You've started hearing from bloggers here and around the blogosphere about the DonorsChoose campaign in which we're trying to raise money for science classrooms around the U.S. Officially, the campaign starts on Sunday, October 10, but the donations are already starting to come in. I'll have more to say about this awesome opportunity in the days to come. However, to kick things off, I am going to throw down a challenge.

Mrs. L teaches middle school science at a large school in Chicago. She wants to introduce them to forensic science by giving them a chance to perform a rat autopsy! Carolina Biological Supply will fund half the project, if individual donors chip in the rest. My first donation went to this project, so that leaves only $112 to fully fund the project. Here's my challenge to readers: Let's get The Rat Stuff fully funded by the end of launch day--11:59 pm Eastern Daylight Time on Sunday, October 10!

*I have in mind to offer a surprise to a randomly selected donor, but as this is my first year doing this, I have to see how it's going to come together logistically.

How do you contribute to this great cause and get your chance at a cute water molecule? Go to my giving page. (At any point during the campaign, you can get there by clicking on the sidebar widget under "Awesome Stuff".) Then make your donation. It's that easy. Every little bit helps, so if you can give a couple of bucks, give a couple of bucks. If the Rat Stuff is fully funded when you show up, don't despair! There are plenty of projects to choose from!

So what are you waiting for? Go! Get to giving!!