A.C. Reynolds Middle School
Hands-On Learning: Field trip to Purchase
Knob Science Center and Asheville
Treetops Adventure Park
By Stacia Harris, Communications Department
As each school year begins, sixth-graders at A.C. Reynolds Middle School have the opportunity to get to
know their new classmates and build important life skills.
“There are several elementary schools that come to Reynolds,” said science teacher Jennifer Williams.
“This is a great way for students to get to know the new students who’ve come from different schools.”
One group of students attends teambuilding workshops and does a challenging ropes course at the Asheville
Adventure Park. Walking and climbing through the trees is fun, but students also have to learn to work
together and trust each other to complete the course.
“Some of the students are afraid of heights, and it’s really amazing to see them help each other work
through their nerves and have fun,” Williams said.
Meanwhile, another group of sixth-graders ventures to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Purchase
Knob. The Appalachian Science Center is perched atop at 5,000 feet. The Science Center houses a small
classroom, but the real adventure is in the wooded area nearby. With the help of Ranger April, students
get their hands dirty collecting soil and insect samples, then analyzing them under a microscope.
“Students learn the best with hands-on experience,” Williams said. “They are applying science and biology
to the real world and having fun at the same time.”
18