Seas the Change: Lending Denver a Helping Hand

As part of the first year of SEAS the Summer, an estimated 55 students at Springer School and Center worked together to create Seas the Change: Lending Denver a Helping Hand. This replica sculpture of the beloved Denver the sea turtle took 20 hours to construct. It was made from more than 150 pounds of recycled materials donated by the Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub and collected by students and their families.

This project began through a special partnership between Springer School and Center and Newport Aquarium. Springer School and Center serves students with learning differences like dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and challenges with executive functioning. Students are imaginative thinkers, creative problem-solvers, skilled collaborators, and gifted artists. Those strengths are visible in every part of this sculpture. Not only were they able to create art for a real community space and see their work become part of the aquarium experience, but they also looked at recycled materials and imagined something entirely new.

They experimented with shape, texture, color, and design. Along the way, they also practiced important executive functioning skills, including planning, organization, flexible thinking, working memory, time management, and perseverance. They made plans, worked through challenges, and kept going when the creative process became difficult. They listened to one another, shared ideas, and divided responsibilities. They encouraged their classmates and worked together toward a common goal. Together, their creativity brought Denver to life.

Thank you to Springer School and Center, the students, and the Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub for creating this incredible sculpture to bring awareness to ocean plastic pollution.

"My favorite part of this project is the collaboration and how everyone has helped. This turtle has touched multiple ages and grades."

Katherine (High School)

"The coolest thing about this project is the creativity and vision we’ve had together to bring the turtle to life using trash... everyone has worked together.”

Orion (third from right, Lower School)

How can you Lend a Helping Hand?

Did you know scientists estimate by about 26 billion pounds of plastic enters our ocean each year? If this continues, by 2050, ocean plastic will outweigh all the ocean’s fish. There are many ways you can help reduce plastic pollution and create a cleaner, safer environment on your next visit to the aquarium.

Reduce your use of single use plastic such as straws, take out containers, water bottles, and plastic utensils. Use reuseable or compostable versions of shopping bags, water bottles,

Recycle properly. By recycling, you reduce the amount the “new” plastic in circulation. Check out the Cincinnati Recycling and Reduce Hub on how you can recycle various everyday materials such as technology, heavy plastics, and more.

Avoid synthetic clothing or fast fashion. Did you know that micro plastics are releasing microplastics with every wash? Try wearing clothes made of natural fibers when you can.