My school is a small, rural community at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. We are low on resources, but strong in ideas, and fierce pioneering spirits. My third graders are curious and plunge head first into hands-on learning.
My 3rd graders love to experience the natural world with hands-on projects and experiences.
In 3rd grade, students are so open to discovery and trying new things when presented with the challenge. Each and every one of them is an explorer at heart.
My Project
“Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and better in every way.” – John Muir
Children with classroom pets learn empathy, patience, responsibility, and can increase their self-esteem and social skills.
My project is to create a healthy habitat for our classroom rats. This habitat will be large enough for our rats to exercise their bodies and minds properly. It will be filled with enrichment toys like hammocks, chews, puzzles, and ladders. The space will allow students to train, interact, and create learning enrichment games and puzzles for the rats to solve.
Did you know that domestic rats are not the dirty, mean and icky animals that we read about in books? Rats are actually very clean, intelligent, and make wonderful classroom pets! Rats groom themselves daily like cats, and they can even be trained to go to the bathroom in a litter box. Rats also rarely bite, and love social interactions and can learn to come to their names, sit, roll over, and can ride on shoulders.
These classroom pets will help my students socially. Students are sometimes able to interact with an animal in a different way than with a peer. I hope to have my students read with the pets, care for them, and help enrich their lives. I have already seen what value taking care of a fish and a snail has with my students. Students work together to clean the tank, and provide a safe and healthy environment for our aquarium. I would love for them to help, study, and interact with our pet rats, and work to enrich their environment. I want my students to learn and think about what it really takes to properly and humanely take care of another creature.
Homey Pet 3 Tiers Chinchilla Hamster Rat Ferret Cage with Sleeping Platform, Pull out tray, Urine Guard and Lockable Casters, Brown, L26"x W17"x H38"
• Amazon Business
$99.99
1
$99.99
Carefresh Complete Pet Bedding, 60 L, Natural
• Amazon Business
$14.49
1
$14.49
SALICO Wooden Colorful 12 Ladders Parrot Swing Toys, 31.5" x4" Inch Bird Climb Crawling Bridge Budgie Toy Shelf Cage Bird Swings for Parakeets (12 Ladders)
• Amazon Business
$11.99
1
$11.99
Kaytee Perfect Chews for Rats (4 Pack)
• Amazon Business
$11.99
1
$11.99
Pixnor Rats Hamster Winter Warm Fleece Hanging Cage Hammock Cute Bear House with Bed Mat for Small Furry Animals
• Amazon Business
$8.99
1
$8.99
Kaytee Simple Sleeper Cozy Hammock
• Amazon Business
$8.75
1
$8.75
Lixit Nibble Food Bowl, Large
• Amazon Business
$6.32
1
$6.32
Lixit Corporation SLX0850 Aquarium/Cage Small Animal Water Bottle, 5-Ounce
• Amazon Business
$6.28
1
$6.28
Materials cost
$168.80
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$2.53
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$201.33
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$35.53
Total project goal
$236.86
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$236.86
7 Donors
-$236.86
Donations toward project cost
-$201.33
Donations 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. Kiffe and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
