Daily News

Students and teachers from eleven states in the Appalachia region arrived by plane or car. Everyone was excited to settle in, meet new people, and learn what their research project would be. Everyone met someone new right away, whether it was a roommate or someone through the activities after dinner. Students learned what project they would be working on, the name of their mentor(s), their schedule for the next two weeks, their group members, and whether they would be eating fast food for lunch or at the ORNL cafeteria.

Everyone's day began with a ropes course at Maryville College to build teamwork and communication skills. Everyone was divided up into three groups. Each group created a chant and headed off into different directions. Groups faced obstacles such as the spiderweb, the wall, the tree cables, the log balance, and the bridge. They formed bonds with each other and learned the teamwork and communication skills needed to complete the obstacles. The ropes course was then followed by a campus tour, giving the students a chance to ask questions and learn more about college life. After dinner, everyone recieved a speech from guest speaker, Bill Landry about the Appalachian region. It was very interesting to everyone and culturally enriching.

Students and teachers got up early to eat breakfast before leaving for a day at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Everyone toured the Robotics division of ORNL and visited the graphite reactor. Students toured the once active reactor and learned about the history of Oak Ridge. They then went to their groups and met their mentors for their projects. They also got acquainted with their tasks.

After breakfast, students and teachers went in for their first full day at ORNL or the American Museum of Science and Energy (AMSE), working on their projects. Their mentors introduced them to the fun and learning that they would be enduring for the rest of the two weeks. Afterwards, everyone went to see a Smokies vs. Braves game, at a third-base seating. The game was fun, even though the Smokies did not come out on top. Our very own Sunni Stewart and Juliana Smith competed for Krystal burgers. They needed to eat as many burgers as possible to win. Sunni came out victorious.

Students and teachers returned to ORNL and AMSE, after breakfast, to continue to work on their projects. Whether they were brainstorming, listening to lectures, or doing research, students and teachers were already hard at work. They returned to the motel afterwards with time to go to the gym, the pool, the movies, Wal*Mart, or just hang out!

All departed for their research groups after breakfast. Everyone worked hard on their projects, either by researching, gathering information, or problem solving. Work at ORNL and AMSE needed to be finished up for the three-day weekend. The students and teachers returned to the motel to relax and have fun.

Everyone was ready to leave for the Mayfield Dairy in the morning, after breakfast. Teachers and students enjoyed Mayfield ice cream and a factory tour before heading off to the Tennessee Aquarium. While at the aquarium, everyone learned about the marine life and observed plants and animals that make up the surrounding environment. Aftwards we saw a touching IMAX movie about the Titantic and uncovering it from the ocean floor. It was entitled, "Ghosts of the Abyss."

Students and teachers headed out for Dollywood in the morning. They spent the entire day there, riding rides, playing games, eating, watching crafters at work, watching shows, and having fun. Many enjoyed riding the train around the park and learning about the history of the Smoky Mountains. Quartrail gave a show for everyone, singing "So Hard To Say Goodbye" by Boyz II Men. Quartrail wowed everone that was there, and everyone else who caught his talent on video.

The day started off with church for some, and sleeping in for others. After church, everyone went to Ryan's for a buffet lunch. After lunch, everyone enjoyed a trip to AMSE. All were privilaged to hear the speech given by a scientist who was formerly involved with the Manhattan Project. Afterwards, students and teachers were allowed to freely roam the museum and explore science hands on. When everyone was finished with the museum, they headed for the Museum of Appalachia. The museum was culturally enriching for all, as it showed the history of Appalachia. There were many antiques and buildings that were specific to the region. Some of the interesting things included Mark Twain's cabin and the livestock including: ducks, peafowl, goats, chickens, roosters, turkeys, sheep, and guineas. Everyone ate dinner at the museum and enjoyed the bluegrass music and entertainment after their meal.

Everyone was up early in the morning again for breakfast and to depart for a full day at ORNL or AMSE. Students and teachers work hard on their projects to finish in time. Students and teachers later took a trip to the mall, where they would shop and eat dinner.

After breakfast, everyone departed for ORNL and AMSE. Everyone put in extra effort this week to get ready for the presentation they needed to give Friday morning. Groups worked on their projects during the day, and they worked on their presentations after dinner. Groups recieved their rehersal times and submitted their project information. Groups needed to decide on whether to have a skit, a powerpoint presentation, a song, display boards, or another means of presenting their information. Before heading off to bed, participants recieved a yearbook including everyone's picture, a group picture, and each participant's address and school name.

The breakfast crowd had slowly become less and less, as everyone had become very tired. This was the last day of research and work for teachers and students at ORNL and AMSE. Everyone hustled to get their projects completed. Groups worked very hard after dinner, working on their presentations and presenting them to the resident teachers. The resident teachers provided constructive criticism for the groups to improve their presentations on Friday.

In the morning, teachers and students departed for the University of Tennessee after breakfast. They took a campus and football museum tour. After lunch, they toured the veterinary and engineering schools. Students enjoyed the look at the college, as some of them would like to attend this university. After dinner, the final presentation preparation was completed. Everyone returned to their rooms to start packing up. Students also recieved their ARC t-shirt today.

Everyone got up early to eat breakfast before storing their luggage. Students and teachers departed for Pollard Auditorium for their project presentations. Participants were then presented with certificates of completion. After lunch, everyone said their goodbye's before departing for home. Everyone agrees that this was an experience they will never forget.