The Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center (AHSLC) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the recipient of the 2013 Exceptional Environmental Education Program award from the Environmental Educators of North Carolina.
Rangers Sachs and Darling accept the award. (NPS photo)
The Exceptional Environmental Education Program award recognizes a program, education center, organization, partnership, or educational system that exemplifies excellence in environmental education. The award committee selected the AHSLC based on their leadership in providing hands-on lessons and activities that correlate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education along with environmental education with the North Carolina Essential Standards.
“It is such an honor to receive this award from our peers because it shows us we are meeting our goal of being relevant to the educational community,” said Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center education coordinator Susan Sachs. “The staff at the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center has worked hard over the years to develop a unique program blending scientific research occurring in the park with the science content that teachers focus on in middle and high school grades.”
Located at 5,000 feet in Haywood County on the North Carolina side of the Park, the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center is part of a network of learning centers supporting science research, and education in national parks. The center includes laboratory space, a 50-person classroom, and housing for visiting scientists providing annual support for over 5,000 students, educators, and scientists through on-site activities along with classroom resources.
Info: Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center https://www.nps.gov/grsm/naturescience/pk-homepage.htm.
– NPS
