We are in a Title I school, with about 70% of our students getting free and reduced-price lunch. That said, they are so excited to come in every day and explore and learn! Because of that, the staff here is extremely motivated to provide them with every opportunity we can!
The drive for learning and exploration in our students is indisputable as you enter any room in our school, and the excitement is infectious!
I'm lucky enough to facilitate some of their exploration through our STEM class, which students have helped in building and expanding on our new curriculum through student voice! In my room, students have been able to dive in and innovate to solve problems through project-based learning, which means that they lead a lot of the exploration and learning instead of a teacher talking at them. Our kids have loved the new responsibility they've been given, and have shown even more engagement to research and innovate to problem solve!
My Project
Last year, our fifth graders took an interest in urban farming, specifically through hydroponics! We were more than excited to jump in and learn, and try to design some simple hydroponic systems with the tools we had, and were able to share some of their produce, like lettuce and cucumber! Amazingly, the excitement has travelled to this year's fifth grade class, and they are looking to step up our school's urban farming game! With the example hydroponics system, as well as the tools to test, design, and build our own models - research materials, a variety of growth media, air and water pumps as well as wicking materials for different types of systems, ph testing and control substances, as well as grow lights and timers to automate our systems - we plan to bring this project to the next level and have a genuine and noticeable effect on our school's food production.
This is an opportunity not only to allow students to explore and design a real world solution, but also a way for us to build and engage our community!
We've already built partnerships with the Aquaponics Food Labs at the Cylburn Arboretum, multiple student parents, and other schools who are interested in pursuing this project, expanding our community far beyond our four walls. Our hope is to have our food given out to the community or donated to farmers markets, creating an even bigger impact in our neighborhood. Giving these students a chance to design and build hydroponic systems not only feeds their bellies, but also feeds their minds and sense of community, and I can't wait to see how the project continues to evolve! Thank you!
Organic Perlite by Perfect Plants — 4qts. Natural Soil Additive for Indoor & Outdoor Container Plants — Enhanced Drainage for Optimal Growth
• Amazon Business
$9.99
2
$19.98
FibreDust Coco Coir Block
• Amazon Business
$19.30
1
$19.30
Hydroponics: Everything You Need to Know to Start an Expert DIY Hydroponic System From Home (Gardening Bundle Deal - Double Book Bundle ) (Organic ... For Beginners, Gardening For Beginners)
• Amazon Business
$18.38
1
$18.38
API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT 800-Test Freshwater Aquarium Water Master Test Kit
• Amazon Business
$17.59
1
$17.59
General Hydroponics FloraGro 1 Quart
• Amazon Business
$14.96
1
$14.96
General Hydroponics pH Control Kit
• Amazon Business
$14.31
1
$14.31
Sow Right Seeds - Herb Garden Seed Collection - Arugula, Basil, Chives, Cilantro, Cress, Dill, Lavender, Oregano, Parsley, Sage & Thyme; Non GMO Heirloom Seeds with Full Instructions for Planting
• Amazon Business
$13.79
1
$13.79
50 feet Deep Jungle Black Flexible Airline Tubing for Aquariums, Terrariums, and Hydroponics (50 Feet)
• Amazon Business
$11.91
1
$11.91
AmazonBasics 6-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip 2-Pack, 200 Joule - Black
• Amazon Business
$10.99
1
$10.99
50 Feet Self watering Wick Cord for Vacation Self-watering Planter Pots DIY Automatic Watering Device System Potted Plant Sitter Auto Drip Irrigation Waterer to Water African Violet Cotton String Rope
• Amazon Business
$9.99
1
$9.99
Rockwool Grow Cubes (1.5 Inches) - Growing Medium Starter Sheets (30 Per Pack)
• Amazon Business
$9.48
1
$9.48
Hydroponics: Hydroponics Gardening For Beginners - A Simple User Guide To Grow Hydroponics Herbs And Vegetables At Home
• Amazon Business
$7.95
1
$7.95
Materials cost
$709.49
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$42.57
3rd party payment processing fee
$10.64
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$792.70
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$139.89
Total project goal
$932.59
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$932.59
1 Donor
-$932.59
Donations toward project cost
-$792.70
Donations 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 Mr. Fitzgerald and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
