Getting Students Excited About Evolution and Ecology
My students need hands-on science activities to bring to life the often neglected topic of ecology and evolution.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Barnett's classroom raised $615
This project is fully funded
My Students
My story has been told before and it has the same characters. I have students that are motivated and have been challenged too little. I have students that are so excited every time they get the opportunity to have a hands on experience that it breaks my heart and at the same time motivates me.
My school is located in a severely underfunded urban school district.
I have the privilege and the awesome responsibility of giving these kids an education that is worthy of their character, not their SES. I tell my kids that I work for them and to my core I believe that. I get a chance to put all of my energy into kids that are for the most part really appreciative. I get the impression that most of my students feel fortunate to have a teacher that really cares.
I care enough to make my classroom a place of engagement, I care enough to grade their work in a timely manner an update their grades daily and weekly, I care enough to reach out to mom and dad if their grades go below a 70%. What I get in return is a room full of students that I get to guide and possibly turn on to the wonderful world of science. It sounds corny but it is an amazing job. It gives so much back if you are willing to put yourself out there and work hard. Here's to all my students and their enthusiasm!!
My Project
I am a hands on science educator. A week does not go by in any of my classes without some sort of hands on activity and/or lab. Ecology and evolution are classically underrepresented in the hands on arena. They are two areas that simply do not get the attention the other parts of the biology course demand. I am hoping with these hands on kits that I can make some lasting connections for these students and that some of the more difficult concepts in ecology and evolution will be easier to understand.
I am also hoping that through the use of these hands on activities I am able to inspire students to further their education in the areas of ecology and developmental biology. Students will be able to be part of a food pyramid and examine descent with modification according to Darwin in a way that reading about it or hearing me drone about it cannot accomplish. There is nothing quite like looking out at a classroom of students engaged in an activity brimming over with excitement.
So if my story is not compelling enough so far...You have the opportunity to help a really motivated hardworking teacher do something that will bring excitement and add more hands on learning to her classroom.
There might be better teachers out there but I try really hard everyday to give my students the best-not because I am so great because it is what they deserve no less so help my give these deserving kids what they deserve-NO LESS.
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
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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 Ms. Barnett and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.