Help me give my students that “wow” moment. Seeing Jupiter or Saturn for the first time with their own eyes provides that experience that makes what is learned in class that much more real and personal.
FULLY FUNDED! Mr. Smithgall's classroom raised $341
This project is fully funded
My Students
My students are part of a large, urban school district. Most students come from low-income households. There are many challenges but also many opportunities for these students.
They come to my Earth Science class everyday with questions about the world around them.
Unfortunately their first hand experiences are usually very limited.
While I can provide the basic materials that they need in class such as folders, pens, pencils and binders. Many materials that can provide unique and meaningful experiences are not available to us or within most teachers means.
I strive to have interactive and engaging lessons with materials I have either created or been lucky to have received.
My Project
This telescope will be used to give students an opportunity to experience space and the cosmos first hand. Kids growing up in a big city today rarely get to experience the true splendor of the night sky.
Seeing the Moon up close and the planets reveals to kids that these are real objects and not just pictures in a book.
It has a way of altering ones view of the world and their perspective of things. I’m trying to provide an experience that has the chance to do this for kids.
This telescope will be the start of a school astronomy club, and hopefully motivate students to pursue a career in STEM, or inspire the next Neil deGrasse Tyson, or just give students a different perspective on life.
More than three‑quarters 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 Mr. Smithgall and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.