Magnetic Chain Reactions: Sparking Stem for All Learners
Help me give my students an opportunity to learn to problem solve and design using the magnetic Board2by boards through the use of Rube Goldberg machines and the design process.
FULLY FUNDED! Mr. Henley's classroom raised $431
This project is fully funded
My Project
My students are enthusiastic, and eager to explore how the world works — they just need the right tools to turn their ideas into action. In our Title I school, many of my K–5 students are English language learners who thrive when learning is hands-on, visual, and collaborative. That’s why this project focuses on building Rube Goldberg-inspired machines using magnets, marbles, ramps, and simple materials.
Rube Goldberg machines are creative contraptions that use a series of chain reactions to complete a basic task in the most imaginative way possible and they are the perfect mix of science, storytelling, and problem-solving — especially for students learning English, as they provide a visual and kinetic way to express ideas without relying solely on language.
Through this project, students will explore core science concepts like force, motion, and magnetism by designing and building their own chain-reaction machines. They’ll collaborate, design plans, test ideas, and adjust when things don’t go as expected — all while building critical thinking skills and confidence in themselves as learners.
In our community, access to enrichment resources and hands-on STEM experiences is limited. Many of my students are first-generation learners, and school is where they get their first real exposure to science and engineering concepts. This project will level the playing field by giving them materials to do science — not just read about it.
For English language learners, this kind of active, visual learning supports language development and comprehension while building real-world skills like communication, collaboration, and perseverance.
Your donation will bring magnets, marbles, magnetic tracks, and other reusable building materials into our classroom — helping us create a space where all students, regardless of background or language, can feel successful and inspired to explore.
Thank you for helping us build a classroom full of creative problem solvers!
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
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$24.49
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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Magnetic Marble Run - 75-Piece STEM Building Set for Kids & Adults with Magnetic Track & Trick Pieces & Marbles for Building A Marble Maze, STEM Project (Amazon Exclusive)
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$38.49
1
$38.49
Materials cost
$307.05
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$23.95
3rd party payment processing fee
$4.61
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$365.61
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$64.52
Total project goal
$430.13
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$430.13
1 Donor
-$182.80
Donations toward project cost
-$182.80
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$0.00
match offer
-$215.07
Match offer toward project cost
-$182.81
Match offer 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. Henley and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
