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This teacher needs your help!

Mr. Summerford from Tuscaloosa, AL is requesting lab equipment through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mr. Summerford is requesting

Blasting Off to Learning: Space Exploration for 3rd Graders!

Help me give my students an out-of-this-world learning experience with hands-on STEM activities that bring space exploration to life!

  • $333 goal

This project expired on April 15, 2025.

This project expired on April 15, 2025.

My Project

Our 3rd-grade students are embarking on an exciting journey through space exploration as they complete the CKLA Knowledge unit on the history and science of space travel. They will learn about the Saturn V rocket, the Apollo program, and the Space Shuttle—but we want to take their learning beyond the textbook and into hands-on STEM experiences that will ignite their curiosity and deepen their understanding.

With the support of this project, students will build Space Shuttle gliders and complete a NASA-designed lesson exploring glide properties and the physics of landing an orbiter.

Through this activity, they will apply concepts of aerodynamics, gravity, and engineering in an engaging, real-world way. In addition, students will experience the thrill of launching a model Saturn V rocket, bringing to life the historic missions that took astronauts to the Moon. These interactive projects will help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills while fostering a love for space and STEM.

Our students are naturally curious and eager learners, and they thrive when given opportunities to explore through hands-on activities. They come from diverse backgrounds and bring unique perspectives to the classroom, but many have never had the opportunity to engage with STEM in such an immersive way. By providing them with these experiences, we can inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, and explorers—showing them that the sky is not the limit!

With your support, we can turn curiosity into discovery and dreams into reality—one launch at a time!

Mr. Summerford Woodland Forrest Elementary School Grades 3-5

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 directly supports students at a historically underfunded school. Learn more about our Equity Focus.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

More about Mr. Summerford

Tuscaloosa, AL View local requests

More than half of 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

Never Before Funded 100 students impacted

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Mr. Summerford is requesting.

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Estes Saturn V Model Rocket 1:200 Scale • Carolina Biological Supply Company $65.25 1 $65.25
Shop Zoombie 4 Dozen (48) USA Space Shuttle 5-Inch Foam Gliders – Rocket- Party Favors, Prizes, Carnivals, Summer Camps, Piñatas, Treasure Boxes • Amazon Business $20.49 2 $40.98
Estes 1491 Taser Rocket Launch Set,Brown/A • Amazon Business $29.99 1 $29.99
Estes Model Rocket Engine Model C6-3 Pack of 3 • Carolina Biological Supply Company $11.43 2 $22.86
Estes Standard Single Stage Engine - A8-3 - Pack of 3 • School Specialty $11.29 2 $22.58
Estes Star Tech Model Rocket Starter, Pack of 6 • School Specialty $6.99 3 $20.97
Estes Model Rocket Recovery Wadding • School Specialty $5.99 2 $11.98

Materials cost

$214.61

Vendor shipping charges

 $17.00

Sales tax

 $17.49

3rd party payment processing fee

$3.22

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$282.32

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$49.82

Total project goal

$332.14

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 Mr. Summerford and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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