"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better" -Albert Einstein
Wide open spaces and deep blue ocean connect my students to learning.
My students include 6th, 7th, and 8th graders from the island of Kauai. They spend their free time surrounded by nature: ocean, mountains, streams, and forest. At school, we ask them to sit inside for 7 hours a day and the disconnect between their personal lives and school lives is incredibly apparent. I am working to bridge that gap in my science classroom and give them the opportunity to learn through outdoor experience and become environmental stewards.
My students are fun-loving, silly, and adventurous. They are fighting against poverty and a place that values tourism dollars over the well-being of its residents. Common sense, understanding, and resourcefulness are some of their strengths. They benefit greatly from hands-on projects, creating tangible products, and breaking free from the traditional classroom setting. I want so badly to highlight and utilize their knowledge of the aina to deepen their learning and skills development.
My Project
This project focuses on connecting students' every day experiences on our island to actionable steps they can take to preserve this beautiful place we call home.
The effects of environmental degradation across the globe are seen on the shores of our island home, with little input from the students I serve.
Pollution, warming temperatures, and rapidly changing climate is hitting Hawai'i harder than many other places. With the #1 industry being tourism, the spaces we love and that are vital to our culture and identity are quickly disappearing. In this project, students take on the role of climatologists and work to research Earth's changing climate and the effects on Hawaii. Students work to raise awareness of issues and come up with actionable solutions to some of these issues.
Through the items requested, students will learn about weather patterns, the important relationship between the atmosphere, ocean, and climate, and work to solve some of these issues. Students will conduct research, engage in experiments and create products such as microplastic catchers, reef safe sunscreen, among other solutions.
Ocean Trash Can Kit
• Carolina Biological Supply Company
$75.42
3
$226.26
Pack of 24-2 Oz Small Glass Jars with Air-tight Lids - Empty Little Glass Refillable Cosmetic Containers with Labels - Cobalt Blue - BPA Free (24 Pack)
• Amazon Business
$26.50
5
$132.50
RED RASPBERRY SEED OIL. 100% Pure / Natural / Undiluted / Refined Cold Pressed Carrier Oil. 0.5 Fl.oz.-15 ml. For Skin, Hair, Lip and Nail Care. "One of the highest anti-oxidant, rich in vitamin A and E, Omega 3, 6 and 9 Essential Fatty Acids".
• Amazon Business
$9.97
3
$29.91
Raw Shea Butter for Face, Hair and Dry Skin (1 LB) by Kate Blanc. USDA Certified Organic, Unrefined, Fair Trade. Great for Stretch Marks, Beard, Soap Making, Body Butter, Lip Balm, Lotion, Conditioner
• Amazon Business
$14.95
2
$29.90
Zinc Oxide Powder (1 lb.) by Pure Organic Ingredients, Eco-Friendly Packaging, Non-Nano, Uncoated, Food & USP Grade, For Sunscreen, Diaper Rash Ointment, Burn Relief & Chapped Lips Remedy
• Amazon Business
$13.99
2
$27.98
Sky Organics USDA Organic White Beeswax Pellets (1lb) Pure Bees Wax No Toxic Pesticides or Chemicals - 3 x Filtered, Easy Melt Pastilles- for DIY, Candles, Skin Care, Lip Balm
• Amazon Business
$13.95
2
$27.90
Materials cost
$474.45
Vendor shipping charges
$33.94
Sales tax
$20.88
3rd party payment processing fee
$7.12
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$566.39
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$99.95
Total project goal
$666.34
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$666.34
5 Donors
-$325.00
Donations toward project cost
-$291.10
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$33.90
match offer
-$323.87
Match offer toward project cost
-$275.29
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 Ms. Nelson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
