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Mrs. Brooks from Houston, TX is requesting supplies through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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Fully Funded

Mrs. Brooks's classroom raised $555

You Are Not the Father! Genetic Analysis in the Classroom

My students need materials to preform genetic analysis in the classroom to analyze their own DNA to do mock crime scene investigations and even investigate why some people don't like broccoli!

This project expired on March 2, 2017.

Mrs. Brooks Alief Taylor High School

Houston, TX Grades 9-12

Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.

My Students

Every day, non-scientists are conducting research. They are making hypotheses. They are collecting evidence to support their claims. And yet, as we advance in our secondary science education we tend to focus more and more on mere memorization of minute details of abstract pathways and forget to connect to our students' lives in a meaningful way. My goal is to inspire students to pursue science by giving them access to real world technology used by real scientists every day.

My students are mostly college-minded individuals who have already completed their required science curriculum.

They are choosing to take this course to push themselves and develop a deep understanding of the mechanisms by which life functions. I am to facilitate learning in an exciting, hands-on fashion that introduces the complex techniques used by real scientists. Unfortunately, many of these students have not had the opportunities to participate in such activities, as they are often costly and underfunded. Many of my students are from low SES families and may be the first in their family to attend college.

My Project

It is undeniable that access to resources is highly variable. Our students have gone through much of their school careers with limited laboratory experience due to budget constraints, and this has put many of them off the idea of science as they see it as a boring collection of facts that they must memorize.

My objective is to turn the tables on these students, to facilitate their learning using cutting edge, real world techniques used by real scientists every day.

With your help we can help make this project a reality!

The materials for this project include a laboratory kit that will allow students to investigate complex genetic phenomena in an exciting hands-on fashion. With this kit, students will be able to extract their own DNA from their body using a simple cheek swab. Next, we will use the enzymes in the kit to amplify a specific sequence in their DNA that codes for a protein that makes certain foods (like broccoli) taste bitter. Students will be able to determine their genotype for this gene by amplifying the DNA sequence and running it on a gel, just like real crime scene investigators.

I genuinely believe that this exciting lab exercise is exactly what these students need to remind them why they loved science in the first place. At the high school level, we often shy away from hands-on activities due to the exhaustive amount of material we must cover. This unique exercise will allow us to stay on track for the AP exam while still integrating a fun real-world applicable experience.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Nearly all students from low‑income households

60 students impacted 4 donors

Project tagged as

Houston, TX
Grades 9-12
Science
Traditional School
Supplies
Nearly all students from low‑income households

Mrs. Brooks Alief Taylor High School Grades 9-12

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Houston, TX View local requests

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

60 students impacted 4donors

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Where your donation goes

Materials Cost Quantity Total

Human Alu DNA Extraction, Amplification, and Electrophoresis Kit with Ethidium Bromide and 0.2-mL Tubes (with prepaid coupon) • Carolina Biological Supply Company $198.00 2 $396.00

Materials cost			$396.00
Vendor shipping charges			$39.60
Sales tax			$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee			$5.94
Fulfillment labor & materials			$30.00
Total project cost			$471.54
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms			$83.21
Total project goal			$554.75
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal			$554.75
4 Donors			-$545.93
Donations toward project cost			-$471.54
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms			-$74.39
Excluded support for DonorsChoose			-$8.82
Still needed View calculation Hide calculation			$0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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Project Activity

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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. Brooks and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

This teacher needs your help!

You Are Not the Father! Genetic Analysis in the Classroom

This project expired on March 2, 2017.

Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

My Students

My Project

Project tagged as

Boost your odds

Top rated for efficiency and transparency.

TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes

How we calculate what's needed

Project Activity

Project Activity

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.