Green Chemistry Innovators: Student-Designed Sustainable Products
Help me give my students professional testing equipment, a lab bundle investigation kit, sustainable chemistry materials, and technology tools to design and analyze eco-friendly products while connecting with environmental chemistry professionals who mentor real-world innovation
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Project
What if my students could design the next generation of eco-friendly cleaning products, biodegradable plastics, or sustainable cosmetics? In this Green Chemistry Innovators project, my chemistry students won't just learn about molecules—they'll become environmental chemists and entrepreneurs who design, formulate, test, and pitch their own sustainable products to address real-world environmental challenges.
Unlike traditional chemistry labs, where students follow predetermined recipes, this project transforms them into innovators who apply the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry to create original solutions.
Students work in teams to identify environmental problems, research sustainable alternatives, formulate eco-friendly products, conduct rigorous testing using the requested professional testing equipment, a lab bundle investigation kit, sustainable chemistry materials, and technology tools, and present findings to professional chemists and environmental scientists.
Innovation: This project uniquely combines chemistry, environmental science, and entrepreneurship. Students conduct comparative analysis between their sustainable products and conventional alternatives, then pitch innovations to professional chemists. This positions students as problem-solvers tackling climate change through chemistry.
Deep Career Exploration: Career connections are woven throughout.
Weeks 1-2: Students meet virtually with green chemists and interview environmental professionals.
Weeks 3-4: They shadow chemists at local universities or companies and maintain career connection journals.
Weeks 5-6: Students present to chemistry professionals who provide industry feedback on both their science and career pathways.
Intensely Hands-On: Every class involves active student work.
Phase 1: Students survey community members about environmental concerns and research product impacts.
Phase 2: They design formulations, mix prototypes, and document processes.
Phase 3: Students conduct efficacy tests, safety analyses, and environmental comparisons using spectrophotometers and pH meters.
Phase 4: They refine products and present findings.
Student Impact: Many of my students come from communities disproportionately affected by pollution. This project empowers them to see chemistry as a tool for positive change. Students gain practical green chemistry skills, build professional portfolios, connect with STEM careers, and develop confidence as environmental leaders.
Nearly all 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
Carolina Investigations for AP Environmental Science 10-Lab Bundle
• Carolina Biological Supply Company
$1,876.50
1
$1,876.50
Carolina Digital Spectrophotometer
• Carolina Biological Supply Company
$1,327.50
1
$1,327.50
Robinair Digital Thermometer - Middle-High School - Adult
• School Specialty
$73.19
8
$585.52
Brady B-595 - labels - 1 roll(s) -
• CDW-G
$256.74
2
$513.48
MCLANZOO 2 Pack 50W Reptile Heat Lamp Bulb Amphibian Basking Light Bulb, Reptile Daylight Bulb for Turtle, Bearded Dragon, Lizard,Chicken with Stick-on Digital Temperature Thermometer
• Amazon Business
$15.19
14
$212.66
RELIANCER Molecular Model Kit,419PCS Organic Molecular Chemistry Set w/Atoms & Bonds,Molecular Structures Building Kit for Chemistry Learning,STEM Science Kits for Teachers,Students,Young Scientists
• Amazon Business
$24.55
8
$196.40
Otis Classic Square Glass Jars with Lids - Set of 12 Mini Glass Jars with Corks for Wedding & Party Favors, DIY Crafts, Potions, Spices & Candy, 3.4 oz
• Amazon Business
$20.58
8
$164.64
Decomposition Kit
• Nasco
$162.78
1
$162.78
De La Rosa Organic Distilled White Vinegar, White Vinegar Raw & Unfiltered, Kosher for Passover, Vegan & Gluten Free, Great for Salad Dressing, Marinades, 32 Oz (Pack of 2)
• Amazon Business
$19.99
8
$159.92
Simple Nature 100% Pure Vegetable Glycerin - 2 Gallon - Natural Pure Food/Cosmetic Grade for Skincare, Haircare, Cosmetics, Soapmaking, Crafts - Softening & Moisturizing Multipurpose Humectant
• Amazon Business
$49.95
