0% Funded
Only $888.00 Needed
Our classroom bearded dragon, Dexter, is more than a class pet—he is a beloved member of our learning community and an integral part of our science curriculum. The goal of this project is to provide Dexter with a larger, more naturalistic habitat that better supports his well-being while enhancing the learning experience for my 3rd-grade students. This upgrade will help students learn responsibility through hands-on care, deepen their understanding of reptile biology and classification, and foster empathy and respect for living creatures.
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Currently, Dexter lives in a modestly sized enclosure that has served its purpose but is now too small for his growing needs. With your support, I hope to purchase a larger, upgraded terrarium (120 gallons), complete with appropriate lighting, heating, enrichment items, and natural decor to mimic his natural habitat.
In our classroom, caring for Dexter is a daily student-led responsibility. Each week, different students take on the role of “Pet Caretaker,” responsible for feeding, misting, and monitoring Dexter's environment. This job builds accountability, time management, and empathy. Additionally, Dexter is central to our life science unit on animal classification, where reptiles are a major focus. Students research cold-blooded animals, compare them with mammals, and learn about habitats and adaptations—all while observing and interacting with a real reptile in real time.
Improved Animal Welfare: A larger, enriched habitat will improve Dexter's quality of life, giving him more room to explore, bask, and behave naturally.
Increased Student Engagement: A better enclosure will provide more opportunities for student observation, note-taking, and inquiry-based learning.
Deeper Scientific Understanding: Students will connect textbook knowledge to real-world application as they study reptiles and their needs.
Character Development: The continued care of Dexter promotes responsibility, teamwork, and compassion in a way that no worksheet ever could.
The funding will be used to purchase:
A larger glass terrarium (120 gallons)
Stand to place tank on
Total estimated cost: $800-900
Your support will directly enhance the daily lives of my students and Dexter alike. This project blends science, responsibility, and compassion into one unforgettable classroom experience—one that students remember long after they leave 3rd grade.
| # | Item | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | REPTI ZOO 120 Gallon 48" x 24" x 24" Large Glass Reptile Snake Terrarium, Tall & Wide Reptile Habitat Tank with Sliding Door Screen Ventilation RK0240 | $479.00 |
| 2 | REPTI ZOO Storage Cabinet Terrarium Stand 48" x 24" x 30" for Large Wide Reptile Tanks | $409.00 |
| Total: | $888.00 |
0% Funded
Only $888.00 Needed
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