Skulls of Our Past: Bringing Evolution to My Students
My students need Early Man and Primate Skull Comparison Set as a hands-on approach to their study of evolution, one of the most important and challenging parts of the modern biology curriculum.
I really have a great group of kids. I probably say that every year, but I really mean it. I do my best to bring them as many resources as I can find. Whether it is awesome lab experiences, videos/animations, audio resources, or just interesting stories, I'm always working towards greater learning.
My students range from tenth graders taking pre-AP biology to eleventh and twelfth graders really challenging themselves with AP Biology, genetics, and microbiology.
My tenth graders come to me completely new to the high school. They really don't know what to expect from their first high school science course, and they quickly realize that I care about their education and that I am REALLY passionate about the subject I teach. I do everything and anything I can to bring the best materials and resources into the classroom every day. It might seem strange for teenagers, but you can really tell that they appreciate my dedication. They know when you care.
My Project
Much of what I teach in the biology curriculum allows for plenty of hands-on opportunities. We're often in the lab running an experiment, in the greenhouse with the plants, or outside collecting data on some aspect of the environment. Evolutionary biology, one of our eight units in the curriculum, presents a little more challenge in getting the students active and engaged. Never mind the challenges inherent in the subject. Once you get past those, you still have a little more difficulty putting the learning into action. The hominid skull set I'm seeking is something that would be wonderfully effective in getting the subject into their hands. Tactile learning and in-person observational science would be instantly possible. Each of my students could immediately become little paleontologists! In addition to giving them concrete exposure to some of the most compelling evidences of evolution, it would help bring home the science to a more lasting, personal level.
I am one of 4 biology teachers in our school.
So far, I've mentioned only my students, but this teaching tool would go so much farther than my classroom. Having Early Man and Primate Skull Comparison Set, something often only available at universities, would reach to all of our biology students. I would go as far to say that its use would even reach to neighboring school districts where I often collaborate with their biology teachers. The skull set would make a lasting, meaningful impression on so many biology students.
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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 Mr. Meredith and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
