– Rachel Bules, Co-Editor September 17, 2013
When most people think of a classroom pet hamsters, turtles, and lizards may come to mind. Northview just revolutionized the expectations of a fun classroom pet by welcoming a pair of particularly unique animals to the zoology classroom: African Pygmy hedgehogs.
The two-month old hedgehogs, named Sugar and Spice, now reside in zoology teacher Jennifer Wadas’s classroom. Mrs. Wadas wanted the hedgehogs to use as an educational tool in her classroom, and she had to do a lot of work to get them.
She contacted a reputable breeder, went to take a class to learn how to care for them, and then observed several of them before picking two that would be suitable together.
The hedgehogs will be used in many ways in the zoology classroom, according to Mrs. Wadas. The students monitor the weights of the hedgehogs and can choose ways to train them. For example, since Sugar and Spice are naturally nocturnal, the students are trying to train them to be awake during ninth period zoology class.
They are also being trained to eat food out of people’s hands. Students handle them at least two times a day, which helps the hedgehogs learn not to shy away from people.
“Their favorite treats to eat are bananas,” Mrs. Wadas said.
The students are responsible for videotaping and photographing the hedgehogs as well.
“It’s a great hands-on experience. It’s way better than learning from textbooks. I look forward to this class all day,” junior Brianna McGlone said.
The hedgehogs are also being trained to become comfortable with young children. iMedia teacher Tami Blue and her son, three-year old Jax, come down to play with Sugar and Spice once a week.
“Jax was really excited to play with the hedgehogs. He even wanted to take one home with him,” Mrs. Blue said.
The students love to play with the hedgehogs as well. They each have their own big plastic ball to roll around in the classroom. Also, the students are allowed to handle them during class, as long as they continue to pay attention, according to Mrs. Wadas.
The hedgehogs are becoming more and more comfortable with the students everyday.
“This is a great class to have ninth period, because when they poop and pee on me, I can go right home and change. When they poop and pee on you, it means they like you,” senior Nate Powazki said.
The Student Prints 