Funded Feb 28, 2023Thank you again for investing in my students. I truly appreciate you for being willing to help make our hands-on activities even better. My job as a science teacher is to not only teach students the content but to encourage more of our young people to pursue careers in science. In order to encourage more young people to choose to major in STEM fields and pursue STEM careers, it is important to help them see themselves as someone who can be successful in those fields. One item often associated with scientists is the white lab coat.
The students recently completed a Cheek Cell Lab where they had an opportunity to swab their cheek and stain their epithelial cells to view under the microscope. The students were looking for the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane in their own DNA. The use of the lab coats allowed the students to feel capable and just like the scientist we had watched days earlier in an episode of CSI.
The students are currently learning how to use a 2-20 µl adjustable volume micropipette. They are preparing to use a gel electrophoresis kit to complete a Colorful Dye Electrophoresis MiniLab. This lab will introduce students to the basics of electricity and macromolecules with a fun, colorful electrophoresis lab.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. J!