My students need a River Tank Ecosystem, with accessories, plants and animals.
FULLY FUNDED! Mrs. Bencic's classroom raised $633
This project is fully funded
My Students
Each year my 4th graders enjoy a 4-H club event called "A Day on the Farm." It's so enlightening because the kids learn about the world outside the walls of school and home. Where do we get our food? What's in soil? Why is our environment important? The highlight of our day, however, is the RIVER!
Yes, we enjoy spending about 20 minutes out of our "Farm Day" stepping in a nearby river and examining all the critters, plants, and rocks that create a unique biological balance.
A professional environmentalist takes the time to work with my students and point out ways we can tell if our river is "healthy." That short 20 minutes is such a valuable teaching moment. I've always wished I could take back part of that river to my classroom! Well, now it seems I can! Carolina Biological company offers a River Tank Ecosystem which replicates how a full-sized river is balanced ecologically. It is complete with plants and animals! We'll have schooling fish, scavenger fish, snails, a frog, and plants. Instead of reading in our textbook about natural interactions of the many living organisms in a river system, we can actually relate to them in our classroom daily--only in a 20 gallon tank! In addition, my kiddos will have the opportunity to help establish and maintain the environment themselves.
My Project
I'm truly a blessed teacher. Having the amazing chance to work at our small, rural school was a dream come true. It is really where I want to be, and that makes a big difference. You see, I have a vested interest in my school--I live in this close-knit community and take great pride in the accomplishments that our kids make toward being successful. You know, it seems that when something "belongs" to you, it has a special place in your heart. Well, my school "belongs" to me! Even though 75% of our kids are considered economically disadvantaged, I know they can, with lots of support and encouragement, overcome the hardships they encounter. That's the reason that I go above and beyond for them. They NEED experiences that will motivate them to NOT GIVE UP! Providing hands-on lessons, books, and technology are just a few ways that donors like you help me inspire my kids to grow and learn. They appreciate it. And that's why I need your help.
Science is such a fascinating subject.
It's so unfortunate that young, budding scientists "burn out" so quickly. They spend too much time studying science textbooks, and they miss out on the opportunity to experience what science is all about. Observing the roles that plants and animals have in a river ecosystem is covered in our science textbook. However, the River Tank Ecosystem will cover this aspect of our world as well as countless others! Thanks so much for your consideration.
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
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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 Mrs. Bencic and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
