For Teachers
Dana Soehn Photo Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers teachers a wide variety of fun and free curriculum-based programs. "Parks as Classrooms" (PAC) was launched in 1992 by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation to introduce park resources to students and teachers nationwide. Our park programs enhance classroom learning by using the cultural and natural resources as teaching tools. Through place-based learning, students make real-world connections with science and history, while having fun at the same time! Plan your field trip: learn more about registering for our field trips. Ranger-guided programs: Our most popular programs are staff led and offered throughout the park in the spring and fall months. Teacher-guided programs: If you would like to conduct a program yourself, this page offers a selection of thematic activities. Curriculum Materials: A clearinghouse of lesson plans, distance learning opportunities, and on-line resources Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center at Purchase Knob The purpose of the center is to increase the amount of scientific research in the national park and make it accessible to middle school, high school, and college students. Students work with scientists and park staff on projects ranging from salamander population monitoring to air quality research. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is a residential environmental learning center located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tremont offers workshops and programs for everyone, from teachers to grade school children to Road Scholar groups. Several special programs for teachers are offered including Teacher Escape Weekends and Science Teacher Institutes to help you improve your teaching skills while enjoying the beauty of the park.
View Specific Field Trip Video Overviews North Carolina Elementary video |
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Did You Know?
Money to buy the land that became Great Smoky Mountains National Park was raised by individuals, private groups, and even school children who pledged their pennies. In addition, the Laura Spellman Rockefeller Memorial Fund donated $5 million to create the park.