Lizard Lab: Bringing Stem to Life With a Classroom Gecko!
Help me give my students a hands-on science experience by bringing a leopard gecko to our classroom, fostering curiosity, responsibility, and deeper learning about ecosystems, animal care, and the natural world around us.
A lizard gecko and all the supplies needed will transform our classroom into a hands-on "Lizard Lab," where students learn through observation, responsibility, and direct interaction with a live animal. The terrarium setup, including a secure lid, heating elements, UVB light, and thermometers, will allow students to learn about environmental science by maintaining an ideal habitat. They’ll practice skills like measuring temperature, adjusting humidity, and tracking data, linking to real-world ecology concepts. Feeding tongs, live insects, and calcium supplements will engage students in biology by understanding diet, life cycles, and animal care routines.
My goals are to foster curiosity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of science concepts.
Students will develop observation skills by monitoring the gecko’s behaviors and tracking its growth. They’ll learn responsibility while rotating roles to care for the gecko’s daily needs. By caring for a classroom pet, students will connect with life sciences and build a sense of community and empathy for living creatures.
My students are special because they bring unique perspectives and energy to learning. They attend a Title I school and many face challenges outside the classroom. They are highly curious and thrive with hands-on, engaging activities that bring science to life. Despite limited resources, they have a passion for STEAM and are eager to learn in relevant and meaningful ways. Having a classroom gecko will make learning exciting and memorable, creating opportunities for students who may not otherwise experience caring for an animal or learning about its needs. This project will inspire a love for science, responsibility, and a greater appreciation of life around them.
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
REPTI ZOO Full Glass 20 Gallon Reptile Tank, Front Opening Reptile Terrarium 24" x 18"x 12", Double Hinged Opening Doors & Top Screen Ventilation Escape Proof Lid
• Amazon Business
$168.09
1
$168.09
Leopard Gecko
• Carolina Biological Supply Company
$43.89
1
$43.89
Tikaton Reptile Heating Pad and Digital Thermostat Combo Set, Under Tank Heater for 10-20gal/30-40gal Tank, Terrarium Heat Mat for Turtle/Snake/Lizard/Frog/Spider/Plant Box
• Amazon Business
$31.99
1
$31.99
REPTI ZOO Digital Thermometer Hygrometer, High Presicion Sensitive Thermometer and Humidity Gauge for Reptile Terraium Aquarium with High and Low Alarm Function, Large Screen & 3-Sides Mounting
• Amazon Business
$17.99
1
$17.99
The Leopard Gecko Manual, 2nd Edition (CompanionHouse Books) Informative Guide to Care, Diet, Habitat, Breeding, Raising Hatchlings, Recognizing Diseases & Health Issues, Shedding, Tail Loss, and More
• Amazon Business
$16.99
1
$16.99
kathson Leopard Gecko Tank Accessories Bearded Dragon Habitat Decor Reptile Hanging Plants Artificial Bendable Climbing Vines Lizard Hidden Coconut Shell Hole Hut for Chameleon, Snake, Iguana, Turtle
• Amazon Business
$16.73
1
$16.73
Vodolo Bearded Dragon Tank Accessories, Reptile Terrarium Carpet Substrate for Leopard Gecko, Lizard, Iguana, Snake, Tortoise, Non-Adhesive Reptile Habitat Bedding(Black 118inch)
• Amazon Business
$15.99
1
$15.99
JIHAQUA Reptile Rock Hide Cave, Aquarium Habitat Decor Rock Tortoise Hideout for Lizards, Turtles, Reptiles, Amphibians, Fish
• Amazon Business
$15.99
1
$15.99
Zoo Med ReptiSand®, 10 Pounds, Desert White
• Amazon Business
$15.19
1
$15.19
Fun Leopard Gecko and Bearded Dragon Facts For Kids 9 - 12 (Fun Animal Facts for Kids)
• Amazon Business
2 Pack Reptile Water Dish - Reptile Water and Food Bowls with Tongs Imitating Natural Rock，Breadworm Feeding for Leopard Gecko Lizard Spider Scorpion Chameleon (2Pcs Square+Round)
• Amazon Business
$11.99
1
$11.99
Cold Life Easy to Clean Sifting Litter Scoop Shovel for Small Pets Or Reptile Terrarium Sand Waste,Green,9 inches
• Amazon Business
$3.45
1
$3.45
Materials cost
$385.41
Vendor shipping charges
$25.71
Sales tax
$33.72
3rd party payment processing fee
$5.78
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$480.62
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$84.82
Total project goal
$565.44
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$565.44
3 Donors
-$495.44
Donations toward project cost
-$421.12
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$74.32
match offer
-$70.00
Match offer toward project cost
-$59.50
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. Parsons and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
