Help me give my students visual aids to learn about cells, the most basic unit of life. These models will be displayed around the classroom and used year after year by students.
FULLY FUNDED! Mrs. F.'s classroom raised $168
This project is fully funded
My Students
I teach tenth grade biology in a low-income school district with a higher than average ratio of students with disabilities. It is important that I provide them with the tools they need to overcome difficult socio-economic situations. Many of the students plan to attend our vocational school and explore the pre-nursing program. A thorough understanding of cells is a prerequisite for this program.
Once kids have developed an interest that involves a topic in life science, they are motivated to work and it is imperative to harness their energy!
Physical models of cells will allow the students to visualize organelles in color, identify structures, and connect this to functions. This will be much more engaging than worksheets and will allow the students to move quickly to higher level concepts.
My Project
The importance of cells cannot be overstated in biology. Students may memorize the components of the Cell Theory, but often miss the connection that they themselves are made up of trillions of cells. I once had a student do well on this unit, but when she participated in the standard "Cheek Cell/Onion Cell Lab", she did not realize that swabbing the inside of her mouth would yield cells. The facts that she had memorized were so abstract to her.
Models of plant and animal cells are fun to work with and keep biology a "hands-on" class.
Adding variety to lessons is something I strive to do as this increases retention rates. These two-sided models will allow for teaching (organelles labeled) as well as testing knowledge (non- labeled side). I love the chance to provide assessments that are not paper/pencil. I will definitely be able to reach my special needs kids with these models.
More than half of 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
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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. F. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.