Help me give my students the ability to learn about microcultures and caring for fish by providing live food.
$616 goal
Hooray! This project is fully funded
Hooray! This project is fully funded
Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
Give this project a boost!
A chain reaction of support starts with one share.
Maintaining cultures of phytoplankton and zooplankton, such as Daphnia, rotifers, and copepods, is crucial for a healthy and balanced aquarium ecosystem, particularly in a marine biology classroom setting where students are learning to care for a diverse range of animals, including fish, echinoderms, mollusks, and arthropods. Phytoplankton serve as the primary producers, forming the base of the aquatic food web by converting light energy into organic matter through photosynthesis. This not only provides a direct food source for zooplankton but also helps maintain water quality by consuming carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Zooplankton, on the other hand, play a pivotal role as primary consumers. Daphnia, rotifers, and copepods feed on phytoplankton and, in turn, serve as a nutritious food source for many aquarium inhabitants, including fish larvae and small invertebrates. This natural feeding strategy promotes growth and vitality among aquarium animals and mimics their natural diets more closely than artificial feeds.
The presence of these live cultures helps students observe and understand the complex interactions within aquatic ecosystems, from energy transfer to nutrient cycling, and fosters a hands-on appreciation for marine biology.
The decomposition of uneaten phytoplankton and zooplankton contributes to nutrient recycling, promoting a balanced aquarium environment. Integrating these live cultures into a marine biology classroom not only supports the health of the aquarium inhabitants but also enriches the educational experience by demonstrating ecological principles and the importance of biodiversity in maintaining robust and resilient ecosystems.
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
Daphnia magna Culture Kit Living
• Carolina Biological Supply Company
$50.31
1
$50.31
Daphnia pulex Culture Kit Living
• Carolina Biological Supply Company
$43.29
1
$43.29
Live Green Hydra 120 Students
• Ward's Science
$41.61
1
$41.61
Algae: Food for Freshwater Invertebrates Living
• Carolina Biological Supply Company
$35.24
1
$35.24
Live Brown Hydra 120 Students
• Ward's Science
$28.86
1
$28.86
Triassic Triops Deluxe Kit
• Carolina Biological Supply Company
$28.76
1
$28.76
Algae Food Source 1 qt
• Carolina Biological Supply Company
$28.76
1
$28.76
Pawfly 3 Pack Aquarium Sponge Filter Quiet Betta Fry Shrimp and Small Fish Foam Filter for Tiny Fish Tank up to 10 Gallon
• Amazon Business
$5.97
4
$23.88
Living Fossil (Triops) Life Cycle Kit
• Carolina Biological Supply Company
$18.68
1
$18.68
Water Bear (Tardigrade) Culture Living
• Carolina Biological Supply Company
$14.54
1
$14.54
Moina Living
• Carolina Biological Supply Company
$11.25
1
$11.25
Triassic Triops Deluxe Kit Refill
• Carolina Biological Supply Company
$10.17
1
$10.17
SunGrow 50 Pcs Mini Catappa Indian Almond Leaves for Shrimp Aquariums, Lowers Your Tank's pH and Pet Stress, Creates Better Environment, Unique Practical Decor
• Amazon Business
$7.97
1
$7.97
Materials cost
$343.32
Vendor shipping charges
$120.00
Sales tax
$24.55
3rd party payment processing fee
$5.15
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$523.02
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$92.30
Total project goal
$615.32
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$615.32
6 Donors
-$544.77
Donations toward project cost
-$523.02
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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 Mrs. Hetschel and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
