Empowering 7th Graders: Hands-On Exploration of Photosynthesis and Ecosystem Dynamics
Help me give my students lab tools and materials—such as CO2 monitors, grow lights, seeds, reagents, and safety equipment—to conduct hands-on experiments that explore photosynthesis, plant growth, and the cycling of matter in ecosystems.
FULLY FUNDED! Mrs. Key's classroom raised $551
This project is fully funded
My Project
My students are naturally curious about the world around them and excel when given the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning. They are eager to explore scientific concepts through experimentation and real-life applications, making the materials we’re requesting essential for their deeper understanding of ecosystems and photosynthesis. These resources—such as lab supplies, plant samples, and technology for monitoring plant growth—will allow them to conduct experiments that transform abstract ideas into tangible learning experiences.
In the unit we are piloting from OpenSciEd, students will explore the cycling of matter and the flow of energy in ecosystems, focusing on the critical role of photosynthesis.
Using breakfast foods like maple syrup and sap as an anchoring phenomenon, students will investigate where these foods come from and why trees produce sap. This inquiry sparks curiosity about the role of plants in providing essential nutrients like sugars, fats, and proteins. These questions lead students to explore how plants obtain nutrients and how they support ecosystems.
Through these hands-on activities, my students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while tracing the flow of matter and energy through ecosystems. They will also understand the vital connections between living and nonliving components in nature. These real-world experiences will make their learning more meaningful and help them draw connections between classroom concepts and environmental science.
What makes my students special is their diverse backgrounds and perspectives, which enrich our discussions and collaborative activities. These supplies will allow them to work together, building communication and teamwork skills while enhancing their understanding of science. This project will ignite their passion for learning and inspire them to pursue further inquiry into how ecosystems function.
CO2 Carbon Dioxide Air Quality Monitor, Pollution & Ventilation Meter, Tester; Detect & Test Indoor Air Ventilation Levels with CO2 PPM Levels, Temperature and Humidity Sensor Readings on LED Screen
• Amazon Business
$69.93
1
$69.93
Innovating Science 0.04% Aqueous Bromothymol Blue, 500mL - The Curated Chemical Collection
• Amazon Business
$20.78
2
$41.56
100W Led Grow Light Bulb Full Spectrum,Plant Light Bulb with 150 LEDs for Indoor Plants,E26/E27 Socket,Grow Lamp for Hydroponic Indoor Garden Greenhouse Succulent Veg Flower
• Amazon Business
$19.94
2
$39.88
Supmedic Nitrile Exam Glove, 3.5 mil Disposable Medical Gloves Powder-Free Latex-Free, Box of 100 pcs (Blue) (Medium)
• Amazon Business
$8.22
4
$32.88
Comfy Package [2 oz. - 100 Count Clear Disposable Plastic Portion Cups with Lids - Soufflé Cups, Jello Shot Cups With Lids, Clear Plastic Containers Perfect for salad Dressing and More
• Amazon Business
$7.91
3
$23.73
AOZITA 160 Pack Bathroom Cups, 3 oz Mouthwash Cups, Small Disposable Clear Plastic Cups for Rinse Bath Cup Shot Cups Disposable for Drinking Washing Cups
• Amazon Business
$7.95
2
$15.90
Innovating Science Biuret Reagent Solution, 100mL - The Curated Chemical Collection
• Amazon Business
$14.99
1
$14.99
ONiLAB 500Pcs 1.5ml Polypropylene Graduated Microcentrifuge Tubes with Attached Lid,Clear Conical Micro Centrifuge Small Sample Bottle Vials Container for Lab
• Amazon Business
$13.99
1
$13.99
General Hydroponics MaxiGro Plant Food For Vigorous Growth, 2.2 lbs.
• Amazon Business
$13.98
1
$13.98
Innovating Science Qualitative Benedict's Solution, 100mL - The Curated Chemical Collection
• Amazon Business
$13.89
1
$13.89
OVENTE Electric Kettle, Hot Water, Heater 1.7 Liter - BPA Free Fast Boiling Cordless Water Warmer - Auto Shut Off Instant Water Boiler for Coffee & Tea Pot - White KP72W
• Amazon Business
$12.99
1
$12.99
30 Count 2 Gallon Freezer Bags, Zipper Plastic Storage Bags for Freezing Food, Extra Large Freezer Bags 2 Gallon Bulk Pack with Easy Dispensing Box, Resealable Clear Two Gallon Storage Bags
• Amazon Business
$9.99
1
$9.99
Digital Kitchen Timer Magnetic Loud Alarm, Large LCD Screen Silent/Beeping Multi-Function for Teachers Classroom Kids, Black
• Amazon Business
$9.70
1
$9.70
200 Pack Clear Plastic Spoons - Heavy Duty Disposable BPA-Free Utensils for Kitchen, Office, Picnic, and Party | Bulk Plasticware, Crystal Clear Cutlery for BBQ, Birthdays, and Events
• Amazon Business
$8.99
1
$8.99
Zulay Kitchen Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Can Opener Manual with Side Bottle Opener - Rust Proof Manual Can Opener Smooth Edge and Easy Turn Knob, Soft Grip Handles - (Black)
• Amazon Business
Amazon Basics Freezer Gallon Bags, Stand & Fill Base, 90 Count
• Amazon Business
$8.60
1
$8.60
AJM Brown Paper Lunch Bags 40 Count
• Amazon Business
$6.99
1
$6.99
Sow Right Seeds - Bush Henderson Lima Bean Seeds for Planting - Non-GMO Heirloom Packet, Instructions to Plant an Outdoor Home Vegetable Garden - White Lima Variety - Great for Canning or Freezing (1)
• Amazon Business
$4.90
1
$4.90
Reynolds Wrap Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil, 50 Square Feet (Packaging May Vary)
• Amazon Business
$4.27
1
$4.27
Back to the Roots - 100% Organic Seed Packet - Radish 'German Giant' 1.4g
• Amazon Business
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Key and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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