Submitted by Jane Hayes
Bowen Elementary School was buzzing with excitement on April 22, 2026, as students from grades 1-4 participated in Earth Day activities. The Red River Gorge Discovery Zone (RRGDZ) transformed the school gym into a vibrant, hands-on learning hub where science, creativity, and curiosity collided.
The all-volunteer RRGDZ team with its signature pop-up experiences centered-on conservation, local history, and the natural wonders of the Red River Gorge delivered a morning packed with engaging STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities centered on this year’s Earth Day theme: Our Power, Our Planet.
A total of 132 students and eight adult volunteers participated in the event, rotating through five interactive stations set up across the gym. The day kicked off with an energetic introduction from Jason Vaughn (UK Extension) who shared fun and surprising facts about Earth Day, reminding students that the global celebration began back in 1970—more than five decades ago.
From there, the real adventure began.
Jason Vaughn of the University of Kentucky Extension led an eye-opening lesson at Station 1 on oil pollution and its impact on the environment. Students got hands-on experience tackling a simulated oil spill, using common household items to understand just how difficult cleanup can be. Dish detergent helped break up the “oil,” pipe cleaners were used to mimic containment barriers, and paper towels acted as sponges to absorb the mess. The activity gave students a powerful, real-world glimpse into the challenges of protecting waterways from pollution.
At Station 2, Suzy Brown from the Powell County Public Library captured students’ imaginations with an engaging Earth Day reading session. Surrounded by a colorful display of books, students listened intently to a story brought to life through vivid illustrations. The session wrapped up with a lively round of Earth Day riddles that had kids laughing, thinking, and eagerly raising their hands to participate.
Judy Dourson, retired educator, led the activities at Station 3 where younger students in grades 1 and 2 stepped into the role of scientists during an interactive greenhouse gas demonstration. Using blankets to represent Earth’s atmosphere, they learned how gases like carbon dioxide and methane trap heat. As more “layers” were added, students quickly saw how too many greenhouse gases can lead to rising temperatures. The activity sparked thoughtful discussion, with students brainstorming simple ways they can help protect the planet.
Older students in grades 3 and 4 rolled up their sleeves for a real-world challenge: a classroom trash audit. After collecting waste for two days, students sorted and analyzed their trash, developing creative ideas for reducing, reusing, and recycling. The exercise turned everyday garbage into a powerful lesson about environmental responsibility.
At Station 4, students became “pollination experts” thanks to a hands-on experiment led by Sandy Hall (retired educator) and Jane Hayes (retired University of Kentucky professor). After learning about the critical role of pollinators, students formed hypotheses, built model bees, and used colorful “pollen” to simulate the process of pollination. The activity blended science and fun, giving students a deeper appreciation for the tiny creatures that help plants—and people—thrive.
Wildlife expert Dan Dourson brought an extra dose of excitement at Station 5 with his “Meet a Reptile” presentation, featuring live animals provided by the Kentucky Reptile Zoo. Students were fascinated to learn about reptiles from around the world, as well as those found closer to home. Dourson emphasized the important role these creatures play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem—particularly in controlling rodent populations and reducing the spread of disease.
The Discovery Zone is made possible through generous funding from TC Energy, the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, and the Powell County Tourism Commission, along with support from Community Partners of Powell County and Powell County Tourism. The program also benefits from the dedication of numerous volunteers and contributors who donate time, materials, and expertise. Organizations/individuals who donated or loaned items to assist the Discovery Zone in the 2026 season include Sandy Hall, Judy Dourson, Jason Vaughn, Maria Reed, David Davis, and Josh Davis.
The inspiration behind the Discovery Zone traces back to Father Al Fritsch, whose lifelong commitment to science education and environmental stewardship continues to shape the program’s mission.
With energy still high and curiosity sparked, students left the event not only with smiles, but with a renewed sense of responsibility for the world around them—and a schedule of upcoming Discovery Zone events to look forward to.
Check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/rrgdiscoveryzone/ and our website at rrgdiscoveryzone.com. Join us at our next event on May 8th at Old Engine at the Red River Museum in Clay City!
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