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Centered around sustainability, our Conservation Challenge: Rethink Your Rubbish experience is a project-based learning program that helps students explore human impacts on wildlife around the globe and how people are making a difference. Middle school students begin the program with a project launch field trip to Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA), where they meet animals facing conservation issues, learn about a related sustainability practice, and hear stories of success that reinforce conservation optimism.
In following weeks, Conservation Learning staff visit the schools to help students conduct a waste audit, and lead discussion to inspire student-led action projects in their own communities. Teachers guide their students in project work using the program’s educator guide and are invited back to the Zoo in May to participate in the Student Conservation Showcase.
We were so impressed by the student presentations shared at our 2025 showcase, and we are proud to welcome some of these students as guest writers, sharing their experience as young conservationists.
Battery Saver Project
Reflection 1 Written By: Evelynne Gant and Christa McAuliffe
School: STEM Academy
“Our Battery Saver Project aimed to reduce the unnecessary use and disposal of batteries. When batteries are thrown away improperly, they can leak harmful chemicals or even explode, contaminating water and soil that animals and plants rely on. This pollution can harm wildlife and ecosystems, and eventually affect humans who consume those animals or plants. Through this project, we learned how important it is to dispose of used batteries responsibly—especially in a world where batteries are everywhere. We built our own collection boxes to encourage proper disposal and prevent environmental harm. This hands-on experience helped us understand the environmental impact of battery waste, while also improving our problem-solving and teamwork skills.
The Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) inspired us by showing how conservation begins with education and action. Their work protecting animals and ecosystems made us think more deeply about how even small changes—like proper battery disposal—can help the planet. Just as DZCA uses technology and awareness to support wildlife, our project represents a small but meaningful step toward protecting natural resources and promoting sustainability.”
Battery Saver Project
Reflection 2 Written By: Zoey Mahoney and Christa McAuliffe
School: STEM Academy
“This year, our 8th grade class took part in a schoolwide project to help protect animals and the environment by collecting and recycling used batteries. As a group, we collected over 2,700 batteries! This is really important because when batteries are thrown away, the toxic chemicals inside can leak into the water. Animals then drink that polluted water, which can make them very sick or even kill them. To help stop this from happening, we gave the batteries to a recycling company that knows how to safely get rid of them. By doing this, we possibly helped save many animals from being poisoned. Our school decided to do this project because we learned how dangerous batteries can be to wildlife.
I hope our project makes a difference and inspires more people to recycle their batteries. I also hope that future 8th grade classes at our school keep this project going. I personally learned a lot—like how batteries can explode, cause fires, and poison animals if they aren’t disposed of properly. It made me think about all kinds of animals, even pets we love like dogs, cats, birds, turtles, and fish. They can all be affected. Some signs that animals have been poisoned by battery chemicals include drooling, mouth pain, vomiting, burns in the mouth, trouble swallowing, and even fever. It’s scary to think this can happen just from batteries being in the trash.
Thank you to the Denver Zoo for letting us visit and share our project. It felt amazing to do something that could help animals everywhere.”
An Agrivoltaic Garden
Written By: Evelynn Chalupa, Olivia Whitney, and Jill Somershoe
School: Ken Caryl Middle School
“Our project began with a big goal: to reduce the emissions it takes to get food to our school and power its operations. The potential impact was clear—less air pollution for our community and healthier food options for all students.
Turning this vision into reality took serious effort. We spent months researching sustainable food sourcing, energy use, and emissions reduction. We carefully planned each phase and identified local and regional partners. The biggest challenge, however, was financial. The total cost was estimated at several hundred thousand dollars—far more than our school could afford on its own.
Despite the obstacles, we stayed committed. Each setback taught us valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and clear communication. We also gained leadership skills and a stronger connection to our environment and community.
Our biggest inspiration came during a visit to the Denver Zoo, where we learned about the Rethink Your Rubbish program. Seeing the creative and impactful projects led by other students with support from DZCA opened our eyes to what was possible. Their staff’s expertise and encouragement gave us the confidence to dream big and act boldly.
With their support, we believe our project will have a lasting impact—not only by reducing emissions but by showing how students can create real change when they work together to solve meaningful problems in their communities.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
From battery recycling to agrivoltaic farming, these student-led projects show what’s possible when young people are empowered to take action for wildlife and the environment. Through hands-on learning, real-world problem solving, and the support of DZCA staff and their teachers, students are not only deepening their understanding of sustainability—they’re becoming leaders in it. By starting with the change makers of today, programs like our Conservation Challenge bring our mission to life by Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.
