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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. McNeal from Chicago, IL is requesting lab equipment through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. McNeal is requesting

Symbiosis: Fish and Farming

Help me give my students hands-on exposure to Aquaponics by monitoring changes in plant growth based on an output of Nitrogen produced by goldfish in a 10-gallon tank.

  • 10 donors
  • $672 goal

Hooray! This project is fully funded

Hooray! This project is fully funded

Keep the momentum going! Make a donation to Ms. McNeal for her next project!

Help Ms. McNeal

Keep the momentum going! Make a donation to Ms. McNeal for her next project!

My Project

In this lab investigation uses catfish - confined to a 10-gallon classroom tank - to be fed a specific quantity of food on a daily basis. Students, using a predesigned aquaponic system, will monitor and study how normal processes such as waste production, can create a symbiotic relationship and assist in growth and food material.

This cause and effect relationship, challenges students to become care givers where they are required to periodically (4 times per day) feed the catfish in order to recycle the waste induce waste that the plantlets absorb nutrients as the roots come in contact with the fish waste which will become toxic if not removed from the tank by the roots of the seeds will constantly be recycled by the plants roots - and effect - using an aquaponic aptank will have herbal seeds sprouting using LED Growth Lights.

lesson requires students to monitor changes in plant growth based on an output of Nitrogen produced by goldfish in a 10-gallon tank.

Students of 4 different classes will test and record the pH, the ammonia, the nitrite, and the nitrate levels. At the close of each week, students will write about changes in the measured criteria and form a hypothesis based on evidence collected for each week. Students will understand that hypothesis change and adjustments may be needed to maintain optimal conditions for both fish and plants.

Students will also observe and understand that fish produce waste primarily in the form of ammonia, a byproduct of their metabolism. This waste is converted into nitrates by nitrifying bacteria. These nitrates are then used by the plants as fertilizer and that the plants purify the water for the fish.

Adjustments may be needed to maintain optimal conditions for both fish and plants.

Ms. McNeal Robert A Black Magnet 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 Ms. McNeal

Chicago, IL 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

90 students impacted 10donors

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
AquaSprouts Complete Set • Carolina Biological Supply Company $261.00 1 $261.00
LED Grow Light • Carolina Biological Supply Company $64.35 1 $64.35
Amphibian or Reptile Tank 10 gal • Carolina Biological Supply Company $56.84 1 $56.84
Blue Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) Living Pack of 3 • Carolina Biological Supply Company $23.22 2 $46.44
Sow Right Seeds - Hydroponic Herb Seeds for Planting - Basil, Thyme, Cilantro, Parsley, and Mint Seeds for Planting and Growing a Hydroponic Garden Indoors - Perfect for Your Growing Tower or System • Amazon Business $9.99 1 $9.99

Materials cost

$438.62

Vendor shipping charges

 $95.72

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$6.58

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$570.92

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$100.75

Total project goal

$671.67

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $671.67

8 Donors

-$380.24

Donations toward project cost

-$328.45

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$51.79

Matching donations from our partners

-$285.26

Match offers toward project cost

-$242.47

Match offers to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$42.79

Excluded support for DonorsChoose

-$6.17

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

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 Ms. McNeal and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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