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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Czaicki from Chicago, IL is requesting supplies through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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Fully Funded

Ms. Czaicki's classroom raised $519

Using DNA Fingerprinting To Solve Crimes

My students need 1 DNA electrophoresis kit, 1 refill, and 4 genetics pedigree kits.

Classroom photo
Ms. Czaicki South Shore School of Leadership
Chicago, IL Grades 9-12

I teach Forensic Science to 9th and 12th graders in a high-poverty, minority, urban environment. The purpose of my class is to make Science applicable and interesting to students who are often intimidated by it. It serves as a hook to get the 9th graders interested in Science and as an opportunity for the 12th graders to apply their Science knowledge.

Our school has very limited supplies, especially for Science labs or other things that go beyond the regular curriculum. Last year, we did a unit on DNA where the students learned how to analyze DNA gel electrophoresis or "DNA Fingerprints" to solve crimes or paternity cases. Many students wanted to see the process through from start (DNA sample) to finish (fingerprint). They were constantly asking why they couldn't do the actual experiment, to which my only response was unfortunately "it's too expensive". However, this year, that will not stand in our way!

While most DNA electrophoresis equipment and materials are out of reach, I have found a simple, basic, but inclusive kit. We will need one of these kits and 1 refill kit for students to complete the experiment and solve a fictitious crime in small groups. In addition, students will use the genetics kit to trace a genetic trait through their family and make a pedigree as part of our heredity study. This real-life lab experience will help prepare them for more advanced and involved labs in college.

You will make it possible for my students to experience and perform the entire process of DNA analysis from sample to finished fingerprint! They will gain tremendous lab skills from this real-life lab that they will be able to use in college and also in any lab-related job. In addition, they will use knowledge from the classroom to create a true pedigree of their family based on a particular trait. You will empower my students to really own and understand this important material.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Nearly all students from low‑income households

130 students impacted 4 donors
Ms. Czaicki South Shore School of Leadership Grades 9-12

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Chicago, IL View local requests

Nearly all 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

130 students impacted 4donors

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
EXPL ELECT FORENSIC STU REFILL • Carolina Biological Supply Company $81.90 1 $81.90
EXPL ELECT FORENSIC STUDENT • Carolina Biological Supply Company $214.65 1 $214.65
HUMAN GENETICS SET • Carolina Biological Supply Company $19.13 4 $76.52

Materials cost

$373.07

Vendor shipping charges

 $37.31

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$5.60

Fulfillment labor & materials

$9.00

Total project cost

$424.97

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$93.29

Total project goal

$518.26

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $518.26

2 Donors

-$259.13

Donations toward project cost

-$212.49

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$46.64

match offer

-$259.12

Match offer toward project cost

-$212.48

Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$46.64

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. Czaicki and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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