Help my students achieve the meaningful understanding of scientific concepts by providing opportunities for hands-on, active engagement in learning.
I teach students who vary from the gifted and advanced to those with learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.
Students in this area are from families that are undergoing tremendous lifestyle changes due to the declining economic stability of the region. With the loss of jobs and homes, many families are struggling just to provide basic human needs and students at all levels are feeling the impact of these stresses both in and out of the educational environment.
My Project
Rapid Cycling Brassica rapa (RBr), also known as Wisconsin Fast Plants are used for experiments in basic biology, plant anatomy and physiology, genetics, and ecology. In my 7th grade science classroom, I will use them to address multiple concepts such as Mendelian genetics, inheritance, segregation, variation and mutagenesis, influence of environmental conditions on organisms, and change over time. Learning these concepts using inquiry-based activities that emphasize problem-solving skills will ensure a lasting and holistic understanding for my students. In addition, students can have a hands-on understanding of how mutations to DNA directly influence an organism’s ability to survive and thrive. Using this new found knowledge, I will help my students to understand the importance of making good choices to protect themselves from DNA altering environments and chemicals.
Knowledge truly is power.
Giving students the opportunity to understand the scientific concepts taught through the use of these items will not only further their basic understanding of science, it can help them to make informed choices about protecting themselves from DNA damage through sun exposure and drug and alcohol use.
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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. Meeks and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
