Coming into a new school as a first-year teacher, I quickly discovered the challenges that my students have been through over the past few years. Between past teachers leaving mid-year, working through a multitude of issues at home, and being split up and moved around to different classrooms randomly in the past. It is safe to say they have not had a consistent environment where they can safely challenge and push themselves in the classroom. I am hoping that with my determination and their drive to succeed, we will be able to rewrite their stories.
Curious, adventurous, and excited to learn new things; my students are ready to do what it takes in order to receive a quality education.
It is very apparent that every student in my room loves learning and they want to challenge themselves, however, they are nervous about the unknown. By bringing a Ball Python into the classroom, I am hoping to encourage them to toss out their insecurities and be willing to explore what they are unsure of.
My Project
Snakes come with a stigma. Many students are terrified at the thought of sharing a room with a slithering serpent. However, over time, they will see what all snakes have to teach us. The terrarium chosen for this project is equipped with easy access doors that will allow my students to interact with their serpent with ease. In addition to the terrarium, I have also selected different heating elements that can help maintain a consistent temperature gradient enclosure. Many of these tools are specifically made to easily be used on a daily basis so you are well aware of the status of your snake’s environment. Because of the heating elements chosen, students will be able to use them to study heat and humidity transfers and how they affect the environment of the enclosure. The bedding and temperature monitors chosen can help students evaluate the needs of reptiles in the wild and how their natural environments support their lives. All of the materials needed for this project will ensure that our class has a happy and healthy Ball Python!
Students may come into the room uncomfortable with the idea but with repeated exposure in a controlled environment, that fear turns into comfort and comfort soon becomes curiosity.
Seeing a student interact with a snake for the first time is what teaching is all about. Timid, stiff, and shaky at first when it is first placed in their hand. Then, as the snake calmly moves around and they realize that they're holding a snake, they fight the urge to smile and stand a little taller.
Exo Terra Short All Glass Terrarium, 24 by 18 by 12-Inch
• Amazon Business
$143.99
1
$143.99
Reptichip Premium Coconut Substrate 72 quarts (2.5 cu ft) of organic reptile substrate the perfect reptile bedding for ball pythons and this coconut bedding is perfect for amphibians!
• Amazon Business
$25.95
1
$25.95
Reptile Prime Coconut Fiber Bedding Substrate for reptiles, amphibians, or invertebrates
• Amazon Business
$20.99
1
$20.99
Century Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller for Seed Germination, Reptiles and Brewing, 40-108°F
• Amazon Business
$18.29
1
$18.29
Zoo Med ReptiTherm Under Tank Heater, Small
• Amazon Business
$15.15
1
$15.15
ANGGO IR Infrared Non-contact Digital Temperature Gun Thermometer with Laser for Precisely Aiming, Bright LCD Display with LED Backlight (-58 °F to 716°F)
• Amazon Business
$13.99
1
$13.99
Exo Terra Reptile Cave (Medium) NEW STYLE
• Amazon Business
$13.95
1
$13.95
Exo Terra Primate Skull Terrarium D
• Amazon Business
$12.12
1
$12.12
Zoo Med Economy Analog Dual Thermometer and Humidity Gauge
• Amazon Business
$9.33
1
$9.33
Exo Terra Feeding Dish, Small
• Amazon Business
$7.05
1
$7.05
Materials cost
$280.81
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$4.21
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$315.02
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$55.59
Total project goal
$370.61
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$370.61
4 Donors
-$158.76
Donations toward project cost
-$147.51
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$11.25
match offer
-$197.07
Match offer toward project cost
-$167.51
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 Ms. McNew and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
