"It's fun because you're learning about the area you live in, and I think it helps you love the mountains more because you understand them better."

Katie, 7th grade student
Pi Beta Phi Elementary School, Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Smoky Mountain Classrooms are environmental education programs available to area schools in North Carolina and Tennessee. The programs utilize park rangers as primary instructors with assistance from teachers.

The park's outdoor "classrooms" become the teaching resource. These K-8 programs reflect North Carolina and Tennessee curriculum objectives and educational goals. There is no charge for these programs.

Program Descriptions
North Carolina programs
Tennessee programs

Is this just another field trip?
No. The education program is an interdisciplinary learning experience for students in grades K-8. The program integrates the natural and cultural resources of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and state and national curriculum objectives with an emphasis on science and social studies. The thematic units were developed in cooperation with teachers at Pi Beta Phi Elementary School in Gatlinburg and other area teachers in Tennessee.

How will Park Rangers help me teach my students?
The program utilizes Park Rangers as the subject experts and primary instructors with assistance from the classroom teachers. The park’s outdoor “classroom” becomes the primary teaching resource. In addition to the on-site experience, the units include a pre-visit materials package with logistical information, a video, and pre-site and post-site lesson plans for use in the classroom before and after their visit.

How can my class participate?
Programs are offered on weekdays in the spring and fall from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (we can be flexible on time.) Class size: minimum 15, maximum 60 unless otherwise noted in the program description. School groups are required to be accompanied by teachers and chaperones, with at least one per ten students. Teachers and chaperones are responsible for all discipline and must remain with the group during the program. Portions of programs are conducted rain or shine. There is no charge to participate.

For more information contact the Parks as Classrooms reservations coordinator at (865) 436-1713 or send us an email.

A confirmation letter and pre-visit package will be mailed to the teachers when a reservation is confirmed. The packet contains a map, explains logistics and has lesson plans to prepare the students before they arrive. Please note: The reservation is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation letter from the park.