Great Smoky Mountains National Park is partnering with the Knoxville Zoo to offer a free teacher workshop, Making STEM Real, on Saturday, November 16 from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Knoxville Zoo.

The workshop focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts including weather, climate change, and demonstrations that use distance learning tools and techniques provided by National Park Rangers at Grand Canyon National Park and the Stephen T. Mather Training Center in Harpers Ferry, WV. The workshop also focuses on technology resources for the classroom including hands-on demonstrations of software and apps that can enhance classroom learning.

In addition, a representative from the National Weather Service in Morristown, TN will give a presentation on general meteorology, mountain weather, and climate in the southern Appalachians, along with providing information about available teacher resources. And, an educator from the Knoxville Zoo will demonstrate how to use the study of phenology in your schoolyard to teach STEM concepts.

“We are excited about our partnership with the Knoxville Zoo which allows us a wonderful opportunity to offer resources and support to a wider audience of teachers in the communities surrounding Knoxville,” said Resource Education Chief Elizabeth Dupree. “We were inspired by the enthusiastic feedback we received from teachers who attended our STEM workshops this past spring and are looking forward to working with even more teachers throughout the region.”

The workshop will include lunch, free materials, and take-home resources. The choice of a grant-funded stipend or flexible in-service hours will be offered to all participants.  Limited space is available and registration closes on Tuesday, November 12th. Please contact Emily Guss to register at 865-436-1713.

This teacher workshop, along with Parks as Classrooms programs and other student opportunities, are made possible with the generous support of Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Great Smoky Mountains Association, Verizon, and Alcoa grants. To learn more about teacher opportunities within the national park, you may also visit the website www.nps.gov/grsm/forteachers.