This week, we’re helping an Arizona middle school class learn about molecules, and a Texas second grade make the best use of their new science curriculum. We hope that readers who support quality public school education will help by sharing or supporting our featured projects.
The Inoculation Project is an ongoing, volunteer effort to crowdfund science, math, and literacy projects for public schools in low-income neighborhoods. As always, our conduit is DonorsChoose, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation that facilitates tax-deductible donations to specific, vetted projects in public schools.
This week, I’m happy to say this big project has moved up to the #1 spot, since it is close enough to completion that it could realistically be finished this week with a little help from outside donors. We love that they often show up and help us when we push a project onto the “urgent” list, so we can do even more!
Mrs. Rivera teaches the middle-school grades in a tiny town south of Phoenix, so small that those grades are in the elementary school. She’s seeking some models that will enhance her science teaching.
PROJECT #1
Resources: Help me give my students a heart model to provide them a 3D visual representation of the heart’s structure. Molecule model kit will make it easier for students to learn about the molecular structure of the human body.
Economic need: An Equity Focus School; more than three-quarters of students from low‑income households.
Location: Stanfield Elementary School, Stanfield, Arizona
Total: $518.35
Still Needed: $178.20 $88.79
Project description by Mrs. Rivera: I absolutely love how students bring a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm to every topic they explore. As for the brain model and molecular kit, they are incredible tools in helping students understand complex concepts. A brain model allows students to visualize the structure and functions of the brain, turning abstract ideas into something tangible. They can see how different regions are connected, how the brain controls everything from movement to emotions, and get a sense of how all the parts work together. With a brain model, students can dive deep into understanding the structure and function of the brain, seeing how everything fits together in a hands-on way. Similarly, a molecular kit can make complex biology and chemistry topics, like molecular bonds or cellular structures, much more accessible and engaging.
Donations of ANY size can make a BIG difference!
This is a bit longer, but it’s such a good account of what molecules are and how they work. (Also, stay to the end and learn about a free chemistry video game!)
And here is our new project #2, another big one that we will conquer by persisting!
Ms. Tullos teaches second grade in a small Texas town north of Houston. She’s trying to do a new science program with only old, beaten-up equipment, and she needs our help!
PROJECT #2
Resources: Help me give my students they tools they need to learn about the world around them.
Economic need: An Equity Focus School; more than half of students from low‑income households.
Location: Corrigan-Camden Elementary School, Corrigan, Texas
Total: $524.00
Still Needed: $365.18 $275.76
Project description by Ms. Tullos: We have adopted a new science program and we have very few tools. Our magnifying glasses are scratched up and very old. We don't have a working microscope even though we study cells. We do an in depth study of insects both in science and our reading knowledge unit but do not have realistic models and have to rely on internet pictures. This is not the best way to get students to engage and get excited about what they are learning. I want to help my students love science by doing hands-on activities instead of just reading a book and looking at pictures. These materials will also be shared with my fellow second grade teachers.
Donations of ANY size can make a BIG difference!
A model of the interesting dragonfly life cycle is a requested item. The Smithsonian brings us Sir David Attenborough to show how that goes.
Our project #1 from last week was completed! Thanks to our readers for helping to make short work of this ambitious project!
Project #1, Rural High School Biology and Chemistry Lab Needs Supplies!: Mr. Wooten teaches high school in a tiny rural town in eastern Oklahoma, located in the Cherokee Nation. He’s been trying to update his biology and chemistry labs, and needed some supplies.
As I write on Saturday night, Mr. Wooten hasn’t seen the good news yet! We’ll bring you his note next week.
| DonorsChoose has developed the designation Equity Focus Schools to describe some schools that submit projects. They meet two criteria: at least 50% of students are Black, Latinx, Native American, Pacific Islander, or multiracial, and at least 50% of students qualify for free or reduced price lunch, the standard measure for school economic need. You can read more at the link about their efforts to address the longstanding inequity in education. |
Founded in 2009, The Inoculation Project seeks to fund science, math, and literacy projects in public school classrooms and libraries. Our conduit is DonorsChoose, a crowdfunding charity founded in 2000 and highly rated by both Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau.
Every Sunday, we focus on helping to fund projects in neighborhood public schools where the overwhelming majority of students come from low-income households. We welcome everyone who supports public school education — no money is required!
Finally, here’s our list of successfully funded projects — our series total is 1171! The success-list diary also contains links and additional information about DonorsChoose.
