Fluffy, Spot and Buddy might have been good names for your childhood pet—but Project Gecko hopes fourth, fifth and sixth graders across the nation will come up with something a little more unusual when they get the once-in-a-lifetime chance to name a new species of gecko.

Project Gecko, presented by Zilla, a brand of Central Aquatics (Franklin, Wis.), challenges students to create a scientifically sound name for a newly discovered gecko. With support from the National Association of Reptile Breeders Conference (Orland Park, Ill.), Reptiles magazine (Irvine, Calif.), the Weekly Reader, Busch Gardens and the Museum of Life and Science (Durham, N.C.), Project Gecko consists of classroom-ready materials to help teachers educate students about the system for naming a new reptile species.

Students also will learn about a new species of gecko recently discovered on the island of New Caledonia.

“Education is one of the top missions at Zilla, and we are thrilled to offer students across the country the opportunity to learn about geckos in such a hands-on manner,” said Daniel Lorica, associate brand manager for Zilla. “Project Gecko will allow students the opportunity to experience how attainable and cool careers in science are.”

The grand prize winner will be selected from winning entries representing each grade level. Winners, along with their teachers and classrooms, will be announced April 1, 2008.

The grand prize student will receive a family vacation to Busch Gardens in Tampa, Fla., and a $1,000 savings bond. The winner’s teacher will receive a personal computer and a set of Tropical Fish Hobbyist reptile reference books.

All entries must be postmarked by Jan. 31, 2008, and received no later than Feb. 15, 2008. Entries can be sent to Project Gecko, c/o Howard, Merrell & Partners, 8521 Six Forks Road, Fourth Floor, Raleigh, NC 27615.