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JACKSONVILLE, N.C. -- Justin Bautista and his classmates are getting a lesson in biology and water quality.

"In Sturgeon City they use oysters to filter the polluted water because they're filter feeders. They eat all of the pollution and then they spit out clean water," said Bautista.

More than 160 sixth graders from New Bridge Middle School visited the Sturgeon City Environmental Education Center.

They got their hands dirty to learn more about concepts they've covered in class.

"We talked about this in science at New Bridge and it was neat to know more about it," said student Cale Quintero.

Students said this active approach to learning is more fun than being in a classroom.

"You get to interact more than just sitting down and watching the teacher,” said Quintero.

Educators at Sturgeon City say this type of learning really works.

"We try to do as much hands on as possible so we're trying to instill in these children a love for the environment and open their eyes to possible career paths and scientific interests," said Rebecca Honeycutt, Sturgeon City Program Coordinator.

"When I go to college I'm going to be a doctor because I think that profession is really going to help the world," said Bautista.