Mobile Outreach Programs
Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation brings the wonders of the mountain straight to your location, by providing interactive, hands-on learning experiences! Outreach programs can be presented in the classroom or in a natural outdoor setting at your school or facility, depending on your group’s needs. Programs last approximately an hour, unless otherwise communicated.
We can adapt almost all of our Classroom in the Clouds programs to go mobile to your school, or let us customize a program to fit your group’s specific interests and size. Please note that smaller groups will receive a more hands-on experience. To further discuss your group’s needs, contact our education specialist Michelle at michelle@grandfather.com or (828) 733-4326.
To schedule outreach programs, please complete the Education and Outreach Request Google Form. Note: A program must be scheduled four weeks prior to the program date.
N.C. Science Essential Standards:
Outreach programs align with the North Carolina Academic Standards.
Suggested Programs:
Plant Detectives (K & 1st) – This student-centered exploration provides ways for students to observe, research and share discoveries about plants and environments. Through guided walks outside, students will share their power of observation through the lens of what they notice, what they wonder and what objects remind them of. Students will identify plant parts, learn their basic needs and discover how plants interact and provide for the environment.
Kindergarten – LS.K.1.1, LS.K.2.2, NC.K.G.1, NC.K.G.2, NC.K.G.5, I.1.6
First grade – LS.1.1, ESS.1.2, SL.1.1, SL.1.3, SL.1.5, I.1.6
Creepy Critters (K, 1st, & 2nd) – Students will use discovery tools to examine the similarities and differences between living organisms. They will meet real-life animals in this exciting program where students are introduced to various life cycles and discover what all animals need: air, water, space, food and shelter.
Kindergarten – LS.K.1, LS.K.2, NC.K.CC.4, NC.K.CC.5, I.1.6, I.1.8
First Grade – LS.1.1, SL.1.1, SL.1.3, SL.1.5, I.1.6, I.1.8
Second Grade – LS.2.1, LS.2.2, SL.2.1, I.1.6, I.1.8
Weather Wizards (2nd) – This student-centered exploration provides ways for students to observe, research and share discoveries about weather. Students will use instruments to measure weather and present their findings to their peers. Identifying and learning the various attributes of clouds will assist students in making basic weather predictions based on their observations. Science demonstrations help students recognize how the water cycle contributes to making weather.
Second Grade – ESS.2.1, I.1.6
Plant Detectives (3rd) – This student-centered exploration provides ways for students to identify the function of plant structures as they relate to the survival of plants in their environment. During a guided walk, students will explore the distinct stages of the life cycle of seed plants as they identify different plants and plant parts. Students interact with nature to determine how wildlife and humans benefit from plants and the importance of plants in all ecosystems.
Third grade – LS.3.2, LS.3.3, I.1.7, I.1.9, I.1.10
Mineral Detective (4th) – This student-centered exploration provides ways for students to observe, research and share discoveries about minerals. Students investigate minerals and examine their different properties, studying minerals in greater depth through drawing, recording observations and asking questions.
Fourth Grade – ESS.4.2, SL.4.1, SL.4.2, SL.4.3, SL.4.4
Weather Wizards (5th) – During this student-centered exploration, students will discover how and why weather exists. Participants will have the opportunity to use basic meteorological instruments to measure weather. Through science demonstrations and experiments, students gain a deeper understanding of the components and the forces involved that create weather and influence climate.
Fifth Grade – ESS.5.1, I.1.7, I.1.8, I.1.9, I.1.11
Niches and Habitats (5th & 8th) – Students will determine the connections between the different plant and animal species of the biomes and the biotic roles each fill in their differing ecosystems. Students will create their own food web while identifying abiotic and biotic factors and will discuss how changes in the environment affect species ability to survive.
Fifth Grade – LS.5.2.2, LS.5.2.3, I.1.7, I.1.9, I.1.11, SL.5.1, SL.5.4, SL.5.5
Eighth Grade – LS.8.2, SL.8.1, SL.8.4, SL.8.5
Weather Wizards (7th) – Students will use their observational skills to identify weather patterns based on data gathered by meteorological instruments. Utilizing critical thinking skills, students will determine causes and effects of weather phenomenon on Earth’s climate and landforms. Students will also ascertain the global weather changes influencing air quality through lichen investigation.
Seventh Grade – ESS.7.1, ESS.7.2, I.1.7, I.1.8, I.1.9, NC.7.SP.3b
Naturalist Led Outdoor Hikes or Indoor Talks (All Ages) – Your group will meet with one of Grandfather Mountain’s expert naturalists to make careful observations of the natural history of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Topics will vary based on location and season, but could include birding, wildflowers, plants, fungi and wildlife.
Pricing and Reservations
- $75 fee per one-hour program in the following counties: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, McDowell, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey and Carter (Tenn.)
- If your county is not listed, the fee is $75 per one-hour program plus the current federal mileage rate and taxes.
- For more info, contact our education specialist Michelle at michelle@grandfather.com or (828) 733-4326.