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This teacher needs your help!

Mr. LaRocca from Queens, NY is requesting educational kits & games through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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Inventing Safety: How Garrett Morgan Changed the Way We Drive

Help me give my students a fun and educational experience as they learn about traffic signals and the contributions of Garrett Morgan.

  • $496 goal

This project expired on October 4, 2025.

This project expired on October 4, 2025.

My Project

This summer, we will be working on a fun and exciting project all about traffic signals and a helpful inventor named Garrett Morgan. Traffic signals are the red, yellow, and green lights that tell cars and people when to stop, slow down, or go. These lights help keep everyone safe when crossing the street or driving.

Garrett Morgan was a kind and smart man who wanted to help people.

He invented one of the first traffic signals in the world. A long time ago, there were no traffic lights, and many people got hurt in accidents. Garrett Morgan saw the problem and used his ideas to make something better. He made a traffic signal that helped drivers know what to do, which made the roads safer for everyone.

This summer, our class will work on a hands-on learning project all about traffic signals and Garrett Morgan, the inventor who helped make roads safer for everyone. We will begin by learning what traffic lights do and why they are important. We’ll look at real photos of traffic lights and watch short, calm videos that show how they work. We will also read simple stories and listen to music about cars, roads, and safety.

To make learning fun and interactive, we’ll take part in creative, hands-on activities. Students will color pictures of traffic lights using red, yellow, and green crayons. We’ll use LEGOs to build our own traffic signals and create stoplights using paper, glue, and colored circles. These fun tasks will help students understand how traffic lights help people stay safe.

This project will help students learn about safety, inventions, and people who make a difference—like Garrett Morgan. Every child will be supported in a way that works best for them, with chances to ask questions, explore, and enjoy the process.

Mr. LaRocca P277Q @ 245 - The Riverview School Grades PreK-2

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.

Queens, NY View local requests

More than three‑quarters 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

50 students impacted

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Guidecraft Community and Roadway Essential Set, 36 Pieces - Wood - Preschool-Early Childhood - Toddler • School Specialty $63.82 1 $63.82
Flybar Power Gearz Kids Carpet Playmat Rug – Play Mat & Toy Trucks 3Pack Bundle with Automatic LED Traffic Lights, Car Rugs for Kids, Kids Play Rugs for Playroom - Non-Slip, Toys for Kids Ages 3-5, Large • Amazon Business $29.99 2 $59.98
Traffic Lights • Amazon Business $16.97 3 $50.91
Greenlight: A Children's Picture Book About an Essential Neighborhood Traffic Light • Amazon Business $15.59 3 $46.77
Kiddie Play Traffic Light Toys for Kids with 5 Street Signs • Amazon Business $45.89 1 $45.89
Saving the Day: Garrett Morgan's Life-Changing Invention of the Traffic Signal (A Sweet Blackberry Book) • Amazon Business $11.69 3 $35.07
LEGO City Road Plates 60304 - Building Toy Set, Featuring Traffic Lights, Trees, Glow in The Dark Bricks, Combine City Series Sets, Great Gift for Kids, Boys, and Girls Ages 5+ • Amazon Business $16.99 2 $33.98
ARTFILIF Simulation Traffic Light Toys Traffic Signal Model Children Traffic Light Toys Children's Educational Toys (A) • Amazon Business $33.98 1 $33.98
Hygloss Products Visual Behavior Stickers - Incentive Sticker for Students & Kids - Fun Traffic Light Colors - Red, Yellow & Green - 1” Sticker - 20 Sheets - 480 Stickers Per Pack • Amazon Business $9.09 1 $9.09

Materials cost

$379.49

Vendor shipping charges

 $6.38

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$5.69

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$421.56

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$74.39

Total project goal

$495.95

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

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