Many educators and policy makers argue that science literacy and numeracy are vital skills for successfully participating in the economy of this century. But how do educators increase the levels of scientific literacy, let alone make science a subject for all students, when the subject matter itself has been keeping students away? In this article, the author describes a science unit which aimed to clean and protect a local creek. In this activity, the environmentalists introduced the students to a variety of tools and techniques, and the students designed and conducted their own investigations at different parts of Hagan Creek, which they ultimately reported on to the community during the annual open house event organized by the environmentalists. The Grade 7 students participating in this science unit learned science by contributing to a collectively motivated activity--environmentalism, concern for the environment, and stewardship. In so doing, they contributed to society as a whole. (Contains 5 notes.)