Perspective | Northeast Elementary students gain hands-on science experience at Nutrien’s Aurora phosphate mine
Kenan Fellow Kim Smith turned 120 hours with Nutrien into a field lab day for 81 Northeast Elementary School students
Eighty-one fourth- and fifth-grade students from Northeast Elementary School spent Oct. 14 at Nutrien’s phosphate mining operation in Aurora. They tested water and soil, recorded data in field logbooks, and watched the mine’s draglines at work.
“I am incredibly grateful to Nutrien for opening its door to our students and investing their time, knowledge, and resources in the next generation,” said Kenan Fellow Kim Smith.
The Nutrien Field Lab Day grew out of a summer industry immersion through the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership at NC State University. Smith, a fifth grade teacher, spent 120 hours with Nutrien as a 2026-27 Kenan Fellow, learning about water quality testing, environmental monitoring, and the reclamation of mined land.
“I knew my students would not fully grasp everything I learned this summer by seeing pictures and videos,” Smith stated. “I knew I had to take them to Nutrien.”
At the site, Nutrien employees led students through hands-on stations on environmental monitoring, water quality, and land reclamation. Students logged their findings at each stop, toured the active mine, and ate lunch with the employees who hosted them. A fossil station gave students a look at the area’s prehistoric past, including a megalodon tooth.
The stations tied directly to what Smith’s students are learning in class about water, soil, ecosystems, and how people use and affect Earth’s resources.
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“I felt it was important for them to see that science is happening all around them, that there are opportunities in our own community, and that they have the potential to be part of something bigger than themselves,” Smith said.
The mine itself was a highlight for many students. Fifth grader Chloe said her favorite part was watching the draglines — the giant excavators that dig at the site.
For others, the trip brought their classroom lessons to life. “I loved being able to talk to the Nutrien employees and seeing all the things Mrs. Smith has been telling us about!” said fifth grader Skylar.
The fossil station, run by the Aurora Fossil Museum, was a hit with younger students. Fourth grader Daveigh called the megalodon tooth “so cool.”
The work continues back at school. This month, students will recreate one of the field stations by testing soil samples on the Northeast Elementary campus. Nutrien engineer Tyler Peacock and the North Carolina Forest Service will also help students plant native North Carolina trees on school grounds.
“There is nothing more rewarding than seeing students get excited about STEM and begin to envision the possibilities for their future,” said Nutrien Aurora General Manager William Ponton. “It’s important that young people understand the opportunities available right here in their own communities and see that careers in engineering, science, environmental stewardship, and skilled trades are within reach.”
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“Supporting programs like the Kenan Fellows Program is an investment in both education and the future workforce,” continued Ponton. “By giving teachers real-world industry experiences, we help create stronger connections between the classroom and the careers that students may pursue one day.”
Ponton added: “I want to thank Kim for spending part of her summer with our team. Her enthusiasm and commitment made a real impact. Events like this are a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when education and industry work together to inspire the next generation.”
Northeast Elementary is part of Beaufort County Schools.