The Scientific Activist Challenge 2008

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I am very excited to know that you have funded my DNA extraction project. My kids who are taking life science, physical science, and forensic science in my classroom will be able to experience the joy of seeing DNA. More importantly, we will be using regular kitchen utensils and materials you provided, so that they know that they can even do this experiment in their own kitchen with their parents. It's my hope that such activities will let students know that science can be fun and science is really part of our daily life. Thank you for your support”

With gratitude,

Ms. W.

Thank you for funding this project!!!

Having access to great technology like this incubator opens many doors for our high school science instruction. While my biology and chemistry students already have a great love for and understanding of science, providing them opportunities to do college-level experiments studying the genetics of bacteria will undoubtedly provide them with greater excitement, understanding, and motivation to study science in college.

Besides watching kids get excited about learning profound science concepts, one of the best parts of teaching is knowing that, to some degree, you are changing the course of students' lives in profound ways. While it will be years before a student returns to tell me they are a doctor or research scientist, I already have many students who have expressed a sincere desire to become scientists and who have the intellect to achieve that goal.

Similarly, by funding this incubator, you will change the way my students view the world and, by encouraging them to study science, you have also altered their place in it.

Again, I wish to express my thanks for your support”

With gratitude,

Mr. Zavrel

Thank you so much for your kind gesture. Because of your thoughtfulness, 125 students will have an experience that will open their minds to the world of biotechnology. In studying their mitochondrial DNA, students will learn about their ancestry and will see how closely related we all are to each other. Using high-tech equipment will spark an interest in science in many of our students. This is an investment in our future, as the more our youth are motivated to study science, the more advanced our nation will become. None of this would be possible without your kindness and consideration. Thank you, again.

Sincerely,

Kathlee”

With gratitude,

Ms. R.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I don't know if you can ever know how much you have influenced my students through your generous donation to the science department. On the day they announced the Nobel Prize for chemistry (for GFP usage and enhancement) I told my students about the DNA project they will be undertaking thanks to you...you have never seen such amazement and excitement at their inclusion into the new frontiers of science. Forensic science, genetic markers, and advancements my students have never even dreamed of are going to be familiar concepts, sparking these future scientists into dreaming big. What a wonderful day!”

With gratitude,

Mrs. L.

Thank you so much for helping to provide funds so that my students can have the experience of isolating their own DNA samples. I am so excited that this lab experience will be able to be included in our genetics unit.

In past years, this lab has made a huge impact on students. Students have not only expressed enthusiasm in class, but they have also taken this interest home with them. I know that this year will be no different. Students will take home their DNA necklaces and be able to share their learning with their whole family.

I always try to make learning fun and accessible to all my students every single day, but sometimes the best lesson or learning experience is not a possibility due to a lack of resources. Your help has ensured that my students will receive an exciting and educational experience that I would otherwise not be able to provide them with. I am extremely grateful for your help.

Best Wishes,

Jennife”

With gratitude,

Ms. A.

Wow! It is so inspiring to see that you are interested in ensuring equal education for all students. I was so excited to show my students that "Evolution Right Here in the Classroom" had been funded! Your generosity will guarantee that our reading aloud the book, "The Dawn of Life," will make our exploration of evolution come to life in so many ways through using the various specimens that this proposal provides. My students will also be better prepared for a culminating field trip to see an "Evolving Planet" exhibit. Last but not least, I am pleased to say that you will inspire students for years to come now that these specimens will be a permanent part of our classroom learning environment! Thank you so much!

Sincerely,

Gerar”

With gratitude,

Mr. Kovach

I was pleasantly surprised today when I opened my e-mail account to find that our "Send Us a Super Model" project had been fully funded. Thank you so much for providing this opportunity for hands-on learning. I know that my students will enjoy actually building molecules in three dimensions rather than just looking at pictures in their textbooks. This is a gift that will help classrooms full of students for years to come. Your generosity is appreciated!

-Jo”

With gratitude,

Ms. E.

Thank you SO much for funding this project! As you may well be aware, funding for schools in California has taken quite a hit. The topic of DNA can be very tiresome for many high school students. I was lucky enough to use these products about 5 years ago in my sophomore Biology class. The kids just LOVED it! It really makes DNA come alive for them when they can take their OWN DNA from their own cells and put it in a necklace that they can wear. I still have my necklace from 5 years ago and show my students my DNA that I extracted. They are SO amazed and many still don't believe that my actual DNA is in this little necklace hanging in my room. They usually ask me excitedly if they will have a chance to do the same. I can finally say "Yes" to my students this year. This project allows us to go in depth into such topics as cloning and genetic engineering....and they really get into it. Thank you again for giving my students the ability to do this hands-on project and get excited (that's usually where the learning comes in) about Biology”

With gratitude,

Mr. S.