Biology Baskets

c/o Erika Chiu

Last month, Service Learning Fellow Erika Chiu distributed academic enrichment baskets to elementary school students in San Francisco, California. “Biology Baskets” was made possible by generous grant support from the Karma for Cara Foundation.

The academic theme of each basket was biology. Erika prepared four age-appropriate experiments in this scientific discipline: a strawberry DNA/RNA extraction lab, a seed germination lab, a crystal growth lab, and a paper chromatography lab. Each lab was paired with a laminated card, which included step-by-step instructions behind the experiment, background information on the scientific principles, and prompts for students to think critically about their observations. Additionally, Erika prepared coloring sheets of famous scientists like Albert Einstein and Marie Curie; biographies of these individuals; and supplementary articles, resources, and videos.

In part through her school’s National Honor Society, Erika recruited 100 volunteers, who came together to place one of each item into each basket. They prepared a total of 500 baskets. Erika then delivered the baskets to Sutter Elementary School, a Title 1 school in Antioch, California where 79% of students are socioeconomically disadvantaged. Based on post-program surveys, the results were energizing. “I appreciate you reaching out. Our teachers are excited about the STEM bags,” said Vice Principal Jessica Erickson. The chance to conduct even one hands-on experiment can spark lifelong curiosity, confidence, and excitement.

The project was run under the auspices of the Eloquence Charitable Fund, a philanthropic initiative connecting academic debate to community service. Erika had mentored countless historically underserved students through her role as a volunteer at Eloquence Academy and previous projects she led as a Service Learning Fellow. She designed Biology Baskets to bridge her longstanding passion for educational equity with her personal experience as a young person of color aspiring to be a statistician. “I was most surprised by how enthusiastic our student recipients and volunteers were. The community response to this project reinforced the importance of accessibility in education programs for underserved communities,” said Erika.

We are excited to continue supporting our Service Learning Fellows’ projects.

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Eloquence Academy, Inc. is the world’s largest youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing equitable academic debate opportunities for rural and historically underserved students. The Academy has offered live debate programs for 3,600 students, partnerships with 122 schools and nonprofit organizations, and online debate resources for 16,084 students. It has prepared students across all 50 states and 102 countries for college readiness, career engagement, and community impact. Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.