Aquatic Science students are getting more hands-on experience than they anticipated: the class is constructing a natural habitat to study.

The project, which began in September, includes a pond and a garden. The pond will provide a shelter for animals, while students will grow plants and vegetables  in the garden.

Any student can help build the habitat by signing up with science teacher Debbie Valdez.

Right now, the process is just in its beginning stages.

“We’re just digging out the trenches, we’re going to fill it, put some natural habitants [in it], stuff that we can leave out here, come back a month later and it still be alive,” senior Alex T. said.