My students LOVE to do hands on activities in biology. They are enthusiastic and crave the experiences. They're current world is filled with iPhones, social media, and video games. Since we are in a tourist driven community, most students come from families who are in the service industry and are at or below the poverty level.
Given the chance to explore their world in reality, their minds have a chance to grow and make connections with the world around them.
This will allow them to see possibilities that otherwise could be unobtainable.
My Project
Many students do not know how the natural world around them works much less where their food comes from. In our Biology class we have an opportunity to set up an aquaponics system that can remedy both situations at the same time! Since our school has a majority of low income families, perhaps this could also be a source of fresh herbs or small vegetables.
We will use simple aquariums and plastic tubs to set up a model of a natural water ecosystem where we can grow herbs and vegetables in a farm landless situation: our classroom.
We will not be using chemicals to feed our plants. Fish will provide the necessary nitrates and nitrites the plants require. The plants in turn will provide the fish with oxygenated clean water.
In addition, we will use our aquaponic system to complete experiments. These experiments will be student driven and might include such questions as: Which herb grows the best in our system? Which fish provide the most nutrients for our plants? Does water flow rate affect plant growth?
Hydroton Clay Pebbles | 25 Liter | Expanded Clay Growing Media
• Amazon Business
$32.54
2
$65.08
KEDSUM 550GPH Submersible Pump(2500L/H,40W), Ultra Quiet Water Pump with 5ft High Lift, Fountain Pump with 6.5ft Power Cord, 3 Nozzles for Fish Tank, Pond, Aquarium, Statuary, Hydroponics
• Amazon Business
$14.44
2
$28.88
HOMMP White 12 Qt Rectangle Wash Basins, 4-Pack
• Amazon Business
$19.99
1
$19.99
Pawfly 13 Feet Airline Tubing Standard Aquarium Air Pump Accessories Air Stones, Check Valves, Suction Cups Connectors
• Amazon Business
$8.99
1
$8.99
Professional Durable Clear Flexible Airline Tubing for Aquariums, Terrariums, and Hydroponics (50 Feet)
• Amazon Business
$8.99
1
$8.99
Materials cost
$213.83
Vendor shipping charges
$8.19
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$3.21
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$255.23
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$45.04
Total project goal
$300.27
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$300.27
1 Donor
-$150.14
Donations toward project cost
-$127.62
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$22.52
match offer
-$150.13
Match offer toward project cost
-$127.61
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 Mrs. Yates and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.