Class pet help?

[MarkieJ]

3. Has anyone here done something like this, and if so, could you offer any more tips? For example, what's the best way to make this an educational program? And should I have them assist with everything, including the feedings? TIA!

I teach Biology and Chemistry at the high school level and congratulate you on introducing students to the world of reptiles. In this day and age, kids rarely get the opportunity to experience the world of herps. I teach at my former high school and grew up in the area prior to much of it being developed. As a kid I remember searching under logs and around ponds for a variety of amphibs and reptiles, which helped develop my enjoyment of the natural world.

Here are some ideas you can use! Seek out a biology teacher at your school and acquire the standards being taught for the subject (or a quick search on the internet will yield them). Genetics is one of the standards and a large focus in Biology. You can have a display of color morphs and have students research and create a project on the genetics behind them. A poster board display with pictures, punnett squares, etc. would make a wonderful and interesting project. Certainly more captivating than the usual Mendel pea plant examples used in the text... Acquire some books on the snake you plan on displaying and have them available for the students to read and enjoy.

Definitely recruit some students to help in the upkeep of your snakes. I wouldn't make feeding a public display however if you feed live. I've had many a teenage student in tears when witnessing a feeding. If you feed thawed, then you should be okay.