Several University of California, Merced students are taking their engineering skills out of the classroom and into the field.

Students in the UC Merced Engineering Service Learning Class installed a solar-powered webcam in the Los Banos Wetlands, giving area school children a close-up view of the wildlife.

Anyone with a computer can view the wildlife area, learning about plants and animals. The website features learning components, helping viewers understand what they see.

UC Merced Students will visit local schools, showing them how to access the camera, in the new year.

Scientists and fish-and-wildlife agencies may also use the webcam to monitor animal migration.