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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Spina from Keaau, HI is requesting lab equipment through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Spina is requesting

See the Unseen: Bringing Science to Life with Stereomicroscopes!

Help me give my students Stereomicroscopes to Explore the Hidden World of Marine and Environmental Science!

  • $3,026 goal

This project expired on July 11, 2025.

This project expired on July 11, 2025.

My Project

My high school students are passionate about science and eager to explore the world around them. Marine Science, Environmental Science, and AP Environmental Science students thrive when they can actively engage in hands-on investigations. However, many fascinating details, like tiny organisms and intricate structures, go unnoticed due to limited access to high-quality microscopes.

I am requesting four stereomicroscopes to enhance lab experiences, allowing students to closely examine the details of materials and specimens they would otherwise overlook.

These stereomicroscopes will complement the recently acquired compound microscopes set through another generous DonorsChoose project, ensuring that more students can participate in engaging, up-close investigations.

Unlike compound microscopes with high magnification (40x–1,000x) for viewing microscopic cells and bacteria, stereomicroscopes provide lower magnification (6x–50x) and a 3D view, making them ideal for observing larger, intricate structures. Examples of what these stereomicroscopes will allow students to do are:

- Observe plankton collected from local waterways in Marine Science, exploring the foundation of ocean ecosystems.

- Examine soil composition and invertebrates in Environmental Science, learning about biodiversity and ecosystem health.

- Analyze microplastics in AP Environmental Science, investigating human impact on natural systems.

These microscopes will transform learning by giving students a more profound, hands-on understanding of the microscopic world. These details will spark curiosity, improve critical thinking, and reinforce scientific concepts meaningfully.

I aim to make science come alive, inspiring students to explore and appreciate the natural world. With your support, I can equip them with the tools they need to see the unseen and develop a lifelong passion for discovery!

Ms. Spina Kea'au High School Grades 9-12

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.

Keaau, HI View local requests

More than half 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

188 students impacted

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Walter QZF Zoom Trinocular Stereomicroscope • Carolina Biological Supply Company $525.60 4 $2,102.40

Materials cost

$2,102.40

Vendor shipping charges

 $315.36

Sales tax

 $92.51

3rd party payment processing fee

$31.54

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$2,571.81

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$453.85

Total project goal

$3,025.66

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

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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 Ms. Spina and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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