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This teacher needs your help!

Mr. O'Hara from Chicago, IL is requesting computers & tablets through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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Virtual Simulations, Real Experiences!

My students need these computers so we can complete online labs and simulations that will help us explore genetic probability, how electromagnetic waves work, and how erosion can occur.

FULLY FUNDED! Mr. O'Hara's classroom raised $1,660

This project is fully funded

My Students

Our school is a turnaround school that is part of CPS. We are a K-8 school that is a tight knit community. I teach all of the middle school students. My students are all low income, and all of my students receive a free or reduced lunch. Often my students are parents themselves when they go home, because most of our parents work two jobs just to make ends meet. My students also have to deal with regular violence that has claimed the lives of friends and relatives. Amid all of this turmoil, my students are still curious, thoughtful, and insightful young adults. I teach science through inquiry, and my students want to know why things work. They want to explore and experiment, and explore by doing everything they can. My kids are voracious learners and never happy until they are certain they can explain something, and I want to give them the chance to explain and experience all of the sciences.

My Project

I would like to use these computers to help my students use virtual labs to explore the world around them. Simulations help my students give context to big ideas, such as the composition of an atom and the structure of DNA.

Students often struggle to understand things they can't see, and a virtual lab allows them to shrink down and explore things at an atomic level!

I've been able to borrow computers from other teachers in the past, but due to some shortages in our building that's no longer feasible. When we've been able to complete simulations, my students understand what they saw as a real world phenomenon and are able to connect it to what we learn and discuss in class.

These virtual experiences offer a real world learning experience that affords my students an opportunity to manipulate atomic structures, see what a photon (or wave of light!) might look like, or how DNA is duplicated in a cell. Activities anchored in experience create a richer learning environment and a better chance that these ideas will be retained through high school and help my students move to and through college.

Project tagged as

Chicago, IL
Grades 6-8
Engineering & Technology
Science
Traditional School
Computers & Tablets
Nearly all students from low‑income households

Mr. O'Hara Howe School of Excellence Grades 6-8

Celebrate Black teachers and kids! This project supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of students are Black.

Equity Focus

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Chicago, 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

170 students impacted 3donors

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes

Materials Cost Quantity Total

HP - 11.6'Chromebook - Intel Celeron - 2GB Memory - 16GB eMMC Flash Memory - Black • Best Buy Education $169.99 8 $1,359.92

Materials cost			$1,359.92
Vendor shipping charges			FREE
Sales tax			$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee			$20.40
Fulfillment labor & materials			$30.00
Total project cost			$1,410.32
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms			$248.88
Total project goal			$1,659.20
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal			$1,659.20
2 Donors			-$839.60
Donations toward project cost			-$713.66
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms			-$125.94
match offer			-$819.60
Match offer toward project cost			-$696.66
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms			-$122.94
Still needed View calculation Hide calculation			$0.00

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Project Activity

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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. O'Hara and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

This teacher needs your help!

Virtual Simulations, Real Experiences!

This project is fully funded

My Students

My Project

Project tagged as

Celebrate Black teachers and kids! This project supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of students are Black.

Equity Focus

Boost your odds

Top rated for efficiency and transparency.

TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes

How we calculate what's needed

Give the most requested basic supplies

Give back to your community

Project Activity

Project Activity

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.