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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Holland from Ventura, CA is requesting supplies through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Holland is requesting

Bringing the Outdoors in: Decomposers in the Classroom

My students need habitats and supplies so we can bring the outdoors in and establish miniature ecosystems in our classroom as we learn about decomposers and important concepts in environmental science.

FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Holland's classroom raised $650

This project is fully funded

Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.

My Students

It's often said that as we grow older we begin to get less curious. My students defy this. As the school year goes on, they get more curious as they make connections between concepts and start looking at the world in new ways.

My students are curious and creative problem solvers who make insightful observations as they engage with and learn from each other.

I teach at a Title I school with a diverse population of students who show me every day that, if given the chance, they will rise to the occasion.

My Project

Last year I decided to bring the outdoors in and turn my indoor space into an outdoor classroom. Quite a few living things shared our space- from caterpillars to macroinvertebrates to trout eggs- and students greatly enjoyed being able to observe and care for these creatures. In addition to liking the responsibility, it also gave students a chance to observe organisms that we often overlook but that perform vital ecosystem services. This coming year I would like to again bring the outdoors in by establishing and maintaining decomposer habitats which we will integrate into our instruction as we learn about ecosystems and environmental issues.

By providing students with multiple opportunities to interact with decomposers, I hope that students gain a better appreciation for the vital role they play in our lives and in our environment.

With your help, our decomposers will range from invertebrates found in rotting logs to student built compost bins powered by red worms. With our "Life in a Rotting Log" kits, we will be able to observe the decomposition process that happens in forest ecosystems as well as observe interactions between different decomposer populations such as millipedes and sow bugs. Since decomposition is a gradual process, these kits will allow us to observe it throughout the year in a very dramatic way. To help students better appreciate the organisms that make decomposition happen, we will also establish Bess Bug habitats so students can handle and interact with this talkative, docile beetle.

In addition, students will use plastic boxes to build compost bins containing red worms which will break down food scraps. Using soil thermometers students will be able to collect data as they learn the scientific concepts behind decomposition; creating not just stronger student-scientists but also creating a greater appreciation for our environment in the process.

Ms. Holland Anacapa Middle School Grades 6-8

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.

Ventura, CA 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

205 students impacted 12donors

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Ms. Holland is requesting.

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Sterilite 16428012 6 Quart/5.7 Liter Storage Box, White Lid with Clear Base, 12-Pack • Amazon Business $17.86 6 $107.16
Life in a Rotting Log Kit • Carolina Biological Supply Company $45.95 2 $91.90
Soil Temperature Thermometer • Nasco $7.47 12 $89.64
Bessbug Habitat • Carolina Biological Supply Company $56.25 1 $56.25
Houseables Spray Bottle Cleaner, Plastic, 24 Oz. Professional Sprayer, Adjustable Nozzle, Pack of 3 • Amazon Business $10.99 3 $32.97
MACROLENS • Frey Scientific $13.94 2 $27.88
Clear-View Plastic Aquaria/Terraria, Large • Carolina Biological Supply Company $14.75 1 $14.75
Virgin Cork Bark Flat - Small • Amazon Business $9.95 1 $9.95
Rotting Wood • Carolina Biological Supply Company $8.50 1 $8.50
Zoo Med Natural Cork Bark Round, Small • Amazon Business $6.47 1 $6.47

Materials cost

$445.47

Vendor shipping charges

 $29.45

Sales tax

 $40.76

3rd party payment processing fee

$6.68

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$552.36

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$97.48

Total project goal

$649.84

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $649.84

9 Donors

-$312.21

Donations toward project cost

-$286.98

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$25.23

match offer

-$312.21

Match offer toward project cost

-$265.38

Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$46.83

Excluded support for DonorsChoose

-$25.41

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

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. Holland and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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