My students are hard-working and motivated. They are constantly seeking new experiences, and are very interested in science and STEM fields. They absolutely love hands-on, active, engaging activities and challenges that allow them to experience first-hand the scientific concepts that we are covering in class. They challenge me daily with their astute questions and inspire me with their curiosity and hunger for knowledge. Some of these students are destined for prestigious universities, others will continue on to community colleges, while others will go into a trade. But, ALL of them show an aptitude and affinity for science. I want to give my students exposure to as many aspects of science and biology as possible to help nurture their interest.
My Project
Even though they are in high school, my students still love the opportunity to watch organisms develop and grow. Last year in my biology classroom, there was always something growing! From salmon to pillbugs to bean plants to chicks, students loved to check on our babies each time they came to the classroom.
My students work in cooperation with the Atlantic Salmon Federation's Fish Friends program to raise endangered native Maine Atlantic salmon eggs to fry stage in our classroom.
Once the fry are to size, and their future home has warmed enough in the spring, my students release them in a local stream. We have a basic tank set up but need to replace the airstones and tubing to ensure that the water remains oxygenated enough to support the sensitive salmon as they develop from eggs. I am also asking for some water quality test strips to provide students the opportunity to monitor the water quality in our tank throughout the time that the salmon are in our classroom.
Last year, one of my student brought in an egg incubator and some fertile chicken eggs from home to hatch in the classroom. I knew that it would be interesting but had no idea how excited my high schoolers would be about the process! While some of my students raise chickens at their homes, many more had no idea how the whole process works. I am hoping to give this year's and future students the opportunity to watch and learn about the developmental process as we hatch more chicken eggs in the classroom. Your donations can help bring Biology to life in my classroom!
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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. Sidell and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.