🍁🍂🍄The chilly fall air brought a shiver of excitement to A.C. Reynolds Middle School (ACRMS) eighth graders as they hiked and studied their surroundings at Purchase Knob in Great Smoky Mountains National Park earlier this month.
While ACRMS sixth graders make the trip each year, this was a first for the eighth graders, who got to participate in citizen science by identifying trees and animals that live around the 5,086-foot peak. They learned about tree life cycles, collected tardigrades (water bears), and looked at the tiny organisms under microscopes at the on-site Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center.
“I did not know that the water bears were real; I thought they were science fiction beings,” said Sagan, one of the eighth graders. “Also, I did not know that microscopic organisms that live in water cling to the debris. My favorite part was the hike since it was quite beautiful, and it was nice to get some exercise.”
Eighth grade science teacher Sarah Hamilton agreed, saying she wanted to take eighth graders to the science center so they could see what real researchers do.
“Being able to collect data and make observations firsthand is different from hearing about data or information,” she said. “Students can make their opinions about what they see and not just be told what the answer should be.”
More photos are available on the BCS Facebook and Instagram pages.