ABOUT US
Welcome to SmokiEEES—your go‑to hub for resources that connect K–12 classrooms with the wonders of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and its partners.
INTRODUCING SMOKIEEE S
This site is an extension of GSMNP’s Parks as Classrooms program in collaboration with Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, DLiA and GSMA, and in partnership with Friends of the Smokies.
SmokiEEEs is an opportunity for teachers and students to take an educational journey to Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP), online and in the schoolyard! The site includes Park Ranger-led adventures, virtual experiences at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, educational resources and fun activities from park partner programs and GSMNP’s Parks As Classrooms.
Meet Your Coordinator
Anne Thomas-Abbott, our Smokies School Coordinator, serves as your single point of contact for all park‑partner programs. Anne represents the National Park Service, Friends of the Smokies, Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, Discover Life in America, and more, making it simple for you to find the perfect educational opportunity for your students. Get in touch!
MAKING NATURE-BASED TEACHING EEE ASY
E XPLORE
Dive into ready‑to‑use lesson plans, interactive maps, and DIY nature challenges designed for the classroom. Whether you’re uncovering salamander secrets or mapping ancient forests, these standards‑aligned materials make it easy to bring the Smokies’ living laboratory to your students—no muddy boots required. START EXPLORING ⇢
E NTERTAIN
Keep young learners captivated with short videos, slide shows, and story‑in‑your‑pocket activities featuring Park Rangers and Tremont Institute educators. From black bear spotlight reels to “soundscape” listening exercises, our partner-produced media makes science come alive in any school setting. GET ENTERTAINED ⇢
E DUCATE
Ready to take your students outside the four walls? We’re here to help! Find outdoor-friendly lessons that enrich core subjects, along with practical tips for teaching outside—whether you’re in a schoolyard, city park, or deep in the Smokies. We’ve got tools to support safe, meaningful learning in nature. EXPLORE EDUCATOR RESOURCES ⇢