3
$149.85
Mortar and Pestle Porcelain 320 mL
• Carolina Biological Supply Company
$17.90
8
$143.20
Gefen Corn Starch 100% Pure, 16oz, Resealable Lid, (2 Pack, Total 2 Lbs) Gluten Free Thickener, Just One Ingredient, Cornstarch
• Amazon Business
$12.98
8
$103.84
Scotch Brand Scotch TL906 Thermal Laminator, Never Jam Technology Automatically Prevents Misfed Items, 2 Roller System , 9 inch (Pack of 2)
• Amazon Business
$103.19
1
$103.19
DYMO LabelManager 160 Portable Label Maker
• Blick Art Materials
$49.19
2
$98.38
Hydrogen Peroxide 3% Reagent Grade 4 L
• Carolina Biological Supply Company
$19.58
5
$97.90
YINMIK YK-P01 pH Tester Digital pH Meter for Water Hydroponics, Accurate pH Temp Meter with ATC for Pool, Spa, Hot Tub, Indoor Plants, Drinking Water, Wine Beer Home Brewing, Aquarium
• Amazon Business
$11.89
8
$95.12
GORILLA GRIP Heavy Duty XL Mortar and Pestle Set with Slip Resistant Base, 4 Cup, 100% Granite Stone Molcajete Guacamole Bowl, Grind Seeds, Spices, Crush Garlic, Kitchen Muddler for Fresh Herbs, Gray
• Amazon Business
$42.89
2
$85.78
AIKKIL Bowls with Airtight Lids, 20 piece Stainless Steel Metal Nesting Bowls, Non-Slip Colorful Silicone Bottom, Size 7, 3.5, 2.5, 2.0,1.5, 1,0.67QT, Great for Mixing, Baking, Serving
• Amazon Business
$41.99
2
$83.98
Hiceeden 12 Pack Small Plastic Storage Box with Lid, 5.3"x3"x2" Stackable Clear Latch Storage Case Bins Organizer Container for Craft Items, Jewelry Beads, 6 Colors
• Amazon Business
$18.98
4
$75.92
Petra For & Against Body Wash, Amber Sandalwood Scent, 128 oz., 4/Carton (FNA300)
• Quill.com
$73.59
1
$73.59
Horbäach Sweet Almond Oil 64 fl oz | for Hair and Skin | Cold Pressed & Hexane Free | Bulk Size Carrier Oil | Vegan, Non-GMO, Cruelty Free
• Amazon Business
$29.99
2
$59.98
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, 1 Pound (Pack of 12)
• Amazon Business
Now Foods Essential Oils 10-Oil Variety Pack Sampler - 1oz Each
• Amazon Business
$52.99
1
$52.99
First Aid Only Spill Magic Universal Response Station Kit (1SRSKIT)
• Quill.com
$51.29
1
$51.29
Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouch, 9 x 11-1/2 Inches, 5 mil Thick, Pack of 100 - Teacher-Parent Resources - Adult - Durable
• School Specialty
$50.02
1
$50.02
Measuring Cups and Spoons Set Stainless Steel-Measuring Spoons Liquid Stackable Metric Measuring Scoop for Baking or Cooking,Kitchen Cake Decorating Supplies Measuring Cup Organizer
• Amazon Business
$9.99
5
$49.95
Smalltongue Mica Powder for Epoxy Resin, 72 Colors, 0.35 oz(10g) Bottles Mica Glitter, Mica Pigment for Lip Gloss, Soap Making, Bath Bomb, Art Crafts, Resin Dye, Nails
• Amazon Business
$21.99
2
$43.98
Water Testing Kits for Drinking Water: 125 Strips 16 in 1 Well and Drinking Water Test Kit, TESPERT Water Test Strips with Hardness, pH, Lead, Iron, Copper, Chlorine, and More
• Amazon Business
$19.99
2
$39.98
Carolina pH Indicator Strips (pH 0.0 to 14.0) Pack of 100
• Carolina Biological Supply Company
$15.17
2
$30.34
Caldrea Liquid Laundry Detergent, Safe and Effective for all Fabrics and all Temperatures, Sweet Pea Scent, 64 oz
• Amazon Business
$28.00
1
$28.00
Lemi Shine 100% Citric Acid Powder 5 Pound Bag l Pure Food-Grade Flavor Enhancer & All-Natural Preservative | Fragrance Free Citric Acid for Bath Bombs, Cooking, & Canning
• Amazon Business
$24.99
1
$24.99
Caremax Supply Specimen Cups with Lids-Leak Proof Lid- High Quality Latex Free Polypropylene Plastic- Non-Sterile- 25 4oz Specimen Jar
• Amazon Business
$9.99
2
$19.98
All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit for Minor Cuts, Scrapes, Sprains & Burns, Home, Car, Travel, Camping & Outdoor Emergency Kit, FSA/HSA Eligible, 160 Pieces
• Amazon Business
$17.26
1
$17.26
Materials cost
$6,897.87
Vendor shipping charges
$615.36
Sales tax
$631.16
3rd party payment processing fee
$103.47
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$8,277.86
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$1,460.80
Total project goal
$9,738.66
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$9,738.66
2 Donors
-$4,866.39
Donations toward project cost
-$4,141.43
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$724.96
Matching donations from our partners
-$4,866.39
Match offers toward project cost
-$4,136.43
Match offers to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
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 Ms. Khalil and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
