No, no, not you. We’re talking about those sometimes furry, sometimes feathered, class pets of yours. Like this guy (below).

National Geographic and PetSmart have created a line of specialty pet products where the net proceeds will support conservation of animals and their natural habitats. Here in Education, we’ve created an opportunity to make your class pet shine: tell us how they help you teach, or would help you teach if you had one… and you’ll receive a coupon code for National Geographic products to enhance your class pet’s mini habitat, or finally bring that dream critter to your classroom – all while helping wildlife.

Coupon perks aside, we’ll also be sharing the best stories, pictures, and video snippets we hear from you on Facebook. Get your class involved, and see if your story takes the cake!

We each have a tail, or tale rather… But this one from a fellow staffer tops my own:

When I was in 5th grade, our class had Madagascar hissing cockroaches. Three to be exact. They were giant and gross and they would hiss when irritated. During free time, we used to be able to take them out of their little carrier and hold them. The boys liked to do this, the girls did not. Actually, what the boys really liked to do is to put the cockroaches on the girls and they would get stuck in our hair. . . and they would hiss, of course, when they got stuck. I remember learning that if you cut their heads off they will live for 10 days (biology fact – we, I should say the girls, didn’t try this ourselves). I believe we also learned where Madagascar was by finding out more about them; Mr. Cornell was one of my favorite teachers.”

You see, these class creatures hold the power to bring nature inside and to create formidable memories that shape our learning! Sam went on to study geography and is passionately working to engage schoolchildren with opportunities here at National Geographic. Experiences with animals, particularly in a learning environment, can pique curiosity and foster respect for the creepy, crawly, and cute for life.

Looking forward to your stories! Join in on Facebook.