Plankton nets for a hands-on, local ecology experience!
Help me give my students the hands-on science experience that will inspire them to love learning and appreciate their local ecology.
FULLY FUNDED! Mr. McTague's classroom raised $770
This project is fully funded
My Students
Each Spring, Biology students walk to the nearby West River estuary and collect samples of zooplankton and phytoplankton. This is perennially one of their favorite activities, and students love to learn about ecology in the context of their community.
My students are excited to learn about their local ecology, but we never have enough resources to give each student the hands-on science experience they deserve.
Amidst layoffs and budget cuts, students often get the short end of the stick when it comes to resources. When I see my students eager and excited to learn and participate in local, hands-on science, it's a reminder that engaging experiences can make learning look fun!
My Project
Each Spring, our students walk to the nearby West River Park, a rich estuary that connects to Long Island Sound. While filling jars with murky water for observation is fun, I want to take this fan-favorite lesson to another level, and use the equipment real ecologists use in the field. Our plankton nets would be used to collect phytoplankton and zooplankton from the West River to view in our lab with microscopes. Students learn about ecology in a local context, and I find that engagement and learning is cranked up to another level with this hands-on ecology experience. While we borrow one or two plankton nets from Yale University, we have up to 30 students at the river waiting to tow the net and collect a sample (while wearing waders in the river). It's a fun, impactful activity that we can take to another level with your generosity.
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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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. McTague and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
