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This teacher needs your help!

Mr. Thiel from Pinole, CA is requesting instructional technology through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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Exploring the Hidden World

Help me give my students a stereo microscope for a more engaging look into microbiology.

  • $958 goal

This project expired on August 13, 2025.

This project expired on August 13, 2025.

My Project

A high-quality digital microscope will open up an entirely new world of learning for my students by giving them access to the hidden details of microbiology that are impossible to see with the naked eye. Instead of just reading about cells, bacteria, and microscopic organisms in a textbook, students will be able to view real-life samples in vivid detail on a screen. This will help bring science to life in a way that’s exciting, interactive, and meaningful. With a digital microscope, I can project what I’m seeing for the whole class, allowing for real-time discussion, analysis, and questions—making the learning experience more engaging.

They’ll be able to take photos, record what they see, and even compare different samples over time.

This hands-on experience will deepen their understanding of topics like health, ecosystems, and how the human body works. It will also help build their confidence in using scientific tools and thinking like real scientists. Most importantly, it will spark their curiosity and excitement about science, making learning more meaningful and memorable.

My students are special in that many of them come from low income households and many of them have never been inspired to go into a science related field. I can remember see things under a microscope for the first time in high school and it sparked interest in biology that has continued to this day. My hope is that, by making my microbiology lessons more engaging by having them explore the microscopic world, I will inspire more students to pursue a career in either biology or a related field.

Mr. Thiel Pinole Valley 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.

Pinole, 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

Never Before Funded 128 students impacted

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Frey Scientific Stereo Microscope with 3.0MP Digital Camera - Elementary-Middle School - Kids • School Specialty $649.99 1 $649.99

Materials cost

$649.99

Vendor shipping charges

 $65.00

Sales tax

 $59.47

3rd party payment processing fee

$9.75

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$814.21

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$143.68

Total project goal

$957.89

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 Mr. Thiel and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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