Food webs, photosynthesis, the carbon cycle, genetics of species... these topics and more blast my students into the world of Biology. My classroom consists of 20-25 students investigating the school grounds performing ecosystem studies, giving oral presentations about colony collapse disorder in bees, or following specific protocols using professional lab equipment to identify genetic markers. These learning experiences, along with many others, allow my students a wonderful in-class experience, yet they are missing that real world application... What does it really look like?
My Project
Our students are curious and excited to learn. They love exploring new things and approach a challenge with courage. Many students in the school come from low-income homes, so they are unable to explore some of the things they learn in school in the real-life environment. Taking a week-long trip to Puerto Rico will give them that opportunity.
Our students thirst for the opportunity to get out of their home town and explore the world.
In Puerto Rico, they will explore the historic capital city of San Juan, studying the culture and communicating with natives; navigate the El Yunque rainforest, as well as see the ecology of the Bioluminescent Bay near the island of Vieques. Students will be working hard to communicate with natives in Spanish and use their knowledge of the language and Biology to learn more about the environment they are immersed in.
Students will have adventurous opportunities including night kayaking in Vieques Bay to study the bioluminescent dinoflagellate microorganisms and explore the Indian Cave Petroglyphs of ancient natives in the Karst region. Students will be able to have an experience beyond what is available to them in the classroom. They will create relationships with their peers and fellow tour guides that will shape them as adults. We hope that this type of learning opportunity creates a life-long desire to travel and explore the world.
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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 Mrs. Alex and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.