Harris took the second-graders on a boat ride to show them the outflows of the storm drains, and the marshes of the Western Bays, but the ride was intended to be more than a sightseeing tour. “I want to see that the children walk away with a better understanding of actions have consequences, that street water and contamination that goes down storm drains affect not only the animals that inhabit the area,” explained Harris, “ but it affects us as well, in terms of us consuming seafood.” “We’re all in this together,” he added.

Matthew was ready to go forth and educate his peers about what he learned at SPLASH. “I keep telling my friend about it [pollution from storm drains] but he doesn’t care,” he said.

“Maybe if you keep telling him about it, he will care,” explained his teacher. “You guys are like student scientists; you’re the voice of these creatures and these animals that are going to get hurt if people don’t keep things clean."