The terrapin is one of only a few wild animals that can be safely kept in classrooms and in family homes for a short time while the hatchlings grow; however, safety precautions must be followed.

Currently, there are no proactive instructional materials or strategies for promoting adequate sanitary precautions to protect student health from bacterial infections in the classroom. The Terrapin Station project will introduce these concepts and reinforce proper hygiene. As standard procedure, all aquariums in the classroom will be locked. Animals will be handled only under direct supervision of a teacher or adult aide. If the teacher prefers that the students not handle the animals, visual observations will be recorded by students. Children will not be allowed to handle turtles without gloves and without direct adult supervision. (PARC Vets to supply specific safety information.)