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Project Goal

The goal of the Invertebrate and Herpetology Lab project is to enhance 6th grade students' engagement and understanding of Florida's native ecosystems by providing a dynamic learning environment that facilitates hands-on observation and exploration of invertebrates and reptiles. Through this lab, students will develop a deeper appreciation for biodiversity and ecological interactions, fostering critical thinking and scientific inquiry. By integrating this experiential learning opportunity into the curriculum, we aim to inspire students to become stewards of their environment and cultivate a lifelong interest in the sciences. These outcomes will be assessed with a pre and post assessment prior to the lab being set up and at the conclusion of the year.  

 

Category

Other -  

 

How Project Benefits Students

By incorporating living organisms into the classroom, we expect students to experience increased engagement and curiosity about the natural world and its processes.

Having living exhibits will allow students to observe real-world examples of the concepts and relationships covered in the curriculum. These observations will foster enhanced communication skills and provide a platform for practicing scientific inquiry. In small groups, students will have the opportunity to research and discuss their findings from the lab.

Interacting with living organisms will enable students to connect more deeply with ecosystems. The goal of the invertebrate and herpetology lab is to include both native and some invasive species, allowing students to engage directly with Florida’s native biodiversity and assess the challenges threatening it. This experience will empower students to become stewards of the environment and help them develop a greater appreciation for our ecosystems as they progress beyond 6th grade.

 

 

Expected Outcome(s)

I expect over a 80% increase in their scores from pre-test to post-test. The pre and post-tests will be an assessment of their understanding of various topics in our curriculum related to biology and ecology. It will also assess their perception and attitude towards animals and our environment.

An increase in participation and engagement during lessons. The addition of the herpetology and invertebrate lab will give the students the ability to take a break from textbooks and PowerPoints in exchange for hands-on and interactive lessons.

There will be an increase in understanding and retention of concepts taught. The ability for students to observe and manipulate the animals environments will assist them to see the interconnection between Earths processes and the biosphere (including humans).

The students will have an increased understanding of the importance of conservation in Florida. This is will serve them as they continue to learn scientific concepts through middle school and high school. Additionally, it will hopefully foster a love for the environment that grows into students becoming stewards of the environment.

Communication and collaboration will be enhanced as students work in teams to observe and draw connections. Students will learn how to gather data and present scientific ideas while working with the herpetology and invertebrate lab.
 

 

Detailed Cost Summary

Snake Enclosure:
Cork Bark- $30
Live plant- $30
Hide- $16
Water dish-$15
Basking light- $20
UVB light- $30
Light Dome-$35
Pinkie mice (price included in feeding)
Coconut fiber substrate- $28
Decorations-$20
Mister- $30

Chameleon:
Heat light- $20
UVB light- $30
Food Bowl- $15
Crickets (price included in feeding)
Coconut fiber substrate (price already included)
Moss- $25

Leopard Gecko:
Hides x2- $15
Heat mat- $20
Decorations- $20
Reptile mat- $20


Millipede:
Terrestrial microhabitat- $20
Water bowl- $15
Food dish- $15
Organic soil substrate- $20

Isopods:
Terrestrial micro habitat-$20
moss (price already included)
cork bark (price already included)
Organic soil substrate (price already included)

Jumping Spider:
Arboreal micro habitat- $20
Decorations- $20
crickets (price in feeding)

Eastern Hercules Beetle:
Beetle- $50
Feeding bowl- $15
Beetle jelly (price in feeding)
Organic soil substrate (price already included)
Heat mat- $20
Mister- $30

Tree Frogs:
Decorations: $20
Crickets (price in feeding)
Live plant (price already included)
UVB Light- $30
Light dome- $35

Turtles:
Enclosure- $80
Coconut fiber substrate (price already included)
Water bowl- $18
Food dish - $18
Decorations-$20
Live plant (price already included)
UVB- $30
Heat lamp-$20
Light Dome- $35
Worms (price in feeding)
Hides x2-$15
Mister- $30

Feeding:
1 year of Large crickets-$300
1 year of Small crickets-$200
Worms- $200
Beetle Jelly- $20
1 year of pinkie mice- $104
1 year of Reptile vitamins (reptivite and calcium)- $15 

 

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