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AiP's DonorsChoose Picks: George Orwell, Frederick Douglass, Jared Diamond, & Digital Recorders Needed

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American


The Science Writers for Students DonorsChoose Drive is almost over! The drive ends on Saturday and I'm hoping that we can fund at least one of the social science requests for a classroom in need.

Thanks so much to Janet, Kate, and Emily, who have contributed to projects so far! Your support is greatly appreciated.

Here's a look at the requests that AiP is trying to help with:


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Animal Farm for the Law Advocacy/Community Justice HS

What's Needed: 60 copies of Animal Farm for class reading.

Why? "Using the book as a critical lens, students are able to dive deeper into the motivations of the major political revolutions and their outcomes."

Frederick Douglass for the Franklin D Roosevelt HS

What's Needed: 36 copies of Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass and 5 binders.

Why? "Through reading and interpreting his autobiography, not only will students learn about the treatment of slaves in the antebellum United States, but they will also find inspiration for their own lives, in which like that of Frederick Douglass, there will inevitably be seemingly insurmountable barriers to overcome."

Guns, Germs, and Steel for Hempstead HS

What's Needed: 30 copies of Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel.

Why? "Help me truly explain the history of mankind in a way that can be easily understood."

Paperless Learning for PS 174

What's Needed: 6 digital voice recorders.

Why? "Some of the students have an easier time expressing themselves verbally, and struggle with writing. These recorders will help students show understanding of the material."

Funding cuts have left many students in need, and any amount you can contribute would be appreciated.