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Young Scientists at Tremont Present Findings
(Great Smoky Mountains) – A dozen teens (ages 13-17) from around the country recently completed a Field Ecology Adventure camp at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont.
For ten days they explored Great Smoky Mountains National Park, doing everything from catching and cataloging birds to collecting caterpillars, to watching scientists band bats, to exploring unique habitats throughout the Smoky Mountains. The goal—to experience the national park from a field scientist’s perspective.
These campers, with a special aptitude for and interest in science, participated in hands-on studies including birds, bugs, hellbenders and lichens, interspersed with swimming and hiking. By participating firsthand in science projects in the park, they learned more about the natural world and the methods scientists use to study it. They each worked on a related research project and at the end of the experience, gave team presentations on their findings. We had four groups and presentation topics included butterflies, lichen, birds and stream invertebrates.
The presentations from these students who are the future stewards of our parks and natural and cultural resources, gave them valuable experience in being before an audience, but also served as encouragement by giving them the opportunity to share their findings and answer questions about the work in which they had been so immersed for two weeks.
Among the audience of staff and guests enjoying the presentation was Herb Handley, executive vice president of tourism for the Blount County Chamber of Commerce, Mike Maslona, national park ranger, and Ken Voorhis, executive director, Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont.
This and other national park learning adventures are offered year-round by Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont.