We’d start with triops, lovely little crustacean-ettes with compound eyes that have been around since Triassic days. These are Gigantic Triops, the biggest of the triops which are gigantic among lesser beasts. You get eggs, baby and adult food, and a pipette. You add a bright light source, bottled natural spring water and a small tank. They hatch in a day or three, are full grown in a month or so, and have a life-cycle of up to 90 days.  Ages 8+.