Thermal Cyclers for Student Detectives: Amplifying DNA, Amplifying Curiosity
Help me give my students MiniOne thermal cyclers to amplify DNA using PCR.
$4,235 goal
This project expired on October 10, 2025.
This project expired on October 10, 2025.
My Project
Imagine students discovering that nearly every insect in our community harbors a secret passenger—a microscopic bacterium called Wolbachia that could hold keys to understanding evolution, ecology, and even potential solutions to disease control. With your support, my students will become real scientists, hunting for this elusive microbe in insects from our own backyard.
We need thermal cyclers—specialized machines that allow us to amplify tiny amounts of DNA from insects so we can detect the presence of Wolbachia bacteria.
These instruments will transform our classroom into a cutting-edge molecular biology laboratory where students conduct authentic scientific research that contributes to our global understanding of one of nature's most widespread bacterial symbionts.
More than three‑quarters 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
130 students impacted
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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. Kersting and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.