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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Melesio from Chicago, IL is requesting lab equipment through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Melesio is requesting

Gecko Pet: How Animals Survive Their Environment?

Please help me give my students real-world applications of their science learning.

FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Melesio's classroom raised $387

This project is fully funded

Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.

My Project

**About My Gecko Project: "How Animals Survive Their Environment"**

I am excited to engage my students in a hands-on science project that explores how animals, particularly geckos, adapt to their environments.

By observing a live gecko and its behavior, students will learn how animals use their senses—vision, hearing, touch, and smell—to survive and thrive in their habitats. This project will deepen their understanding of sensory adaptations and how animals interact with their surroundings.

**Why This Project Matters**

I request a live gecko, shelter items, and a heat lamp to create an interactive learning environment. These resources will allow students to observe firsthand how animals respond to their surroundings, including how temperature regulation and safe spaces are crucial for survival. Seeing a real animal in action will bring scientific concepts to life and make learning more meaningful.

**What I Love About My Students**

My students come from low-income Latino families in an inner-city neighborhood where Spanish is the primary language. Many lack opportunities to visit educational institutions like zoos and museums. Despite these challenges, they are eager to learn and curious about the world. This project provides them with an invaluable, hands-on science experience they might otherwise not have access to.

**Goals for This Project**

The goal is for students to understand how animals, like geckos, survive using their senses. Through this project, they will gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world and develop critical thinking skills that will stay with them for years.

**How the Project Will Make a Difference**

This project bridges the gap between textbook learning and real-world experience. The resources will help my students connect what they learn in class to actual observations, sparking curiosity and a love for science.

Ms. Melesio Dr. Jorge Prieto Math and Science Academy Grades 3-5

Equity Focus

This project directly supports students at a historically underfunded school. Learn more about our Equity Focus.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Chicago, IL View local requests

More than half of 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

24 students impacted 3donors

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

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Juvenile Leopard Gecko Set • Ward's Science $77.31 2 $154.62
Buddypuppy Reptile Heat Lamp, Double-Head Reptile Light Timer, UVA UVB Reptile Light with Clamp for Tortoise, Leopard Gecko, Bearded Dragon, Lizards and More, E26/27 Base with 3 Bulbs • Amazon Business $23.88 2 $47.76
Reptile Growth Mini Reptile Terrarium,8" x 8"x 8" Reptile Tank with Full View Visually Appealing，for Insect，Fish，Tarantula，Hermit Crab，Jumping Spider，Iguana，Tortoise，Leopard Gecko，Frog，Bearded Dragon • Amazon Business $19.99 2 $39.98
PietyPet Terrarium Reptile Plants, Reptile Hanging Plant Vines Artificial Leaves Reptile Hide, Leopard Gecko Tank Accessories, Terrarium Decorations for Bearded Dragon Lizard Snake Geckos Chameleon • Amazon Business $16.79 2 $33.58
Vodolo Bearded Dragon Tank Accessories, Reptile Terrarium Carpet Substrate for Leopard Gecko, Lizard, Iguana, Snake, Tortoise, Non-Adhesive Reptile Habitat Bedding(Black 79inch) • Amazon Business $8.99 2 $17.98

Materials cost

$293.92

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$4.41

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$328.33

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$57.94

Total project goal

$386.27

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $386.27

3 Donors

-$386.27

Donations toward project cost

-$328.33

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$57.94

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

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

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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 Ms. Melesio and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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