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This teacher needs your help!

Dr. Via from Charlestown, MA is requesting supplies through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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Fully Funded

Dr. Via's classroom raised $341

Building an Understanding of DNA Structure

My DNA model project needs an assortment of beads and wire, with tape and stirrers.

Classroom photo
Dr. Via profile photo
Dr. Via Charlestown High School
Charlestown, MA Grades 9-12

Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.

I teach Biology in an under-performing urban school in Massachusetts. In any single classroom there may be as many as 13 ethnicities represented as well as a range of ability levels. All of my students are capable of succeeding in Biology if provided the opportunities and support they deserve. Unfortunately, these opportunities and supports are often lacking.

Helping my students to learn the processes of DNA replication and RNA transcription is not always an easy task. I have used textbook readings, diagrams, activities and games, but in the end my students still struggle with the concepts. At some point I realized that a weak understanding of DNA structure was part of what was preventing them from fully grasping these processes.

I decided to have my students build models of DNA - requiring details such as accurate base pairing, proper number of hydrogen bonds, and anti-parallel sugar-phosphate backbones. When the understanding of base-pairing rules or nucleotide structure comes from the personal experience of selecting specific materials and assembling them properly to form an accurate model of DNA the subsequent topics on DNA function are more accessible. It is easy to see how a deeper understanding of structure leads to a more thorough understanding of function.

I have typically found a variety of materials for building DNA models at the local recycling center. Unfortunately, the center no longer carries the small beads and odds and ends that were useful in building DNA models in the past. I have paid for some supplies out-of-pocket, but a teacher's salary can only go so far. Please consider a donation to help my students continue their active and creative participation in their biology education. Last year's group outperformed similar groups on the state biology exam. Help me provide my current students with the materials they need to create detailed and accurate models of DNA.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households

80 students impacted 3 donors
Dr. Via Charlestown High School Grades 9-12

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Charlestown, MA View local requests

More than three‑quarters 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

80 students impacted 3donors

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Item Shipping/Handling Charges • Blick Art Materials $13.95 1 $13.95
ALUMINUM WIRE, 14 GAUGE 350FT • Blick Art Materials $15.72 3 $47.16
PONY BEADS, MLTI CLR OPAQ 1000PC • Blick Art Materials $4.59 2 $9.18
PONY BEADS, MLTI CLR TRNS 1000PC • Blick Art Materials $4.59 2 $9.18
ASST PLASTIC BEAD, 10OZ PLASTC • Blick Art Materials $5.09 10 $50.90
3M Scotch(R) Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape, 3/4quot x 1296quot • Office Depot Inc. $37.63 2 $75.26
Pacon Chenille Stems, Pack Of 100 • Office Depot Inc. $2.03 5 $10.15
DD729 - Foam Shape Beads • Lakeshore Learning $6.95 2 $13.90
BOARDWALK 5" PLASTIC COFFEE STIRRER WHITE W/RED STRIPES -- Boardwalk Coffee Stirrers • Quill Corporation $3.14 1 $3.14

Materials cost

$232.82

Vendor shipping charges

 $23.28

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$5.82

Fulfillment labor & materials

$17.00

Total project cost

$279.00

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$61.24

Total project goal

$340.24

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $340.24

3 Donors

-$328.23

Donations toward project cost

-$279.00

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$49.23

Excluded support for DonorsChoose

-$12.01

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 Dr. Via and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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