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This teacher needs your help!

Mr. Bernier from Chicago, IL is requesting supplies through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mr. Bernier is requesting

Perpetual Lab

My students need two kits of genetically modified seeds, two kits of mutant seeds, 2 spectrum lamps and 2 gooseneck lamps (to facilitate growing), replacement bulbs, seed starter mix, Jiffy Pellets, soil and water pH testers, and vinyl gloves.

  • $1,052 goal

Hooray! This project is fully funded

Hooray! This project is fully funded

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Help Mr. Bernier

I am a middle school teacher in an impoverished neighborhood located in Chicago. The largest demographic here is Black (99%), where 87% of the 584 students are low income. In the fall of 2009, we are moving from self-contained classes to a departmental setting. I will be teaching 6th and 7th grade Science. This year, I aim to take an experiential approach in teaching. I am interested in presenting a more intensive, hands-on style in learning environmental science. One project we did last year -that really had my class excited about learning- was a unit on hydroponics. My students really got into caring for their personal plants, as they enjoyed the laboratory methods employed to problem-solve and keep their plants healthy. This year, I want to continue in that vein and strengthen those activities that will ensure my students have multiple opportunities to experiment -hands on- with various manipulative's that relate to our selected readings regarding environmental science. My plan is to create a learning environment where my students understand that learning is deeper than rote memorization. I believe that it is important to help my students realize that their reading of the written word is directly tied to active participation. By having various on-going side projects dealing with ecology and botany, I plan to bridge text and action. After reading and discussing various text regarding genetic mutations and biotechnology, I want my students to have the chance to play, investigate, ask questions, and problem-solve with living manipulative's as they relate to our readings. I know that, through active participation and experience, my students will be able to better establish connections and develop a genuine understanding for what they are learning -including why these lessons are important. I believe that learning by doing is a far more authentic practice than the rote memorization of isolated facts and skills. Based on my success last year with the hydroponics experiments, I am confident that through a laboratory and a field-experience approach my students will achieve an understanding of how humans influence our environment while simultaneously exploring avenues that introduce activism, awareness, and self-reliance. Be assured that, during these projects, my students will use the materials donated to engage in on-going investigations, to create portfolios documenting their research and understandings, and to present their findings to their teachers, peers, and hopefully, the community at large. In addition to being exposed to the basic principles and foundations of life, earth, and green science, students will also have multiple opportunities to engage in various discussions concerning ethics, community building, and environmental activism. If you are interested in donating to this project, please know that this is but one-step of many in hopes of developing awareness and understanding regarding various issues surrounding environmental science. My hope is that, with your help, I may begin to create an environment that is safe, fun, and cool to learn about our environment. I hope you consider my proposal as an attempt to involve students as co-creators in the learning process in a time where awareness of environmental science is critical and necessary. Thank you for your time,

Mr. Bernier Sherman Elementary School 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

At this school, more than 50% of students are Black, Latino, and/or Native American, and more than 50% come from low-income households. Learn how your donation to this school supports a more equitable education.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

More about Mr. Bernier

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

100 students impacted 22donors

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

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
pH Soil Tester • Frey Scientific, Inc. $4.99 4 $19.96
Checker 1 pH Tester • Frey Scientific, Inc. $29.99 1 $29.99
Jewel Plantmobile Replacement Lamp • Frey Scientific, Inc. $38.00 4 $152.00
Disposable Vinyl Gloves—Large • Frey Scientific, Inc. $10.85 1 $10.85
Jiffy Pellets • Frey Scientific, Inc. $5.35 4 $21.40
Seed Starter Mix • Frey Scientific, Inc. $9.95 1 $9.95
Gooseneck Lamp • Frey Scientific, Inc. $13.40 2 $26.80
Gro-lux wide spectrum lamp, Table Top Adjustable Fixture, Botany • Frey Scientific, Inc. $155.00 2 $310.00
Which One is the Mutant? Kit • Frey Scientific, Inc. $49.00 2 $98.00
Genetically Modified Plants • Frey Scientific, Inc. $43.00 2 $86.00

Materials cost

$764.95

Vendor shipping charges

 $76.50

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$11.47

Fulfillment labor & materials

$9.00

Total project cost

$861.92

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$189.20

Total project goal

$1,051.12

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $1,051.12

18 Donors

-$1,029.18

Donations toward project cost

-$861.92

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$167.26

Excluded support for DonorsChoose

-$21.94

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

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

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