My Students

My students are excited to submit a project which explores forensically solving fictional crimes using DNA finger-printing.

My high school students have endless curiosity!

Wondering about all sorts of things, they are continuously asking questions. My students understand that learning takes hard-work and dedication. Furthermore, they are strong learners, focused and willing to put in the time. They understand that learning is not always fun, but passionately crave any opportunity to build models and participate in hands-on activities and experiments. Our school is located in rural Mississippi. Struggling with high poverty and limited resources, our students are often deprived of opportunities to engage in project-based learning. With the help of the Donors Choose program, we will work together to help these students learn through hands-on activities and experiments!

My Project

Technicians working in forensic labs are often asked to do DNA profiling or “finger-printing” to analyze evidence in law enforcement cases and other applications. My requested material, a DNA restriction enzymes and agarose gel electrophoresis kit, will be used by my students to solve fictional crimes via DNA finger-printing. By completing this hands-on activity, my students will (1) develop an understanding of some of the basic scientific principles involved in DNA finger-printing, (2) learn how to weigh evidence and be able to analyze and interpret the data that is generated in this investigation with clarity and confidence, (3) develop a clear understanding of the thought processes involved in scientific work, and (4) foster their curiosity and confidence to further explore questions and issues involving scientific investigations.

This project will require our students to build, communicate, and problem solve.

It will improve knowledge retention, encourage questioning, and promote cause and effect thinking. Our school district is high poverty. We have very limited resources. Donating to this project will directly impact the education of over one-hundred bright and dedicated students!