Seeing students excited about learning science has been the greatest gift since joining DonorsChoose. We are a rural, low-income school district surrounded by farmland, which many students live and work on. Many of my students are tactile or kinesthetic learners who enjoy being able to get out of their desks, move around, work with their hands, experiment, and create things.
My students have a broad spectrum of abilities and learning styles, including a unique group of learners with special needs who often require modified instruction to achieve success in our science class.
COVID-19 has brought about new challenges that require me to change the way we can do labs and hands-on activities to adhere to social distancing guidelines, as well as to teach a group of students who have chosen to stay at home and learn digitally.
My Project
This project will allow my students to learn about the anatomy and physiology of invertebrates and vertebrates through the use of a virtual dissection website license. With some students continuing virtual learning from home during the COVID pandemic, this can provide them with an alternative to traditional dissections. For my students who remain in person, it will provide pre-lab information and guidance to help them better prepare for hands-on dissections, making them more meaningful. There are times during traditional dissections when students become more preoccupied with the cuts and guts, instead of actually learning the anatomy of the animal.
Students often make incorrect cuts, get a bad specimen, are absent on critical lab days, or let their partner or group do the work for them.
This program will solve a lot of these issues and help squeamish students dissect in a less intimidating way.
While there is still a place for hands-on dissections in science, I think it is beneficial for students to experience alternatives as well. This computer program ensures students obtain the critical knowledge intended by dissection labs, without the smell or cost of preserved specimens. Students will have a chance to go at their own pace, repeat any areas in which they struggle, and hopefully gain a better understanding for and appreciation of animal anatomy.
These programs will also be used throughout my biology courses when students need remediation or extra practice with tough topics, such as osmosis, evolution, genetics, cell structure, and so much more! The virtual aspect of this program will allow my students to learn anywhere that they have access to the internet.
More than a third 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
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 Mrs. Abrams-Ruque and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
