Funding your MARS
Why schools fund MARS
- Turns real sand into a live topographic model with contour lines and simulated rain—students see watersheds, flooding, erosion, and landforms in action.
USGS - Portable 24×36 in. sand bed for easy sharing across classrooms, STEM fairs, and community nights. (Spec based on your product overview; adjust as needed.)
- Bridges Earth Science + CTE (geospatial, construction/civil, environmental) and supports inclusive, tactile learning.
- Aligns naturally to Title IV-A (well-rounded STEM & effective tech) and Perkins V (CTE equipment) funding pathways.
U.S. Department of Education+1
How to buy with grants
- CTE/Perkins V: add MARS to your consortium’s annual plan as equipment supporting program standards (include PD + evaluation).
Minnesota Department of Education - Title IV-A: include under “well-rounded education” and “effective use of technology.”
U.S. Department of Education - Rural districts: check REAP (SRSA/RLIS) for flexible STEM purchases.
U.S. Department of Education - Environmental literacy projects: apply to NOAA B-WET (region-specific cycles).
NOAA - Supplemental: Toshiba America Foundation; American Honda Foundation; DonorsChoose matches.
Toshiba America Inc. (TAI)+2Honda Corporate Social Responsibility+2
Ready-to-download materials (you can link these directly)
Files available soon
Innovative Product Designs
by OCS FABRICATION LLC
✓ Easy to use
✓ Mobile
✓ STEM education