Recommended science kits and supplies: classroom animals

There are few things that captivate young students more than animals in the classroom--especially if they can watch those animals metamorphose into adults. The animals below are listed from (in my opinion) easiest to keep long-term to those that require more commitment:

Butterflies
Butterfly kit: Your students can watch butterflies metamorphose from larvae to butterflies! Best of all, it comes with 30 larvae so each student can have his or her own. You can purchase extras if you have a larger class, as well as "refill" the kits with larvae next year.

Hermit crabs

Hermit crabs are super easy to keep. They're low-maintenance and amusing. Our recommended supplier has a number of options for you:

Hermit crabs and food

Hermit crab cove:
Hermit Crab Cove is a sandy beach environment where you can watch your pet Hermit Crabs play all day! Hermit Crab Cove is designed to keep 2 hermit crabs (no bigger than 3" each).Crab Cover Habitat is a wonderful way to teach children the responsibilities and fun of owning a pet. Have fun learning about hermit crabs as you create their habitat and take care of them. Did you know that hermit crabs need to take a bath once a week? Did you know that exercising your hermit crabs in a great way to "bond" with them?

Hermit Crab Kit

Extra shells for hermit crabs

Tarantulas
Tarantula and habitat kit:
While these spiders are not significantly poisonous to man, they are fascinating specimens because of their predatory skills. These docile but solitary creatures can survive on a diet of crickets and must be housed separately (otherwise they will attack and eat each other).
Includes 2.5-gallon plastic aquarium with lid, substrate, piece of wood (for climbing), water dish and complete instructions. (Please note: Tarantulas require live food. We recommend using Crickets (67033-12).)

Reptiles and amphibians:
Turtles: Demonstrate the bone structure evolution that led to the development of land creatures. The physiology and anatomy of these hardy turtles allows you to teach about long-term physical changes in animals.
Includes: care and feeding instructions.

Planet Frog kit:
Appropriate for Grades K+

Students will leap with joy as they witness the magical transformation of live tadpoles into lively frogs - and it all happens on Planet Frog!

This live frog habitat is a break resistant, escape proof rain forest environment complete with a pond, plastic plants, and "rock" cavern for shelter. Send in the mail-in order form included with the kit and soon you will receive, through the mail, live Leopard frog (Rana pipien) tadpoles.

These 100% Earth-friendly tadpoles are not taken from the wild, but are captivity-breed. The vented, see-through lid that encases the habitat provides safe, unobstructed viewing, allowing children to watch as the tadpoles turn into frogs, swim in their own pond, and explore their world. A built-in magnifier provides a closer look at your new amphibian class mascot and doubles as a feeding cap.

Garter snakes:
Non-poisonous and non-aggressive, these garter snakes (Thamnophis sp.) are an interesting addition to your terrarium, and can be used to dispel students’ misconceptions about snakes. Snakes like to eat live fish or pieces of earthworm. Includes complete care and feeding instructions.

American chameleons: Watch these fascinating specimens change color in response to mood and temperature changes. These Anolis carolinensis (which are actually anoles–members of the iguana family–and not true chameleons) are easy to keep in a terrarium. These reptiles enjoy eating crickets or mealworms. Includes complete care and feeding instructions.

Yellow-striped plated lizard: Gerrhosaurus flavigularis. These docile lizards make ideal classroom inhabitants. Native to Africa, they can grow up to 12″ or larger. Care instructions are included. Size: 8–10".

Birds

Incubator and chicken eggs: A classic elementary-school class project. Please be sure to make plans for the care of the mature chickens. It's easy to keep hens in a hutch and coop in the backyard, but roosters need to live someplace where they can crow (i.e., not in most suburban or urban environments).

Ducks:
We usually ship Pekin Duck eggs. This duck is the most common white duck and is found throughout the United States. The eggs will fit in most incubators and hatch in approximately 28 days and the ducklings are very hardy and grow quickly. Package of 12.
Note: Be sure you have plans to find homes for these ducks! You can read about keeping and caring for ducks here and here.

Automatic incubator and supplies: You'll need to get an incubator to hatch your chicken or duck eggs. This is a very affordable one.

What animals have you raised that would be appropriate for classroom use? Leave your recommendations in the forum.