Teacher: Tim Lundt

School: Merit Academy

Website: merit.academy

Address: 500 East Kelley's Road, Woodland Park, CO

Grade Level: 6th - 11th

Region: Southwest

Project Title: STEM-ulating Wildlife

Category: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

Funding Amount Requested: $2,000

Project Description:
Early in the 20th Century, the demand for meat from unregulated hunting caused elk, pronghorn, and deer populations to move into habitat that couldn't sustain them. Biologists began advocating for improved management techniques, federal aid, and the reintroduction of animals to restore populations. Today, due to these efforts, these populations are growing and expanding their ranges. In conjunction with local officials, students will create two to three portable skeleton kits and three fully articulated skeletons of various Colorado wildlife species. This hands-on project will engage students in STEM fields and provide real-life applications of biology and wildlife management.

Photos:
Photo 1
Photo 2

Impact:
Thirty biology students will work with the Colorado Department of Wildlife and local hunters to obtain a variety of animals such as cow elk, mule deer, and wild turkey. They will construct two to three portable skeleton kits that can be assembled with rubber bands on custom stands. Our welding program will assist in creating the portable stands. Students will use stop-motion animation on their cell phones to produce videos demonstrating how to articulate the skeletons. These kits, along with an educational manual, will be available for students in grades three through high school in our district. Additionally, fully articulated skeletons will be displayed around our school, enhancing programs like biology, anatomy, woodshop, and veterinary science.

Use of Funds:
- **Steel, set screws, and nuts for skeleton stands:** $275
- **Havalon knives, surgical gloves, and freezer paper for dissections:** $775
- **Alconox detergent for boiling process:** $140
- **Hydrogen peroxide for whitening bones and epoxy for sealing:** $380
- **Wood for stands and plastic containers for portable kits:** $210
- **Glue sticks, rubber bands, and wrenches for portable kits:** $125
- **Wire, silicon, bolts, and screws for fully articulated skeletons:** $95