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A Digital Gateway to Real-World Environmental Learning
A Digital Gateway to Real-World Environmental Learning
How do we spark curiosity in a generation that begins on screens? Today’s students are digital natives. Screens are not just distractions, they are often the starting point. The Adventures of Little Doug is a free digital gateway created to increase youth engagement in local environmental exploration by blending interactive gameplay with real ecological science. Inspired by the way scientists observe streams and habitats, the game encourages learners to explore, discover, and think like field researchers. It also connects directly to downloadable lesson plans and field activities that support educators and community programs. This is not just a game about nature. It is a way to move curiosity from the screen into real world experience, helping students explore the environment around them and build a stronger connection to their local ecosystems.
Step into the backpack of Little Doug, a curious explorer wandering along streams and waterways. Lift rocks, observe habitats, and discover the tiny creatures that live beneath the surface. Each discovery reveals how macroinvertebrates help scientists understand water quality and ecosystem health.
Designed to encourage curiosity, careful observation, and respect for the natural world, the experience mirrors how field scientists and environmental stewards learn directly from nature. Exploration comes first. Learning follows naturally.
Each find offers a brief real world insight into the species uncovered, blending playful discovery with authentic ecological knowledge.
Best experienced on a web browser using keyboard and mouse.
(Best experienced on a web browser with keyboard and mouse)
Your feedback is invaluable! Share your thoughts to help Little Doug grow.
How to Explore
Use the arrow keys to walk along the stream.
Move close to rocks and click to carefully lift them.
Discover the small creatures that tell big stories about water quality.
Teacher Resources
Teacher Resources
Enhance your classroom experience with The Adventures of Little Doug – Stream Explorer! Below you’ll find downloadable guides and worksheets to make the game interactive and connect it to real-world science concepts.
Enhance your classroom experience with The Adventures of Little Doug – Stream Explorer! Below you’ll find downloadable guides and worksheets to make the game interactive and connect it to real-world science concepts.
👉 The Adventures of Little Doug – Educator Guide
👉 The Adventures of Little Doug Data Sheet Level 1
👉 The Adventures of Little Doug Data Sheet Level 2
👉 The Adventures of Little Doug Data Sheet Level 3
👉 Macroinvertebrate Dichotomous-Key
👉 Little Doug’s Stream Mission: The Real-Life Level!
Don't for get to Download Marco Key to play
Please do not modify, redistribute, or sell without permission.
Disclaimer:
The worksheets and materials on this page are provided for educational purposes only. Users are solely responsible for ensuring that any field activities comply with all applicable local, state, national, and international laws, regulations, and permits. This includes, but is not limited to, wildlife, fishing, and environmental regulations in your jurisdiction. Always follow safe handling practices when collecting, observing, or interacting with plants or animals. The authors and website are not responsible for any legal, safety, or environmental consequences resulting from the use of these materials.
Kids Explore → Adventures with Little Doug → The Great Library-to-Wetland Adventure
Kids Explore → Adventures with Little Doug → The Great Library-to-Wetland Adventure
This adventure is designed specifically for kids visiting the Degenstein Community Library. Other libraries may enjoy similar activities — contact us to learn more
Join Little Doug on a Great Adventure!
Little Doug needs your help today! From the library to the Wetland Sweep Area, there’s a whole world of birds, weather, and wildlife to discover. Explore the library’s BirdWeather station, uncover fun facts in a book, and follow Little Doug’s to the wetlands.
Are you ready to track, learn, and explore with Little Doug? Grab your worksheet, find an adult adventure buddy, and let’s go!
All materials are provided for educational use only. Please do not modify, redistribute, or sell without permission.
Safety Note: This adventure is for kids to enjoy with a parent, guardian, or responsible adult. Always stay on paths, watch for traffic, and respect wildlife. Please supervise children at all times and enjoy the outdoors safely.
Kids Explore The Adventures of Little Doug at the Environmental Education Expo!
Kids Explore The Adventures of Little Doug at the Environmental Education Expo!
We had an incredible time at the Third Annual Environmental Education Expo at Montour Preserve, where kids and families got hands-on experience with The Adventures of Little Doug!
The photos below show young players diving into the game, flipping rocks, discovering macroinvertebrates, and learning how healthy waterways are measured by indicator species. As they navigate a stream in the game, they encounter real-world challenges like trash pollution —learning important environmental science concepts in a fun, interactive way.
This event was made possible in part through the efforts of the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper, whose work inspires environmental stewardship and community engagement across the Susquehanna Valley.
The Adventures of Little Doug is designed to spark curiosity, encourage problem-solving, and make learning about ecosystems exciting. By combining gameplay with environmental education, the game helps students understand the connection between human actions and the health of our waterways, all while having fun!
The Adventures of Little Doug © 2026 Douglas Fessler
Created for STEM education through the United Way.
Licensed for sharing and adaptation: Code (MIT), Assets/Educational content (CC BY 4.0).
Please credit Douglas Fessler and the United Way if you share or adapt this game.
Disclaimer:
The worksheets and materials on this page are provided for educational purposes only. Users are solely responsible for ensuring that any field activities comply with all applicable local, state, national, and international laws, regulations, and permits. This includes, but is not limited to, wildlife, fishing, and environmental regulations in your jurisdiction. Always follow safe handling practices when collecting, observing, or interacting with plants or animals. The authors and website are not responsible for any legal, safety, or environmental consequences resulting from the use of these materials.
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