My students are wildly curious, creative, and hands-on learners. They thrive when they can interact with the content, not just read about it. In our rural school, many have limited access to living science experiences, and I want to change that. This project will let us build a real bioactive ecosystem right inside our classroom.
These materials will help us create a split terrarium and aquarium where students can observe water quality, cycling, filtration, and animal behavior every single day.
Once complete, the habitat will include African dwarf frogs, ghost shrimp, mystery snails, and green anoles—plus live plants and a cleanup crew of springtails and isopods. Students will collect data, monitor environmental changes, and watch firsthand how living systems work together. I want to give them not just the tools to learn science—but a reason to love it.
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
Giangarden T5 HO UVB Lighting Combo Kit with UVB 5.0 24W Fluorescent Tube - Ideal for Reptiles in Tropical Rainforests - Fits 24" Enclosures and Terrariums.(UVB5.0, 24W-24IN)
• Amazon Business
BN-LINK 8 Outlet Surge Protector with 7-Day Digital Timer (4 Outlets Timed, 4 Outlets Always On) - White
• Amazon Business
$25.59
1
$25.59
Zoo Med HydroBalls Lightweight Expanded Clay Terrarium Substrate, 2.5 Pounds
• Amazon Business
$7.99
3
$23.97
Tetra EasyStrips, Complete Aquarium Test Strips, Water Testing, 25 Count
• Amazon Business
$11.50
2
$23.00
DXOPHIEX 5.5inch Deep Dome Reptile Heat Lamp Reptile Light Fixture UVB Reptile Light Fixture Max 100W for Bearded Dragon, Turtles, Snake and Lizard Terrarium
• Amazon Business
$21.98
1
$21.98
Fluval 12696 Natural Mineral-Rich Volcanic Soil Bio Stratum for Planted Tanks, 4.4 lbs. - Aquarium Substrate for Healthy Plant Development, Growth, and Color
• Amazon Business
$21.52
1
$21.52
Tetra Whisper Air Pump with Minimal Noise and Maximum Air Flow
• Amazon Business
REPTI ZOO 2 Pack Heat Lamp 75W, Intense Basking Spot Simulated Natural Sunlight Heating Lamp Bulb, Heat Emitter UVA Heat Lamp Bulb for Reptile Chickens Pet Brooder
• Amazon Business
$16.99
1
$16.99
WDEFUN Natural Spiderwood for Aquarium Decor 7-Piece 4''-8'' Long Natural Driftwood Branches for Fish Tank Decorations
• Amazon Business
$16.99
1
$16.99
UPETTOOLS 10-40 Gla Aquarium Sponge Filter Ultra Quiet Aquarium Air Pump Bio Sponge Small Fish Tank Foam Filter Comes with 2 Sponges 2of Bio Ceramic Media Balls
• Amazon Business
$14.99
1
$14.99
HITOP Dual Outlet Aquarium Electric Air Pump, Whisper Adjustable Fish Tank Aerator, Quiet Oxygen Pump with Accessories for 20 to 100 Gallon (2 outlets)
• Amazon Business
$14.49
1
$14.49
REPTI ZOO Reptile Terrarium Thermometer Hygrometer Digital LCD Display Pet Rearing Box Reptiles Tank Thermometer Hygrometer with Suction Cup
• Amazon Business
$13.90
1
$13.90
Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater With Electronic Thermostat, 50-Watt, 2-10 Gallon
• Amazon Business
$8.21
1
$8.21
Penn-Plax Therma-Temp Temperature Sensitive Thermometer | Great for Checking The Water Temperature in Smaller Tanks | Small Strip, 2" (DT014)
• Amazon Business
$2.49
3
$7.47
3 Pcs Aquarium Tweezers, Stainless Steel Feeding Tongs Straight and Curved Tweezers Set Long Handle Reptile Feeding Tongs for Aquatic Plants Lizards Spider Snakes
• Amazon Business
$6.99
1
$6.99
Fluker's Small Animal Bend-A-Branch Pet Habitat Decor 6" Long
• Amazon Business
$4.73
1
$4.73
API TAP WATER CONDITIONER Aquarium Water Conditioner 4-Ounce Bottle, TAP WATER COND. 4 OZ
• Amazon Business
$3.35
1
$3.35
Materials cost
$344.02
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$5.16
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$379.18
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$66.91
Total project goal
$446.09
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$446.09
6 Donors
-$309.92
Donations toward project cost
-$264.43
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$45.49
match offer
-$135.00
Match offer toward project cost
-$114.75
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Terrell and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
