You're on track to get doubled donations (and unlock a reward for the colleague who referred you). Keep up the great work!
Take credit for your charitable giving! Check out your tax receipts

In a rush to make a major tax-deductible gift before the year's end?
Purchase account credits now, and choose projects later!

In a rush to make a major tax-deductible gift before the year's end? Purchase account credits now, and choose projects later!

For direct assistance with credits or anything else, please call The DonorsChoose Scholar Society at (646) 556-9941.

Time is running out! Make your 2025 tax-deductible gift before midnight on December 31.

To use your $50 gift card credits, find a project to fund and we'll automatically apply your credits at checkout. Find a classroom project
Skip to main content

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Your school email address was successfully verified.

See this teacher's page

This teacher needs your help!

Mrs. Perry from West Mifflin, PA is requesting lab equipment through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mrs. Perry is requesting

How Do Plants Grow Without Soil? Up Close and Personal!

Help me give my students a hydroponics growing system and seeds for the opportunity to be involved in the unique process of growing plants using hydroponics!

FULLY FUNDED! Mrs. Perry's classroom raised $357

This project is fully funded

My Project

Hydroponics can significantly enhance the learning of a fifth-grade science curriculum by offering hands-on, real-world applications of key scientific concepts. As a soil-free method of growing plants, hydroponics provides an excellent opportunity for students to explore plant biology, ecosystems, and the importance of water and nutrients in the growth process.

First, hydroponics can teach students about plant life cycles, photosynthesis, and the essential elements plants need to grow, such as water, light, air, and nutrients.

By observing how plants grow in a controlled environment, students can experiment with variables like water pH, nutrient concentration, and light levels to see how they impact growth. This provides a deeper understanding of how plants adapt to their surroundings and thrive in different conditions.

Second, hydroponics can help students learn about environmental science by showing the effects of water conservation and efficient resource use. Because hydroponics requires less water than traditional soil-based gardening, it allows students to discuss sustainability, conservation, and how technology can help address challenges like water shortages.

Finally, incorporating hydroponics into the curriculum can boost critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students will need to plan, monitor, and troubleshoot their systems, which encourages scientific inquiry and promotes teamwork. This hands-on approach makes abstract scientific principles more tangible and relevant to students' everyday lives, making learning more engaging and impactful.

In conclusion, hydroponics is a powerful tool for enriching a fifth-grade science curriculum by combining plant science, environmental education, and problem-solving in an interactive and engaging way.

Mrs. Perry West Mifflin Area Middle School Grades 3-5

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.

West Mifflin, PA 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

60 students impacted 6donors

Boost your odds

Add a profile photo in addition to your classroom photo. If you add a photo, it'll show up right here on your project page.

You are more likely to receive funding if you put a face to your name.

Upload a photo

Top rated for efficiency and transparency.

You donate directly to the teacher or project you care about and see where every dollar you give goes.

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

See our finances

TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

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

Where Your Donation Goes

Materials Cost Quantity Total
inbloom 12 Pods Hydroponics Growing System Kit, Herb Garden Planter Indoor Kit, Indoor Gardening Hydroponics Growing System with 4.2L Water Pump, Height Adjustable, Gifts for Woman, Transparent Black • Amazon Business $69.99 2 $139.98
167pcs Seed Compatible with Aerogarden and All Brands for Indoor Garden Hydroponics Growing System with 40 Grow sponges, 40 Grow Baskets, 40 Covers, 40 Pod Labels, 6 A&B Plant Food • Amazon Business $37.99 2 $75.98
Sereniseed Certified Organic Vegetable Seed Collection (20-Pack) – 100% Non GMO, Open Pollinated Varieties • Amazon Business $19.89 1 $19.89
Sereniseed Sunflower Seeds Collection (10-Pack) – 100% Non GMO, Open Pollinated – Grow Guide • Amazon Business $12.93 1 $12.93
Sereniseed Certified Organic Tomato Seeds (10-Pack) – Non GMO, Open Pollinated – Cherokee Purple, Chocolate Cherry, Green Zebra, Brandywine Pink, Black Krim and More - Tomato Seeds for Planting • Amazon Business $9.94 1 $9.94
Sereniseed Certified Organic Leafy Greens Lettuce Seeds Collection (10-Pack) – 100% Non GMO, Open Pollinated – Grow Guide • Amazon Business $9.94 1 $9.94

Materials cost

$268.66

Vendor shipping charges

FREE

Sales tax

$0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$4.03

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$302.69

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$53.42

Total project goal

$356.11

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

$356.11

5 Donors

-$280.74

Donations toward project cost

-$247.13

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$33.61

match offer

-$65.37

Match offer toward project cost

-$55.56

Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$9.81

Excluded support for DonorsChoose

-$10.00

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

$0.00

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

View complete list Show less

Give the most requested basic supplies

See teacher requests

Give back to your community

Find opportunities to impact local needs by exploring a map of classroom projects near you.

See local area

Project Activity

{"pmaHash":"","showProjectRecommendations":true,"leadGenEnabled":true,"hideTeacherDetails":false,"schoolState":"PA","teacherPossessivePronoun":"her","PMsManager":null,"schoolGradeType":{"id":2,"name":"Elementary School"},"TeacherPMForms":{},"completingDonationAmount":0,"teacherHasClassroomPhoto":true,"proposalURL":"https://www.donorschoose.org/project/how-do-plants-grow-without-soil-up-clos/9124797/","mayHaveReplacements":false,"numStudents":60,"isEquityFocusV1":false,"teacherScreenName":"Mrs. Perry","isEquityFocus":true,"proposalHash":"660464798","isApplePayMobileOnly":true,"progressBarPercentage":100.00,"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"photosPublished":false,"queryString":"","DonorPMForm":null,"shouldTrackEquityFocusV2":true,"schoolCity":"West Mifflin","teachersOnPage":[5410626],"isTeacherViewingTheirOwnProject":false,"minimizedLeadGenEnabled":true,"proposalId":9124797,"proposalMessageFormModel":null,"numActiveProjects":0,"verifyShowPhotos":"","eligibleToBeCopied":false,"schoolId":88773,"schoolName":"West Mifflin Area Middle School","authorIds":{"5410626":{"owner":"Mrs. Perry","donationSalutations":{}}},"displayedPercentFunded":1.0,"proposalsOnPage":[9124797],"pmaId":"","teacherProfilePhotoURL":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5410626_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743259540544","teacherHasProfilePhoto":true,"currentWorkflowStatusCode":21,"teacherChallengeId":21187781,"isApplePayEnabled":true,"fundedByTarget":false,"activeProject":null,"donorIdsForImpactPhotoCheck":[],"teacherId":5410626,"schoolCounty":"Allegheny","fullyFunded":true,"isStudentLed":false,"isExpired":true,"schoolStateObj":{"code":"PA","name":"Pennsylvania"}}