SCI-LINK connects research scientists with teachers with students to bring cutting-edge environmental science quickly and directly to the classroom. The first SCI-LINK summer workshops at Grandfather Mountain began in 1992. This workshop immerses teachers in the mountain environment through research presentations and outdoor activities motivating educators to develop hands-on, inquiry-based activities to take back to their own classrooms and non-formal centers.

For many years, Mr. Hugh Morton of Grandfather Mountain discussed environmental changes on the Mountain over time. He dedicated his life to preserving Grandfather Mountain, one of the most environmentally significant mountains in the world. He donated many acres of Grandfather Mountain to the United Nations’ Man and the Biosphere Program, ensuring its protection for all time. We will visit the Nature Museum and Habitats, representative of the 47 rare and endangered species found here. Mr. Crae Morton is carrying forth the vision of his grandfather, and will present an historical view and update of what is occurring today.

Presentations by research scientists include Stewart Skeate on mountain plant and animal habitats, Robert Bruck on mountain ecosystems and air quality, Amy and Wayne Van Devender on salamanders, snails, and other critters, Jack Callahan on the geology, rocks and minerals of western North Carolina. Meet author Doris Bliss and her daughter Elizabeth Stanton - hear about past years of mountain life. Jeanine Davis will present research results on cultivation of the woodland medicinal herbs black cohosh, bloodroot, goldenseal, and ramps. Patrick Beggs works with communities on water quality issues. International presentations are enlightening. President David Bushman, entomologist, and Provost Debbie Thatcher, science education, present their expertise from a Lees-McRae College view. Rita Hagevik describes GIS uses and participants develop classroom applications. These are just some of the topic areas that participants may anticipate in the summer program!

Hike mountain trails, search under rocks for salamanders, and observe otters on Grandfather Mountain. Share these experiences with educators from North Carolina and around the world during the SCI-LINK at Grandfather Mountain Summer Workshop. Educators from Monaco, Finland, and Brazil have attended in previous years. Personnel from state agencies, NGOs, nature center, correctional facilities, K-12, and others have worked together to learn about the mountains. The workshop includes field work, training in environmental monitoring, lectures by research scientists, and informal discussions with scientists. Emphasis is placed on sharing and learning with fellow educators. Teachers work in small groups to develop classroom activities based on current scientific research presented by workshop lecturers. Educators may use the internet to research environment science topics. New technologies are introduced and trialed. These include software of GIS ArcView or Power Point, and the use of video and/or digital cameras. Workshops include environmental monitoring strategies.

• Housing, dining, computer facilities, and evening activities are at Lees-McRae College in Branner Elk, North Carolina.
• Daily activities, including lectures, are at Grandfather Mountain, Lees-McRae College, and at other sites.
• Graduate credits, CEU credits are available.
• Teachers from all disciplines are encouraged to attend. Workshop materials are provided.
• You will have free time (though it is never enough) to explore the wonders of Grandfather Mountain and the surrounding area.

"All of the activities in this workshop have been wonderful – the information from the scientists, the new lessons that I will incorporate into my classroom, and seeing a completely different ecosystem."
- Workshop participant from North Carolina

Researchers and experts are from:

Grandfather Mountain
Appalachian State University
Lees-McRae College
University of Tennessee
NC State University
Wake County Schools



JOIN US IN THE MOUNTAINS OF NORTH CAROLINA
PURSUING NEW HEIGHTS IN EDUCATION