We are a small, public charter school that is dedicated to providing students with real, hands-on learning experiences that foster a sense of community, creativity, collaboration and excitement.
All ability levels are encouraged to participate in scientific research and exploration because all student scientists have great ideas and strengths to share.
Our classrooms reflect a diverse community of learners. Rather than viewing science as the purview of only the top achieving students, we view science as accessible to all ability levels. Scientific exploration connects students with one another through shared experiences. Student guided inquiry drives much of the exploration in our classrooms.
My Project
Proteins are invisible molecular machines that do the work of living cells. Like any machine, proteins have shapes and moving parts and perform very specific jobs. Our school is forming a "MAPS" team (modeling a protein story), a program that allows teachers and students to explore the unique structures and functions of proteins from real world research. In order to prepare for the challenge, students must learn about the basic building blocks of proteins: amino acids and how they behave in a water environment.
Using the molecular models purchased with this grant, students will learn about the different shapes of amino acids and how they interact with each other and water when proteins fold.
Just as a scientist might make observations about visible structures, such as leaves on a plant or the shape of a bird's wing, they can use molecular models to collect observations and to begin to develop new insight and understandings about protein structures. These molecular models will enrich student learning by helping them to visualize the invisible and will help our team learn the basics in order to participate in MAPS.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. B. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.