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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Perez from Lutz, FL is requesting flexible seating through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Perez is requesting

Why Hands-On STEM Games Matter

Help me give my students STEM logic-building puzzles and resources to grow young minds and challenge thinking skills. Plus, a large carpet space to explore and build in my K-2 math and science classroom.

  • 6 donors
  • $207 still needed

expires Aug 29

  • 6 donors
  • $207 still needed
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Ms. Perez McKitrick Elementary School
Lutz, FL Grades PreK-2

My Project

Games naturally spark curiosity and excitement. Hands-on science games feel like play, which increases students’ willingness to participate, take risks, and stay focused for longer periods of time.

I am setting up a new STEM Math and Science classroom for my K-2 students.

Students need to explore beyond the textbooks with hands-on materials and games to challenge their thinking and learn to solve problems while working together or independently. My goal is to make learning fun through hands-on exploration and strategic thinking. When students manipulate materials, test ideas, and see results firsthand, abstract science concepts become concrete. This active learning helps students truly understand why things happen—not just memorize facts.

My students learn best when they can touch, test, and explore. Hands-on science games turn abstract science concepts into meaningful experiences by allowing students to actively investigate how the world works. Instead of passively reading about science, students become young scientists, asking questions, making predictions, and learning from trial and error.

Brain teasers encourage students to try multiple strategies, learn from mistakes, and persist through challenges. They require students to analyze information, recognize patterns, and apply logic rather than memorize facts, and promote problem-solving and perseverance. Puzzles feel like games, which lowers anxiety and motivates students who may be reluctant with traditional STEM tasks. These interactive science games increase engagement and motivation, especially for gifted and curious learners who need challenge and depth. The games encourage critical thinking as students solve problems, analyze results, and revise their strategies. Collaboration is a natural part of the process, helping students practice communication, teamwork, and academic discussion.

With these materials, my students will develop a deeper understanding of science, strengthen their problem-solving skills, and see themselves as capable scientists—all while having fun learning.

Never Before Funded 50 students impacted 6 donors

Ms. Perez will only receive her materials if this project is fully funded by August 29.

Ms. Perez McKitrick Elementary School Grades PreK-2 Lutz, FL View local requests Never Before Funded 50 students impacted 6donors

