Geology Hike to the Falls – Observe the geologic processes, such as weathering, erosion, and tectonic activity, that have and are shaping the Smoky Mountains, and explore the role that rocks and soils play in shaping an ecosystem.

Keying into Plants – Create and use dichotomous keys, learn plant identification techniques and the important role of vegetation in ecosystems.

Life in the Forest – Participate in activities illustrating life cycles of the forest (successional stages) and the importance of diverse forest communities.

Little Creatures – Become nature detectives and explore a field, forest and a wetland habitat, observing and collecting information about small animals, their behaviors, habitats in which they live, and how they are adapted for survival.

Orienteering – Experience how topographic maps can give us a three-dimensional image of land contours and learn how to use a compass and map to orient yourself in the world.

Stream Ecology – Get your feet wet capturing and observing stream animals!  Explore an aquatic ecosystem and learn how the creatures within can be indicators of a healthy ecosystem. 

Stream Physics –Participate in the collection of data related to stream flow (volume, velocity, friction, etc.) and determine the cubic meters per second of flow for the Middle Prong. Recognize first hand that forces cause changes in physical landscapes.

Trees are Tremendous – Examine trees closely, and actively “build” a tree to learn tree parts and functions.  Identify common species using a key and discover the needs of our forest friends.

Scientific Method and Salamander Monitoring – Conduct actual scientific research in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Review the steps of scientific method, learn about salamander ecology, and the importance of salamanders as biological indicators.

Wildlife – Practice observation skills as you search for the signs animals leave behind.  Learn how each animal has a specific niche within a community and how populations are limited by the carrying capacity of their habitat.

Air Quality – Examine one of the major issues affecting Great Smoky Mountains National Park and our home communities.  We will look at the chemical combinations that make our air so dangerous to plant and animal health and how acid deposition and ozone move through a food chain.  Learn how we can help prevent air pollution and improve our air quality.

Park Issues – Exotic species, management techniques, air and noise pollution – discuss some of the issue affecting our parks today and what techniques are being used to manage the natural environment.

Mini All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (Mini-ATBI) – Student will attempt to determine the comparative taxa diversity of several different types of habitat while learning about inventory methodology and design, hypothesis testing, use of scientific field equipment, and the diversity of life forms that live around them.