High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

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Course Code

BSC

Course Number

4310

Faculty/Instructor

Dr. Linda Walters

Faculty/Instructor Email

linda.walters@ucf.edu

About the Author

Link to video: https://youtu.be/yeDsL5pSZ1c

We are deeply committed to marine conservation, which made the opportunity to collaborate with Ms. Snow and Wedgefield School especially meaningful. Entering the classroom environment was both a new and rewarding experience, allowing us to share our passion with students while strengthening our professional skills. This experience not only provided valuable insight into our career paths, but also opened the door for Abby to explore education as a future avenue and reinforced Andie’s enduring love for marine conservation. We are grateful for the chance to inspire young learners while continuing to grow in our own professional journeys. Thank you Ms.Snow and Wedgefield School, we are so grateful to have worked with you!

Abstract, Summary, or Creative Statement

The Arctic is one of the most fragile ecosystems on Earth, and protecting it is vital for our planet’s future. For our service‑learning project, we partnered with Ms. Snow and Wedgefield Elementary to engage her first‑grade classroom in learning about Arctic animals and their adaptations. We introduced a variety of species, highlighting unique adaptations, and reinforced this knowledge through a craft activity where students created walrus masks to take home. Beyond animal adaptations, we discussed habitat fragmentation and encouraged students to take action against environmental threats by planting trees, recycling, and staying informed. Our goal was to spark environmental awareness and help children understand the importance of protecting the Arctic ecosystem. This project aligned with our class theme of conservation and demonstrated how early engagement can inspire future stewardship. Witnessing the students’ excitement reminded us of the power of making science fun and accessible, while also shaping our own career aspirations.

Keywords

Arctic; Marine Conservation; Marine Restoration; Education; Stewardship; Environment

Saving the Arctic: Learning Through Animals and Art


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