On May 15, the ISDenver High School stage transformed into a buzzing audio studio as our founding 9th‑grade class debuted “Echoes of Colorado,” a live podcast performance that blended science, storytelling, and a dash of true‑crime drama.

Students traded lab coats for headphones and scripts, our young scientists stepped into the role of ecological investigators, unraveling some of Colorado’s most puzzling environmental “cold cases.” Families, faculty, staff, and peers filled the room, leaning in as each group revealed the biological culprits behind their mysteries: disrupted food webs, shifting temperatures, invasive species, and the delicate feedback loops that tie Colorado’s ecosystems together.

A Performance Rooted in Inquiry and Imagination

Each five‑minute episode showcased a different ecological mystery, from the disappearance of songbirds to the eerie transformation of once‑lush hillsides. Students wrote original scripts, conducted “expert witness” interviews, and performed live soundscapes that brought their investigations to life.

The result was a performance that felt equal parts science symposium, radio drama, and environmental call‑to‑action.

“In this summative, our students inhabited ecology. They asked hard questions, followed the evidence, and told stories that made the science unforgettable. Watching them bring these mysteries to life was a reminder of how powerful learning becomes when curiosity leads the way.”

- Aaron Siegel, Faculty Sponsor

Student Investigators Take the Lead

Students owned every aspect of their work. They researched real Colorado ecosystems, identified the scientific mechanisms at play, and crafted narratives that were both accurate and compelling. 

“It felt like we were giving Colorado a voice. These ecosystems can’t speak for themselves, so we tried to tell their stories in a way people would remember.” 

-ISDenver High School 9th Grader

Science Meets Performance

The stage was alive with creativity: rustling‑forest Foley effects, suspenseful narration, comedic timing, and even a few dramatic gasps from the audience. Each group brought its own style, some leaned into noir‑style detective work, others into investigative journalism, and one even incorporated a mock late‑night radio segment.

A Celebration of Learning, Curiosity, and Colorado

As the final episode wrapped and the applause filled the room, it was clear that “Echoes of Colorado” was more than a summative project. It was a celebration of student voice, interdisciplinary learning, and the unique landscapes that shape our community.

Families lingered afterward to congratulate the performers, sample snacks, and ask follow‑up questions about the ecological mysteries they’d just heard. Students beamed. Proud, relieved, and already imagining what their next big investigation might be.