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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. S. from Chicago, IL is requesting instructional technology through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. S. is requesting

Hands-On, Minds-On: Make Math Meaningful with Manipulatives

Help me give my students math manipulatives. Middle school math doesn’t have to be a mystery! Help us bring numbers to life with hands-on manipulatives that turn ‘Huh?’ into ‘Aha!’

  • $537 goal

This project expired on August 24, 2025.

This project expired on August 24, 2025.

My Project

Middle school is a crucial time when students begin to see how math connects to the real world around them. With tools like calculators, protractors, compasses, and rulers, students don’t just learn math, they experience it. These manipulatives help bridge the gap between abstract concepts and hands-on understanding. A ruler isn't just for measuring; it becomes a gateway to understanding scale and precision. A compass isn’t just for drawing circles, it opens the door to exploring geometry, angles, and design. With calculators, students can focus more on problem-solving and less on arithmetic fatigue, building confidence as they tackle more complex math. Providing these tools empowers every learner, whether they’re struggling or soaring, to engage with math in a meaningful and interactive way.

The goal of this project is to equip every student in our classroom with access to essential math manipulatives that support their diverse learning styles.

Our students are curious, creative, and full of potential. Many of them thrive when they can see, touch, and manipulate the math they’re learning. What makes our students truly special is their determination, they ask questions, work together, and never give up, even when things get tough. With the right tools in their hands, we can help them unlock the kind of deep, lasting understanding that sets them up for success not just in math, but in life. This grant will help us build a classroom where every student feels like a mathematician, ready to take on the world, one protractor and calculator at a time.

Ms. S. CICS - Prairie Grades 6-8

Celebrate Black teachers and kids! This project supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of students are Black.

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.

Chicago, IL View local requests

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

120 students impacted

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Ms. S. is requesting.

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

You can start a project with the same resources being requested here!

Where Your Donation Goes

Materials Cost Quantity Total
Texas Instruments 16-Digit Battery/Solar Powered Scientific Calculator Yellow and Blue Set of 10 (TI30XSMVTKYEL) • Staples $159.99 2 $319.98
Staedtler Math Set 4" Bundle, Clear, 10/Pack (557 10BN) • Quill.com $6.20 10 $62.00
JAM Paper 8.5" x 11" Translucent Clear Vellum Paper, 17 lbs., 70 Brightness, 100 Sheets/Pack (1379) • Quill.com $27.59 1 $27.59
30 Packs Clear Plastic Ruler 12 Inch with Centimeter and Millimeter, Metric Rulers Bulk for Kids Classroom School Office • Amazon Business $9.99 1 $9.99

Materials cost

$419.56

Vendor shipping charges

FREE

Sales tax

$0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$6.29

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$455.85

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$80.44

Total project goal

$536.29

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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Project Activity

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