On a misty Tuesday, Cane Creek Middle School eighth graders traded the classroom for the mountains during a visit to the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center at Purchase Knob in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Students rotated through three stations during the trip. As citizen scientists, they identified salamanders and learned how the amphibians can serve as bioindicators of environmental health. Nature journaling gave students an opportunity to record their observations through writing and illustrations, while the tardigrade station connected lessons about ecosystems and adaptation to microscopic life found at Purchase Knob.

“This field trip provides students with a firsthand look at active scientific research in Western North Carolina,” said eighth grade social studies teacher Sarah Hamilton. “Throughout the school year, we will reference this experience to reinforce key academic standards and deepen concepts covered in the classroom.”

Despite the soggy conditions, students enjoyed their time at the unique research learning station, located at 4,900 feet in elevation.

“It was cool to learn that WNC is the salamander capital of the world,” said Graeme, an eighth grader.

“I loved seeing a tardigrade under a microscope,” added eighth grader Hayden.