Feeding Curiosity: Caring for Science, Caring for Life

To enhance elementary science education by providing students in grades 1–5 with ongoing, hands-on experiences observing and caring for a healthy classroom bearded dragon. Through daily interactions with a living organism, students will deepen their understanding of life science concepts while developing curiosity, responsibility, compassion, and respect for the natural world.

Serving as a vital cornerstone of our elementary science curriculum, our classroom bearded dragon provides students in grades 1–5 with daily opportunities for active observation and meaningful interaction with a living organism. Throughout the school year, students use this classroom ambassador to explore life science concepts such as habitats, animal characteristics, adaptations, life cycles, nutrition, and responsible animal care. Students observe the bearded dragon's behaviors, discuss its nutritional and environmental needs, record scientific observations, compare adaptations to those of other animals, and make real-world connections to the life science concepts they are learning in class. These authentic experiences strengthen inquiry skills, encourage critical thinking, and help students better understand the importance of caring for living organisms. Grant funding will be used exclusively to provide the nutritional needs of our classroom bearded dragon throughout the school year, including high-quality feeder insects, fresh vegetables and greens, calcium and vitamin supplements, and occasional enrichment treats that support its overall health and well-being. Maintaining a healthy classroom animal ensures students continue to benefit from this engaging, hands-on instructional resource every day.

Approximately 120 students in grades 1–5 will benefit from daily interactions with a healthy classroom animal. These experiences reinforce Florida science standards related to organisms, adaptations, ecosystems, and life processes while encouraging responsibility, compassion, and respect for living things. Observing a living animal in the classroom transforms science from something students read about into something they experience firsthand. The bearded dragon serves as an engaging instructional resource that inspires inquiry, scientific observation, meaningful discussion, and memorable hands-on learning experiences that foster a lifelong appreciation for science and nature.

To maintain the health of our classroom bearded dragon over the school year, the requested grant funding of $475 will be used to supply all essential food and dietary supplements. -Live feeder insects ($250): Includes dubia roaches, mealworms, and superworms to deliver a reliable source of protein necessary for growth and vitality. -Fresh greens and vegetables ($150): Sustains a well-balanced diet through a daily selection of wholesome, nutrient-rich vegetables. -Vitamin and calcium supplements ($25): Prevent nutritional deficiencies to secure healthy bone structure and promote total wellness. -Special enrichment treats ($50): Features occasional hornworms and silkworms to add dietary diversity, boost hydration, and stimulate natural foraging behaviors. Total Funding Requested: $475 Ensuring a reliable food supply keeps our classroom pet thriving as an active educational asset for roughly 120 students across grades 1–5. A healthy animal allows students to participate in hands-on life science exploration and direct observations, while instilling lifelong values of curiosity, empathy, duty, and respect for nature.

475

Live feeder insects (dubia roaches, mealworms, superworms)

250

Fresh vegetables and greens throughout the school year

150

Calcium and vitamin supplements

25

Occasional hornworms, silkworms, and enrichment treats

50