My low-income/high-poverty students come to me from across the city, and all with one goal of achieving their high school diploma. All of these students struggled in their previous schools, to the point of dropping out.
My school offers these forgotten students a second chance to graduate, and give themselves a better start.
My goal is to teach my students the basics of science in a way that is accessible to my many high-needs learners, so that they are prepared for the application tests for college and trade schools.
My Project
This project is all about learning and fun! We had a 30 gallon (empty) fish tank donated to our classroom. After a lot of discussion of what we should do with it (no, we can't have alligators!), we came up with the idea of a live planted aquarium!
A live planted aquarium, with a few fish, would be a great way to learn about ecosystems, ecological balance, the importance of pH, and would give students a little moment of zen in their busy days!
The idea of having a relaxing view was the biggest reason for my students for having a live planted tank. Many of them expressed joy in fish tanks, and a desire of one of their own. However, many of my students do not have the abilities to keep a fish tank themselves.
This project only includes the materials for set-up; it does not include the live plants or animals-these will be decided on as a class (no, we STILL can't have alligators), after a discussion of what lives well together. The students will be helping to set-up and get the tank established, and then choose what will go into it. This will create buy-in, and will give them an opportunity to really learn about the balance in ecosystems and nature- from the right number and amount of plants and animals, to the balance of nutrients and pH.
Please help my students to create their own underwater ecosystem!
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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 Mrs. Praga and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
