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This teacher needs your help!

Mrs. Paden from Hillsboro, IL is requesting educational kits & games through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mrs. Paden is requesting

Tiny Hands, Big Ideas: STEM for 1st Graders

Help me give my students STEM toys that transform our classroom into a place where learning feels like play, curiosity is celebrated, and every child feels like a scientist or engineer in the making.

  • $305 goal

This project expired on September 9, 2025.

This project expired on September 9, 2025.

My Project

My students are bright, curious first graders at a rural Title I school where resources and opportunities are limited—but their imaginations are limitless. Many of them come from homes without access to enriching learning tools, and our classroom is often their main place to explore, dream, and grow.

This project will bring hands-on STEM toys that make learning feel like play and open up a world of discovery.

With magnetic tiles, students will explore shapes, symmetry, and structures while learning to collaborate and problem-solve. Play-Doh will support fine motor development and creativity as they mold and build with their hands. A pretend play STEM set will spark imaginative thinking and introduce them to real-world roles in science, technology, and engineering. The marble run and building blocks will challenge them to think critically, design solutions, and learn through trial and error—essential STEM skills wrapped in joyful, playful learning.

Sturdy storage bins will keep these materials organized and easily accessible, helping students take ownership of their learning space and take pride in caring for the tools they use.

With your support, my students will not only build with blocks—they’ll build confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning that will last a lifetime!

Mrs. Paden Beckemeyer Elementary School Grades PreK-2

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.

Hillsboro, IL View local requests

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

20 students impacted

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
BBTO 8 Pcs White Plastic Storage Bins with Lids Organizing Container with Handle Stackable Containers for Organizing Including Labels and Marker for Table Organization, 10.2 x 7.3 x 6.5 Inch • Amazon Business $37.99 1 $37.99
Magnetic Tiles, 100PCS Magnetic Building Blocks for Kids, Magnet 3D Montessori Kids Toy Set, Building Construction Educational STEM Toys for 3+ Year Old Boys and Girls Christmas Birthday Gifts • Amazon Business $35.99 1 $35.99
Play-Doh Bulk Pack of 48 Cans, 6 Sets of 8 Modeling Compound Colors, 3oz, Back to School Gifts & Prizes for Students & Classroom, Preschool Toys for Kids, Ages 2+ (Amazon Exclusive) • Amazon Business $30.09 1 $30.09
Lehoo Castle Wooden Doctor Kit for Kids, Vet Play Sets for Kids, Veterinarian Kit for Kids, Pretend Play Doctor Set with Dog Bag, Medical Kits Doctor Toys Gift for Kids Boys Girls Aged 3 4 5 6 • Amazon Business $25.64 1 $25.64
MONILON 160 Pcs Magnet Building Sticks Kids Toys, Lengthen Magnetic Construction Building Blocks Set 3D Brain Training Learning Educational DIY STEM Toys • Amazon Business $23.99 1 $23.99
Gifts2U Marble Run Toy, 130Pcs Educational Construction Maze Block Toy Set with Glass Marbles for Kids and Parent-Child Game • Amazon Business $22.99 1 $22.99
Tigerhu Kids 1120pcs Building Blocks Set Educational STEM Building Toy, Construction Block Toys Set Learning Playset Kit for Boys Girls, Child Brain Development Preschool Kindergarten Toy Age 3+ • Amazon Business $20.69 1 $20.69
Learning Resources STEM Explorers Machine Makers, 50 Pieces, Ages 5+, STEM Toys, STEM Building Toys, STEM Kits, Engineering Toys, Build it Yourself Toys • Amazon Business $19.19 1 $19.19
Leinuosen 3 Pack LCD Writing Tablet for Kids 8.5 Inch Colorful Doodle Drawing Tablet Pad for Back to School Educational Learning(Arc Black Frame) • Amazon Business $8.99 1 $8.99

Materials cost

$225.56

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$3.38

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$258.94

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$45.70

Total project goal

$304.64

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 Mrs. Paden and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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