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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Lester from Los Angeles, CA is requesting supplies through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Lester is requesting

Developing Medical Detectives for Project Lead the Way

My students need electrophoresis kits, brains to dissect, human senses kits, DNA extraction kits, gel chambers, syringes, and other materials to do our Medical Detectives unit for Project Lead the Way.

  • $2,252 goal

Hooray! This project is fully funded

Hooray! This project is fully funded

Keep the momentum going! Make a donation to Ms. Lester for her next project!

Help Ms. Lester

Keep the momentum going! Make a donation to Ms. Lester for her next project!

My Students

Science for my students is more than pictures in a book; they thrive on hands-on skills that will lead to jobs in the sciences or give them valuable skills in any workplace.

My students are wonderful but are often the overlooked students.

Growing up in rough neighborhoods, poor families, and lots of bad influences has caused so many of my students to already get into trouble and become discarded by society. Many others just struggle with catching up with information they missed for so many reasons. Many of my students can't afford their basic school supplies, but I never let a student go without. To break this cycle of poverty, my students need opportunities to get skilled jobs. Giving students real world science skills will help prepare them for a job in the sciences or give them the applicable skills to get a job in any field of their choice.

My Project

Through the Project Lead the Way curriculum and the electrophoresis kits, brains to dissect, human senses kits, DNA extraction kits, gel chambers, syringes, and other materials, my students will explore the world of Medical Detectives. They will extract their own DNA while learning about the structure and uses of DNA in the world. The students will dissect a sheep's brain while learning more about their own senses and how the brain processes information. With this knowledge they will practice diagnosing diseases that can effect the brain. Their culminating activity will put them in the role of a CSI technician, where they will examine various forms of evidence, including DNA, and process the evidence to determine the culprit. They will then present their case with evidence to a jury practicing the rules of lawyers and expert witnesses giving (scientific evidence only).

All this practice with scientific lab methods will provide them with a foundation of skills and knowledge that can lead to a career in a number of fields.

Having basic lab skills can help lead these students to better jobs and a better life out of the cycle of poverty.

Ms. Lester Joseph Le Conte Middle School Grades 6-8

Equity Focus

At this school, more than 50% of students are Black, Latino, and/or Native American, and more than 50% come from low-income households. Learn how your donation to this school supports a more equitable education.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

More about Ms. Lester

Los Angeles, CA View local requests

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

125 students impacted 17donors

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Ms. Lester is requesting.

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Where Your Donation Goes

Materials Cost Quantity Total
Replacement Gel Chamber • Carolina Biological Supply Company $17.05 22 $375.10
Carolinas Perfect Solution Sheep Brain, Dura mater removed; optic chiasma intact, Pail • Carolina Biological Supply Company $11.02 30 $330.60
Exploring Electrophoresis and Forensics Replacement Kit • Carolina Biological Supply Company $147.20 2 $294.40
Exploring Electrophoresis and Forensics Classroom Kit • Carolina Biological Supply Company $261.25 1 $261.25
Carolina BioKits: Human Senses • Carolina Biological Supply Company $75.95 2 $151.90
DNA Necklace Classroom Kit • Carolina Biological Supply Company $48.88 2 $97.76
Carolina BioKits: Human Senses Refill • Carolina Biological Supply Company $32.25 1 $32.25
Hypodermic Syringes, Disposable, 10 cc in 1/5 cc, Luer-Lok Tip, Pack of 15 • Carolina Biological Supply Company $18.00 1 $18.00

Materials cost

$1,561.26

Vendor shipping charges

$156.13

Sales tax

$142.86

3rd party payment processing fee

$23.42

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$1,913.67

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$337.71

Total project goal

$2,251.38

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

$2,251.38

15 Donors

-$1,131.00

Donations toward project cost

-$1,097.25

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$33.75

match offer

-$960.49

Match offer toward project cost

-$816.42

Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$144.07

Excluded support for DonorsChoose

-$159.88

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

$0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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Project Activity

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