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This teacher needs your help!

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

See what Ms. White is requesting

Journey to the Center of the Cell

My students need 3-dimensional models of both a plant cell and an animal cell to study as we begin our biology unit.

  • $557 goal

This project expired on December 9, 2008.

This project expired on December 9, 2008.

Classroom photo
Ms. White Jefferson Middle School
Champaign, IL Grades 6-8

In 7th grade science at my school the students are involved in a lot of inquiry based learning. We build circuits, predict weather patterns, experiment with sound, delve into density and even study the atom. Before all of this takes place though, the students first learn about the importance of plants through photosynthesis and then go on to study human genetics. The root of all their first quarter knowledge is based upon their understanding of both plant and animal cells.

As a cell biology major myself, this is by far my favorite unit to teach. I have the students draw and label cells, play cell parts Bingo, build cell models out of edible components and even construct cities with building that represent the various organelles. What I don't have are actual models for the students to investigate as we are learning about the cells. Although pictures in books and graphics on computers are quite helpful, I believe many students will benefit from having an actual model they can touch and manipulate as they complete this unit of study.

My goal for this year is to begin my unit in a more inquiry based manner. Instead of just diving into explanations of all the organelles and their functions, I would like the students to construct their own knowledge of what the cell might need to do and how it would accomplish it's tasks. My unit would begin with the models at the front of the room where each student would be given a chance to closely examine them. I would next have students brainstorm what possible jobs a cell may have. After a class discussion of the various functions performed within a cell, I would have the students once again examine the models. Next, I would give the students an opportunity to make predictions about which organelles might be carrying out which jobs. They would all share their ideas and then we would begin formal instruction. The models will continue to be used throughout the unit as the students complete drawings, are quizzed on organelle functions, and finally construct their own models. I believe that by starting the unit with more focus on student led learning and less on direct instruction, my students will be better able to retain the knowledge they have gained.

Your donation will provide a hands-on opportunity for my students to learn about life itself. I remember becoming passionate about biology in middle school and I truly hope that by providing my students with as many different ways of looking at and learning about science as possible I will help inspire them to choose a science related career later in life.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Nearly all students from low‑income households

110 students impacted
Ms. White Jefferson Middle School Grades 6-8

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Champaign, 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

110 students impacted

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
MODEL-ANIMAL CELL • Sargent Welch $195.09 1 $195.09
MODEL - PLANT CELL • Sargent Welch $195.09 1 $195.09

Materials cost

$390.18

Vendor shipping charges

 $39.02

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$9.75

Fulfillment labor & materials

$17.00

Total project cost

$456.00

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$100.10

Total project goal

$556.10

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. White and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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