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This year my AIG and Enrichment student scientists, conservationists, engineers, designers, and storytellers were working to protect North Carolina waterways and the eastern hellbender. Through research, habitat studies, game design, and community outreach, we explored how healthy rivers protect both wildlife and people while using creativity and innovation to make a real-world impact.
Public Awareness
Student hellbender conservation projects were proudly showcased during the annual Transylvania County STEAM Night. Their original board games, environmental awareness stickers, and conservation projects were on display to families, students, educators, and community members. Through interactive displays and hands-on learning, the importance of protecting clean water, healthy river habitats, and the eastern hellbender was shared while demonstrating creativity, collaboration, STEAM learning, and community outreach.
My 4th grade students became conservation artists and designers by creating original eastern hellbender awareness stickers. Using creativity, research, and environmental science, students designed stickers that teach others about protecting hellbender habitats, keeping rivers clean, and caring for the water that supports both wildlife and people.
My 4th grade students became conservation artists and designers by creating original eastern hellbender awareness stickers. Using creativity, research, and environmental science, students designed stickers that teach others about protecting hellbender habitats, keeping rivers clean, and caring for the water that supports both wildlife and people.
My 5th grade AIG and Enrichment students became game designers, engineers, and conservation advocates as they created original hellbender-themed games. Using research, strategy, creativity, and collaboration, students designed interactive experiences that teach players about clean water, river habitats, and the importance of protecting the eastern hellbender and North Carolina waterways. Our student-designed game prototypes have been sent to production to be transformed into professionally manufactured board games.
My 5th grade AIG and Enrichment students became game designers, engineers, and conservation advocates as they created original hellbender-themed games. Using research, strategy, creativity, and collaboration, students designed interactive experiences that teach players about clean water, river habitats, and the importance of protecting the eastern hellbender and North Carolina waterways. Our student-designed game prototypes have been sent to production to be transformed into professionally manufactured board games.
Check back to see the final products...
Check back to see the final products...
Board Game Box Cover
Board Game Box Cover
Game Board
Game Board
One group of students designed River Rescue, a Candy Land-style board game seen above, that teaches players about river ecosystems, pollution prevention, and protecting the eastern hellbender. As players travel through the river kingdom, they encounter real environmental challenges such as pollution, erosion, habitat loss, and caring for clean water. Through creativity, storytelling, and game design, students transformed environmental science concepts into an interactive learning experience that helps teach conservation in a fun and engaging way.
One group of students designed River Rescue, a Candy Land-style board game seen above, that teaches players about river ecosystems, pollution prevention, and protecting the eastern hellbender. As players travel through the river kingdom, they encounter real environmental challenges such as pollution, erosion, habitat loss, and caring for clean water. Through creativity, storytelling, and game design, students transformed environmental science concepts into an interactive learning experience that helps teach conservation in a fun and engaging way.
Inspired by the classic game Clue, the second group of students created an original environmental mystery game, seen above, centered around the eastern hellbender and river conservation. Players investigate clues, explore river locations, and solve challenges connected to pollution, habitat loss, and protecting local waterways. Through research and game design, students combined creativity, strategy, and environmental science to bring their conservation mission to life.
Inspired by the classic game Clue, the second group of students created an original environmental mystery game, seen above, centered around the eastern hellbender and river conservation. Players investigate clues, explore river locations, and solve challenges connected to pollution, habitat loss, and protecting local waterways. Through research and game design, students combined creativity, strategy, and environmental science to bring their conservation mission to life.
Making an Impact
This year’s 5th grade AIG and Enrichment students helped create the idea for the Tiger Tributary: Streamside Learning Lab, a student-led conservation project designed to transform a section of our campus stream into a hands-on outdoor learning space. The project connects directly to our conservation work and gives students opportunities to participate in authentic environmental research, water quality monitoring, habitat restoration, and conservation outreach.
This year’s 5th grade AIG and Enrichment students helped create the idea for the Tiger Tributary: Streamside Learning Lab, a student-led conservation project designed to transform a section of our campus stream into a hands-on outdoor learning space. The project connects directly to our conservation work and gives students opportunities to participate in authentic environmental research, water quality monitoring, habitat restoration, and conservation outreach.
This project later received grant funding through the Transylvania County Schools Educational Foundation Creative Classroom Grants program which we would like to thank for their support. Next year’s 5th grade students will help construct the Tiger Tributary as a hands-on outdoor learning environment for RES students to use for science, conservation, STEM, and environmental learning.
This project later received grant funding through the Transylvania County Schools Educational Foundation Creative Classroom Grants program which we would like to thank for their support. Next year’s 5th grade students will help construct the Tiger Tributary as a hands-on outdoor learning environment for RES students to use for science, conservation, STEM, and environmental learning.
Updates on the Tiger Tributary will be coming next year...
Updates on the Tiger Tributary will be coming next year...
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