My students need 65 copies of "Jurassic Park" to help them learn about genetic engineering, paleontology, ecology, and environmental science.
$569 goal
This project expired on November 12, 2011.
This project expired on November 12, 2011.
My Students
Can you imagine science that keeps you on the edge of your seat? I want to supplement our biology labs, lectures, and other activities with a gripping read that will inspire students to learn the science behind Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park.
Our Academy students are a heterogeneous bunch, with many students in need of inspiration and motivation.
The academy is a small school within a much larger school, and is specifically designed to support our students in career paths involving environmental science and sustainable energy. While some come from families where bookshelves line the walls, many of our students have had few experiences with a page-turning novel.
My Project
We'll be using Jurassic Park as a way to inspire our students to learn more about genomics, genetic engineering, ecology, environmental science, and, of course, dinosaurs and animal diversity. As we read the book in our 9th grade biology class, we'll stop to investigate an array of biological topics and concepts through labs and other activities. The book will provide students with context for understanding these topics, and motivate them to explore these topics with more energy than might have emerged from a more traditional approach. In addition, keeping with the interdisciplinary nature of our academy, our English teacher will use the novel to teach concepts such as foreshadowing.
Having our students read Jurassic Park as we open our ninth grade year will get them off on the right track, powerfully communicating to them that science can be thrilling and that the ideas are compelling.
Our theory is that students will learn much more through this science-fiction enhanced approach than they would have learned with a traditional approach. And, assuming our theory is correct, your donation will set us up for years of success.
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