The graduate students in Dr. Winn's technical writing course participated in the Climate Stories Collaborative Showcase last Friday at the HOW Space and were widely praised for their captivating stories. Two of the five students are in English: Tori Capehart and Eva Lambert.
The leaders at Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation provided species at GFM that are being impacted by climate change because the native forests are being impacted. From the list, students selected the Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus), the Northern Saw-Whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus), Weller’s Salamander (Plethodon welleri), the Virginia Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus), and the Spruce Fir Moss Spider (Microhexura montivaga).
"Students first researched their species. Then they wrote 2000-word narratives, condensed their narratives down to around 800 words for their five-minute presentations at the showcase, and created brochures for 5th-7th graders, which they presented at the end of the program to Amy Renfranz, the Education Specialist at GFM. They met her earlier in the semester when she was a guest speaker in our class. The students thoroughly enjoyed these assignments and Amy was really moved (almost to tears, according to one student) by their serious engagement with this project. She has invited all of us to GFM for a guided hike at the end of the semester.
I cannot thank the co-leaders, Laura England, Derek Davidson, and Jennie Carlisle enough for their expert coordination of this superb learning experience for our students. It was also a delight to work with Tori and Eva as they clearly honed their beautiful narration skills in your classes. Please be sure to congratulate Tori and Eva when you them!"