From Screen to Soil: Hands-On Science Through Gardening
Help me give my students raised beds, potting soil, and tools for hands-on learning experiences that teach science, life skills, and personal responsibility while reconnecting them with nature.
$803 goal
This project expired on August 3, 2025.
This project expired on August 3, 2025.
My Project
We serve a diverse student body in the Reno/Sparks community. My Environmental Science and Dual Credit Environmental Science classes include juniors and seniors from a wide range of economic and cultural backgrounds. Many of these students live in apartments or rental homes with little to no access to outdoor space, and most have never had the opportunity to grow their own plants or vegetables.
Gardening offers students more than just a lesson in plant biology and agriculture—it helps them develop real-world skills and fosters personal growth.
By connecting classroom content to hands-on experiences, students gain a deeper understanding of science while building confidence and emotional well-being. Gardening also helps students slow down and reconnect with the natural world, encouraging patience, responsibility, and mindfulness—qualities that are difficult to cultivate in a screen-based environment.
To support this meaningful learning experience, my students will create raised garden planters on our school grounds. These planters will be filled with nutrient-rich garden soil, worm castings, and compost, giving students the chance to explore sustainable growing practices and the importance of soil health. The requested gardening guide book will provide step-by-step instruction to ensure even my beginners feel comfortable and confident in the process.
I am also requesting garden tools and gloves so students can safely and effectively participate in every step—from planting seeds to harvesting crops. These materials will help make gardening accessible and engaging for all students, regardless of prior experience.
By creating a school-based garden program, I hope to inspire a lifelong appreciation for the environment while equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
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
150 students impacted
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Pure Garden 7 Piece Gardening Tool Set – Mini Planting and Repotting Kit and Carrying Tote Bag Organizer for Succulents, Herbs, and Bonsai Plants
• Amazon Business
$13.99
9
$125.91
Dr. Earth Gold Premium Potting Soil, 8 Quart, Natural
• Amazon Business
$11.99
8
$95.92
GREEN MOUNT Raised Garden Bed Planter Boxes with Trellis for Climbing Vegetables Plants Tomato Cage
• Amazon Business
$37.99
2
$75.98
Emsco Group City Picker Raised Bed Grow Box – Self Watering and Improved Aeration – Mobile Unit with Casters - Slate
• Amazon Business
$37.95
2
$75.90
Emsco Group City Picker Raised Bed Grow Box – Self Watering and Improved Aeration – Mobile Unit with Casters - Cobalt Blue
• Amazon Business
$35.66
2
$71.32
Emsco Group 2360 Little Pickers Raised Bed Children’s Improved Aeration – Mobile Unit with Casters – Teaches Kids Self Watering Grow Box, Teal
• Amazon Business
Nuogo 48 Pairs Gardening Gloves for Men Women Rubber Coated Safety Work Gloves Bulk for Gardening Construction Work
• Amazon Business
$30.99
1
$30.99
Charlie's Compost - Odor Free Organic Fertilizer for Home Gardens, Raised Beds, Containers, Seed Starting Mix, Natural Soil Amendment with Biochar 10lb
• Amazon Business
$25.99
1
$25.99
Wiggle Worm 100% Pure Organic Worm Castings Fertilizer, 4.5-Pounds - Improves Soil Fertility and Aeration for Houseplants, Vegetables, Gardens, and More – OMRI-Listed and Mineral-Dense
• Amazon Business
$20.50
1
$20.50
Container Gardening for Beginners: A Guide to Growing Your Own Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs, and Edible Flowers
• Amazon Business
$10.89
1
$10.89
Materials cost
$642.19
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$9.63
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$681.82
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$120.32
Total project goal
$802.14
Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.
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. Curley-Morgan and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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