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Flagship Carpets Rainbow Smileys in Black Criss-Cross Applesauce Educational Area Rug for Kids Room, Children's Classroom for Teaching & Playroom, 7'6" x 12', Black & Multi, Seats 28 • Amazon Business $319.99 1 $319.99
Learning Resources City Engineering & Design Building Set (LER2843) • Quill.com $36.79 1 $36.79
Complete Money Set • Nasco $29.71 1 $29.71
YH Poker 3 in 1 Giant Checkers Set and Tic Tac Toe Game with Reversible Rug - Indoor and Outdoor Board Game for Family, Great for Camping, Backyard, Lawn Game and Other Activities • Amazon Business $14.39 2 $28.78
Veatree 206Pcs 2.28" Magnetic Building Sticks Blocks, Magnet Educational STEM Toys for Kids and Adult, 3D Puzzle with Storage Bag • Amazon Business $27.54 1 $27.54
PicassoTiles 60 pcs Mini Magnetic Tiles Magnet Toys Travel-Friendly On-The-Go Building Blocks for Kids Compact Lightweight Creative playset Preschool Montessori Early Learning STEM Kids Toy Ages 3+. • Amazon Business $22.65 1 $22.65
Rubik's Cube, The Original 3x3 Cube, Problem-Solving Brain Teaser, Color-Matching Puzzle, Fidget Toy, Sensory Puzzle, for Ages 8 & Up • Amazon Business $9.49 2 $18.98
ThinkFun & Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty Puzzle - STEM Brain Game for Kids & Adults | Logic-Enhancing Challenge | Engaging Activity for Ages 8 & Up | Exciting Gift Idea • Amazon Business $18.90 1 $18.90
Learning Resources STEM Explorers Brainometry - 3d Puzzle, Brain Games, Brainteaser, Building Logic Toys, Gifts For Boys and Girls, Fine Motor Skills , Pattern Blocks, Math Manipulatives • Amazon Business $14.99 1 $14.99
Essential Math Flash Cards Set - Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division (4 pack set) • Amazon Business $13.99 1 $13.99
Solar System Poster Science Banner Large Educational Kids Space Banner Poster Background Classroom Planetary for Kids Classroom Bedroom Wall Art Educational Decorations, 70.9 x 15.7 Inch • Amazon Business $12.99 1 $12.99
Blulu 12 Pcs Educational Math Posters for Kids Multiplication Chart Division Addition Subtraction Posters Laminated Times Table Chart for Elementary and Middle School Must Haves Decor, 16 x 11 " • Amazon Business $12.99 1 $12.99
Mattel Games UNO Card Game for Kid, Adult & Family Nights & Parties, Travel & Vacations, Color Blind Accessible & Customizable Deck (Amazon Exclusive) • Amazon Business $11.87 1 $11.87
Coogam Wooden Puzzle Pattern Blocks Brain Teasers Game with 60 Challenges, 3D Russian Building Toy Wood Tangram Shape Jigsaw Puzzles Montessori STEM Educational Toys Gift for Kids Adults • Amazon Business $11.39 1 $11.39
Coogam Wooden Puzzle Blocks Geometric Tangram Brain Teasers Jigsaw 3D Logic IQ Game Colorful Shape Pattern Montessori STEM Educational Toys Gift 60 Challenges for All Age • Amazon Business $11.39 1 $11.39
29 Pieces Number Line for Classroom Wall -20 to 120 Number Line Bulletin Board Border Chalkboard Brights Classroom Decorations Math Posters for Teachers • Amazon Business $10.99 1 $10.99
S&O Large Science Posters for Classroom Elementary School, Educational Setup for study area, Science themed billboards for High Schools Decor, Scientific Inspirational banners for Teaching Area- 10PC • Amazon Business $10.87 1 $10.87
YongnKids Amaze 3D Memory Sequential Maze Ball Puzzle Toy Gifts for Kids Adults - Challenges Game Lover Tiny Balls Brain Teasers Game (Green) • Amazon Business $9.99 1 $9.99
YongnKids 3D Puzzle Toy, Memory Maze Ball Puzzle Toy Gifts for Kids Adults -Low Difficulty Hard Challenges Game Tiny Balls Brain Teasers Game, Red • Amazon Business $9.99 1 $9.99
gisgfim 8 Pcs Math Posters Math Teacher Bulletin Board Posters Classroom Decorations For Elementary Middle High School Mathematics Education Banner Classroom Signs Must Haves • Amazon Business $9.99 1 $9.99
Coogam Wooden Blocks Puzzle Brain Teasers Toy Tangram Jigsaw Intelligence Colorful 3D Russian Blocks Game STEM Montessori Educational Gift for Kids (40 Pcs) • Amazon Business $9.49 1 $9.49
Rerdeim 110 Pieces Dice Set, Colored Game Bulk Dices, Colorful Dices, 6 Sided Dice for Classroom Teaching, Board Game, Playing, Rolling, Small Six Sided 11 Color Red, Yellow, Blue, Green and More • Amazon Business $7.98 1 $7.98
Rubik’s Cube, Edge, 3x3x1 Cube for Beginners, Single Layer Puzzle Problem-Solving STEM Toy, Problem-Solving Brain Teaser, Easter Basket Stuffer, Fidget Toy for Ages 8 & Up • Amazon Business $5.42 1 $5.42

Materials cost

$667.67

Vendor shipping charges

 $19.95

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$10.02

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$727.64

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$128.41

Total project goal

$856.05

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $856.05

2 Donors

-$325.00

Donations toward project cost

-$276.25

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$48.75

match offer

-$325.00

Match offer toward project cost

-$276.25

Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$48.75

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $206.05

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

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Project Activity

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 Ms. Perez and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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