Taco the Chameleon Joins 8th Grade Science Class

Introducing...Taco, the veiled chameleon, middle school science teacher Tiffany Smith's new class pet.

"Taco joined our class this year and has already become a favorite among students. He is not only fascinating to watch, but also gives our students a hands-on way to connect science to real life.

Taco is full of unique traits—he can move his eyes in two different directions at once, and his lightning-fast tongue can catch crickets quicker than a blink. Having him in the classroom sparks curiosity and excitement every day.

One of Taco’s most remarkable features is his ability to change colors. While many believe chameleons do this to camouflage, Taco mostly shifts colors to show how he is feeling or to regulate his body temperature.

Another fun fact is that Taco loves to climb — his strong grip and special feet help him hold tightly to branches (and sometimes to a student’s arm!)

Taco has quickly become a favorite in our classroom, and in one of the pictures you’ll see Evan Schichtel holding him like a pro.

Recently, Taco joined us during a fire drill!

Stay tuned throughout the year, I will provide "Taco Tuesday" updates along with exciting news from the labs and activities happening in our classroom." -Tiffany Smith