Bringing Environmental Science to Life: Schnabel Engineers Visit Local Classroom

Ray Eldridge and Chadd Yeatts recently visited 2nd graders at Margaret Beeks Elementary School in Blacksburg, VA, to share how engineering and environmental science play a role in protecting aquatic ecosystems.

As part of their unit on animal migrations, the students got a glimpse into salmon spawning and learned how Schnabel Engineering helps support fish populations through the design of hatcheries and fish passages. The visit coincided with Ray’s trip to Virginia Tech for the annual Schnabel Lecture, making it a perfect opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world environmental solutions.

The students were full of curiosity and asked fantastic questions. One of the highlights? Stretching their arms wide to visualize the incredible 40-foot length of a whale shark—nature’s largest fish!

It was a fun, hands-on experience that connected engineering with environmental stewardship in a way that inspired young minds.