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This teacher needs your help!

Mr. Harrison from Baltimore, MD is requesting lab equipment through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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Bringing DNA to Life: Genetics Models for Women in Science

Help me give my students engaging DNA modeling kits and hands-on genetics tools to visualize the flow of genetic information.

FULLY FUNDED! Mr. Harrison's classroom raised $933

This project is fully funded

My Project

In my Baltimore all-girls school, many students struggle to grasp abstract concepts like DNA replication, protein synthesis, and gene expression. While textbooks and diagrams help, research shows that tactile learning significantly improves comprehension—especially in STEM fields where women are underrepresented. These DNA models will turn invisible processes into something my students can see, touch, and manipulate, reinforcing key AP Biology topics while building confidence in their scientific abilities.

Hands-on learning fosters curiosity, collaboration, and problem-solving—skills critical for future scientists.

For young women who may doubt their place in STEM, physically constructing DNA reinforces that they belong in this field. One student recently asked, "How do our cells even know how to do this?" With your support, she’ll discover the answer herself—one nucleotide at a time.

The Nasco Flow of Genetic Information Kit will allow students to physically model transcription and translation, while the playDNA kits will let them build and explore DNA structure in small groups. The 24-inch DNA model will serve as a classroom centerpiece for demonstrations, helping students visualize base pairing, mutations, and the double helix. We’ll use these tools in units on molecular genetics, biotechnology, and heredity, ensuring lessons align with AP standards. For example, students will act out protein synthesis roles, identify mutation effects, and even "debug" faulty gene sequences.

Project tagged as

Baltimore, MD
Grades 9-12
Engineering & Technology
Science
Traditional School
Lab Equipment
Nearly all students from low‑income households

Mr. Harrison Western Senior High School 407 Grades 9-12

Celebrate Black teachers and kids! This project supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of students are Black.

Equity Focus

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Baltimore, MD 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

100 students impacted 8donors

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes

Materials Cost Quantity Total

PlayDNA! DNA Model Kit 4-Pack Bundle • Carolina Biological Supply Company $238.50 2 $477.00

Flow of Genetic Information Kit for 1 Group • Nasco $110.50 1 $110.50

DNA Model - 24-in. H • Nasco $64.56 1 $64.56

Materials cost			$652.06
Vendor shipping charges			$62.01
Sales tax			$39.12
3rd party payment processing fee			$9.78
Fulfillment labor & materials			$30.00
Total project cost			$792.97
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms			$139.94
Total project goal			$932.91
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal			$932.91
6 Donors			-$872.91
Donations toward project cost			-$741.97
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms			-$130.94
Matching donations from our partners			-$60.00
Match offers toward project cost			-$51.00
Match offers to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms			-$9.00
Still needed View calculation Hide calculation			$0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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Project Activity

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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. Harrison and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

This teacher needs your help!

Bringing DNA to Life: Genetics Models for Women in Science

This project is fully funded

My Project

Project tagged as

Celebrate Black teachers and kids! This project supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of students are Black.

Equity Focus

Boost your odds

Top rated for efficiency and transparency.

TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes

How we calculate what's needed

Give the most requested basic supplies

Give back to your community

Project Activity

Project Activity

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.