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NATURAL HISTORY AND ECOLOGY OF BAD CREEK HYDROELECTRIC STATION AND JOCASSEE GORGES: A 4H2O PROGRAM FOR TEACHERS

Extension Education

Patricia Whitener
Extension Agent
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service
Greenville

Abstract

Natural History and Ecology of Bad Creek Hydroelectric Station and Jocassee Gorges is a Clemson University science graduate course available to k-12 in-service school teachers within Duke Energy service areas. Held in the heart of the Blue Ridge Escarpment in northern Oconee County, the course helps teachers learn how to integrate STEM, energy and environmental topics into the classroom as presented in the context of an upstate hydroelectric facility and the surrounding watershed. 


By offering this field-based professional development opportunity for South Carolina educators, the Cooperative Extension Service is fulfilling its mission by providing unbiased, research-based information to classroom teachers that will improve teaching quality.


Course activities are a mix of field trips, observations, and collections. Teachers learn about South Carolina’s native plants, animals, and insects through field studies and activities that can be translated to the classroom. Clemson Cooperative Extension 4H20 curriculum is included and modeled with a boat trip on Lake Jocassee that provides opportunities for water sampling and discussions of reservoirs and their watersheds. Comparisons of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics are made between reservoirs, streams, and vernal ponds. Using Bad Creek Hydroelectric reservoir, power house and dam as the example, teachers observe how basic principles and general practices of wildlife and land management ecology were used during construction to minimize and sometimes enhance species populations and diversity.


Since 2013, there have been 77 educators complete the course representing 20 school districts across all grade levels. Teachers report over 11,000 students have been impacted as a result of knowledge gained through the course.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: P. Whitener, M. Dailey, B. Speziale, J. Hains, A. Boggs, H. Still
  1. Whitener, P. Extension Agent, Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service, South Carolina, 29601
  2. Dailey, M. Extension Agent, Clemson University, South Carolina, 29691
  3. Speziale, B. Associate Director of Academics, Clemson University, South Carolina, 29631
  4. Hains, J. Professor, Clemson University, South Carolina, 29631
  5. Boggs, A. Compliance Supervisor, Duke Energy, South Carolina, 29676
  6. Still, H. Biologist, SCDNR, South Carolina, 29631