Past projects 3
The Effect of Fertilizers on Algae Growth- Spectrophotometer
Funded Sep 18, 2024My students are taking a reformatted Biology regents in New York state, which is a requirement to graduate. The test has been modified to follow and implement the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). To mold to the new curriculum, my approach to science also had to change. In my unit anchoring phenomenon "Why did whaling lead to a collapse in fish populations and contribute to climate change?", students had to develop hypotheses and models to explain why is happening. Since more whales are being removed from the oceans, there is less nutrients from fecal matter causing algae growth, thus disrupting the food web in this ecosystem. In one of the tasks, students gathered quantitative data, using the spectrophotometer to measure light absorption, the amount of light absorbed by a sample at a specific wavelength at different concentrations of fertilizer.
At first, my students were a little hesitant to use such delicate device, and there was a bit of a learning curve. Although new technology and skills are difficult to develop at first, the students learned how to use it. It was exciting for them to engage in authentic science beyond the cookie-cutter labs. Most students will remember this experience when they go into higher education.
The next steps for my students in this unit is to construct an evidence-based explanation to the phenomenon using the collected data. This would not only support and prepare them for the new NGSS regents, but it builds the motivation students need to grow and increase their skill set. In the future I wish to integrate more technology equipment such as the spectrophotometer donated by you donors. Thank you for your continuous support at Donor's Choose and for making a different in our students' lives. It will not be possible without your generosity.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Nuñez
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community & an Anonymous Partner and 10 other donors.Can’t Breathe? Thank Climate Change for that!
Funded Aug 2, 2023students in my anatomy and physiology course are exploring and examining the impact air pollution and climate change has on asthma from data. The overarching theme or phenomena is "what happens during an asthma attack" as they learn the respiratory system. Their goal is to educate the local community about respiratory related issues, increase awareness about communities most impacted, and provide solutions to aid in reducing pollutants around their area. They were first probed on various types of scientific models. Students sketched the parts of the respiratory system to elicit background knowledge. Throughout the unit, students updated their models as they continued to research and explore the system.
Using the respiratory models donated by patrons like you, they were able to explore how the diaphragm expanse and contracts to regulate breathing (see images). The inquisitive students were able to see the effects of the diaphragm on the lungs. They were confused, yet excited to figure out how the model worked as they collect further observations. Afterwards, students investigated what factors (gender, height, activity level, weight) affect lung capacity. The giggles, the laughter, and all the puffs of air into the volume bags made it a successful lab. Students collected data to further expand their knowledge on respiratory health.
Currently, students are working on their informational poster or infographic as a culminating piece to the unit. Thanks to your gracious donations, students were able to authentically perform science to educate their community. We hope to publicly display their finished posters to the public at a tabling event.
Your donations mean more than just providing a science experience. You may have inspired and motivated students at Lehman High School in the Bronx to pursue careers in medicine, which is the goal of our biomedical program. You may have assisted in changing lives. Thank you for your generosity and support.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Nuñez
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 10 other donors.Biotech Education
Funded Jul 28, 2023students in my anatomy and physiology course are exploring and examining the impact air pollution and climate change has on asthma from data. The overarching theme or phenomena is "what happens during an asthma attack" as they learn the respiratory system. Their goal is to educate the local community about respiratory related issues, increase awareness about communities most impacted, and provide solutions to aid in reducing pollutants around their area. They were first probed on various types of scientific models. Students sketched the parts of the respiratory system to elicit background knowledge. Throughout the unit, students updated their models as they continued to research and explore the system.
Using the respiratory models donated by patrons like you, they were able to explore how the diaphragm expanse and contracts to regulate breathing (see images). The inquisitive students were able to see the effects of the diaphragm on the lungs. They were confused, yet excited to figure out how the model worked as they collect further observations. Afterwards, students investigated what factors (gender, height, activity level, weight) affect lung capacity. The giggles, the laughter, and all the puffs of air into the volume bags made it a successful lab. Students collected data to further expand their knowledge on respiratory health.
Currently, students are working on their informational poster or infographic as a culminating piece to the unit. Thanks to your gracious donations, students were able to authentically perform science to educate their community. We hope to publicly display their finished posters to the public at a tabling event.
Your donations mean more than just providing a science experience. You may have inspired and motivated students at Lehman High School in the Bronx to pursue careers in medicine, which is the goal of our biomedical program. You may have assisted in changing lives. Thank you for your generosity and support.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Nuñez