modern farmhouse decor will create a warm, inviting space where students feel comfortable, focused, and excited to learn every day.

Imagine walking into a biology classroom where students are not only learning about aquatic ecosystems from a textbook, but observing one right in front of them—watching fish swim, air bubbles rise, and an ecosystem unfold in real time.

That’s the experience I want to bring to my students with this project.

To support our unit on ecosystems, I am requesting an aquarium, aquarium gravel, and a bubbler system so students can observe and maintain a mini aquatic habitat. This hands-on experience helps them understand complex biological concepts such as nutrient cycles, oxygenation, population dynamics, and aquatic biodiversity in a tangible way. It also encourages responsibility, observation, and scientific inquiry.

In addition, I am requesting a neon sign and several visually engaging science posters that reinforce core biology concepts and vocabulary. These will serve as constant visual references for students and support learning throughout the year.

Finally, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, I’m asking for modern farmhouse-style classroom decor. A classroom that feels cared for and thoughtfully arranged helps students feel valued and motivated to learn. With these decorative touches, I hope to transform our classroom into a space that is not only educational but also inspiring.

With your support, my students will have a biology classroom that fosters curiosity, creativity, and connection with nature and with each other.

Ms. Oxendine Purnell Swett High School Grades 9-12

Equity Focus

This project directly supports students at a historically underfunded school. Learn more about our Equity Focus.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Pembroke, NC 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

120 students impacted

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Tetra ColorFusion Aquarium 20 Gallon Fish Tank Kit, Includes LED Lighting and Decor • Amazon Business $119.14 1 $119.14
DNA Double Helix Neon Signs for Wall Decor, Dimmable LED DNA Neon Light Art Wall Sign, USB Powered for Man Cave Gaming Room Bedroom Biology Science Gift Decor for Nurse Doctor Physician(4.7 * 16.1in) • Amazon Business $29.57 1 $29.57
Teacher Created Resources Fun Size Better Than Paper Bulletin Board Roll, 18" x 12', Boxwood • Amazon Business $18.99 1 $18.99
LED Digital Wall Clock with Large Display, Big Digits, Auto-Dimming, 12/24Hr Format, Modern Electric Small Silent Wall Clock for Living Room, Bedroom, Classroom, Farmhouse, Kitchen, Office - White • Amazon Business $18.89 1 $18.89
Decorably 16 Biology Posters for High School Classroom, 11x17in Matte-Laminated Educational Middle School Science Classroom Decor • Amazon Business $17.99 1 $17.99
Teacher Created Resources Wall D?cor Bulletin Board Set, Modern Farmhouse, 21/Set (TCR8505) • Quill.com $15.83 1 $15.83
65 Feet Scalloped Bulletin Board Border Self Stick Classroom Striped Borders Wavy Line Border for Bulletin Cork Board Desk Classroom Christmas Party Supplies Decor (Black and White Stripes) • Amazon Business $13.99 1 $13.99
hygger Small Aquarium Ornament Poly Resin Wood Trunk Log Fish Tank Decoration for up to 20 Gallon Tank Betta Fish Accessories Hideout Cave (Tree Log) • Amazon Business $12.99 1 $12.99
Teacher Created Resources Modern Farmhouse Bold Block 4" Letters Combo Pack (TCR8525) • Amazon Business $12.40 1 $12.40
Glofish Aquarium Gravel, Solid Black, 5-Pound Bag • Amazon Business $4.09 3 $12.27
300 PCS Science Decor Stickers for Water Bottles & Lab - Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Math Gifts • Amazon Business $11.99 1 $11.99
TEEMO Aquarium Groot Air Bubbler Decorations, Air Bubbler Resin Brown Decorations for Fish Tank. • Amazon Business $11.95 1 $11.95
400pcs Science Stickers for Classroom Decor, Teacher Students Kids Teens, Water Bottles - Math Chemistry Physics Biology Gifts, Lab Decorations • Amazon Business $11.89 1 $11.89
Modern Farmhouse Mini Bulletin Board • Amazon Business $11.71 1 $11.71
Eaasty 69 ft Black and White Bulletin Board Borders Classroom Borders Paper Rolled Teachers Die Cut Trimmer Border for Bulletin Board Classroom Chalkboard Wall Decor(Rainbow Style) • Amazon Business $9.99 1 $9.99
Esur Motivational Home Office Desk Decor - Farmhouse Wooden Box Sign Gift for Women - P.S. You Got This(White) • Amazon Business $9.99 1 $9.99
Quera 90Pcs Pumpkin Classroom Bulletin Board Decorations Fall Cut-Outs Cutouts Farmhouse Home Accents with Glue Point Dots for Halloween Fall Thanksgiving Home Classroom Bulletin Board • Amazon Business $8.99 1 $8.99
Teacher Created Resources Modern Farmhouse Black with Gray Scalloped Rolled Border Trim – 50ft - Decorate Bulletin Boards, Walls, Desks, Windows, Doors, Lockers, Schools, Classrooms, Homeschool • Amazon Business $8.99 1 $8.99
50PCS Modern Farmhouse Bulletin Board Decor, Inspirational Wall Decorative Sign Positive Saying Posters Growth Mindset Accents Set for Middle High School Classroom Home Teachers Parents Students • Amazon Business $8.99 1 $8.99
Teacher Created Resources Modern Farmhouse Positive Sayings Straight Rolled Border Trim (TCR8913),Black/White • Amazon Business $8.98 1 $8.98
Outus 45 Pcs Back to School Light Bulb Cutouts Bulletin Board Decorations Bright Industrial Chic Light Bulb Cutouts with Glue Point for Classroom Bedroom Festive Event Holiday Party Decorations • Amazon Business $7.99 1 $7.99
DHDM Designs Classroom Poster Science Behind a Successful Student Anagram Print | 12-Inch by 18-Inch | Science Class Posters JSC822 • Amazon Business $7.85 1 $7.85
Tetra 77079 TetraPRO Color Crisps for Fishes, 2.65 oz • Amazon Business $5.99 1 $5.99
Teacher Created Resources? Modern Farmhouse Welcome To Our Class Banner (TCR8511) • Quill.com $5.39 1 $5.39
Schoolgirl Style Industrial Chic 36-Piece Number Bulletin Board Cutouts, Blank and 1-30 Number Cutouts for Bulletin Board, Classroom Table Numbers, Modern Farmhouse Classroom Décor • Amazon Business $3.88 1 $3.88
Schoolgirl Style Woodland Whimsy Straight Border―12 Rustic, Wood Motif Border Strips for Bulletin Boards, Desks, Lockers, Homeschool or Classroom Decor (36 ft) • Amazon Business $3.79 1 $3.79

Materials cost

$410.42

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $32.01

3rd party payment processing fee

$6.16

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$478.59

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$84.46

Total project goal

$563.05

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

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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 Ms. Oxendine and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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