Classroom Turtle Habitat

My wife is a Special Education Pre School Teacher here in Southern Indiana. She asked if I would build her a turtle habitat for her room, just had to have it. And so I did, like a good little husband.

Its built like a battleship, so little ones can’t get hurt, safety is a big concern in this project for kids and the turtle. I used 3/4” Birch plywood using my Kreg Jig for assembly . I laminated the bottomed and each side with vinyl flooring to make it easy to clean. I laminated the outside with 1/4” Ash and Mahogany to enhance the appearance. The glass is 1/4” hardened shatter proof so inquisitive children could see in safely. The box on top has three different lights that warm the turtle and make him/her think its summer time, so he/she stays active. That was a project in its self. The box and the screen panels lift out when necessary. The panels allow air flow and easy access. The loft and cave area underneath gives the turtle the ability to burry him/ her self or climb around. It took awhile but it turned out nice, problem is, it takes four strong men and a boy to lift it let alone move it. The kids love it though, not so sure about the turtle.

Thanks for your time, Take Care, Joe

-- CurleyJoe, "You only learn from your mistakes"