Ninth-grade biology students engaged in a long-term study of our campus snowmaking pond, measuring turbidity, temperature profiles, dissolved oxygen, phosphorus, plankton, and depth. With an afternoon of canoeing and soaking up fall’s lingering summer sun, students experienced hands-on, experiential learning as they collected data and observed nature up close, applying classroom concepts directly to the field. By analyzing these factors, they gain insight into the health and stability of aquatic ecosystems, observing how each element affects water quality and biodiversity. This year’s data will serve as a foundational baseline, enabling future classes to monitor and understand the pond’s evolving ecosystem over time, fostering a commitment to continuous learning and environmental stewardship. Through this project, students are also building scientific skills in data collection, hypothesis testing, and analysis—fundamental tools for environmental research.