This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
I teach 10th grade biology at a Philadelphia public school. I provide numerous labs for my students. Some supplies are purchased by my school, some by me, and most by local university partnerships. The partnership will not purchase the rats this year. I purchased them last year. My school has other priorities this year.
Dissections are the highlight of biology. While not included in the formal curriculum, most teachers try very hard to teach this lab as an introduction to anatomy.
We need 25 preserved rats. We use rats because they are mammals and they are cheaper than pigs or cats. They are very similar to humans on the inside. This lab satisfies curious minds and opens medical career windows.
The first question my students ask when entering the classroom in September is, " When do we get to dissections and what are we dissecting?" I don't want to disappoint them. Thank you.
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
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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 Mr. G. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.