This Google Map represents some of the places where educators have created NC VR Adventures in the western region of North Carolina. Each adventure is aligned to NC curriculum standards and is available in the state's Open Education Resource platform GoOpenNC.
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Bryson City, NC
Explore the Nantahala Outdoor Center.¡en español! This promotional tour accompanies a thematic unit intended for honors students. Embedded are vocabulary and structures used to talk about camping and adventure sports. Students will then apply what they have learned to their own virtual tour. More from the Teacher.
Cherokee, NC
Take a trip to the Cherokee Indian Reservation to see and hear how the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have regained and maintained their heritage despite losing their homeland to oppressive government action. More from the Teacher.
Transylvania County, NC
This 360 scene provides a view of mountain peaks in 4 different states. Standing on top of Devil’s Courthouse in North Carolina you can also see peaks located in Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia. Devil’s Courthouse derives its name from a Cherokee Legend. More from the Teacher.
Madison County, NC
Experience this NC VR Adventure created by educator, Kendra Cameron-Jarvis. Follow in her steps as we uncover a hidden World War 1 internment camp in Hot Springs, North Carolina.
More from the Teacher
Haywood County, NC
Explore the biodiversity of Richland Balsam mountain in Haywood County, NC beginning at Richland Balsam overlook and the Richland Balsam Nature Loop Trail. The following experiences are available for students:
Biodiversity in plant life, fungi, changing leaf color, biometrics for hike including heart rate, distance traveled, pace and geography/topography of this region. More from the Teacher.
Sylva, NC
Cashiers, NC artist Wesley Wofford created a statue titled “Journey to Freedom” in honor of Harriet Tubman as a private commission. Wofford’s artist’s copy of this work was dedicated in Sylva, NC in September 2021 as part of a traveling tour. Students view this work in detail and reflect on four themes Wofford’s piece embodies: determination, protection, fear, and trust. More from the Teacher.
Bryson City, NC
The Road to Nowhere begins in Bryson City on Lakeshore Drive. The government forced the residents to give up their land for the Fontana Lake and Dam. The National Parks services promised to build a road, but stopped at the tunnel. Explore the trails and views on the Road to Nowhere and decide for yourself if it represents a broken promise or a great dream. More from the Teacher.
Graham County, NC
Students are taken on a virtual field trip to western North Carolina to investigate the intersection between people and water in nature at Fontana Dam. How have humans adapted their environment to maximize the benefit of water? Are all intersections of people and water beneficial for both parties? Students reflect on the power of water and our responsibility as environmental stewards to respect our water systems. More from the Teacher.
In this very special NC VR Adventure explorers will hear from Harold Cochran, a 5th generation miller and descendant of Dr. Mingus who had the mill built in 1886. Mr. Cochran was willing to be on the video for educator/storytellers Keith Odom and Greg Davidson and was delighted to know that VR would be used to bring the history of the mill to students who increasingly know little of this way of life. Mingus Mill is deep in the Great Smoky Mountains and has no internet and Mr. Cochran didn't know what a virtual reality project would look like so, despite limited time in our workshop, Keith and Greg printed a color photo story of this project and took it to him. They returned to the NC Center for the Advancement for Teaching (NCCAT) in Cullowhee after visiting with Mr. Cochran the second time hearing more about his family and the history of Mingus Mill and said that of all the things that they've experienced in workshops and professional development, this was the most meaningful. The opportunity to bring history alive for students and to bring students to a remote corner of our beautiful state is unexpected and priceless.
Macon County, NC
Take a virtual hike of the Rufus Morgan Trail and Falls, located near Franklin, NC in Macon County. The area is named after Albert Rufus Morgan, a pioneer in helping create the Appalachian Trail. The virtual tour starts with a 360-degree photo of Forest Road 388, which is used to drive to the trail. This will lead to more views of various areas along the trail, culminating in a 360-degree view of the main Rufus Morgan Falls.
More from the Teacher.
Cullowhee, NC
Western Carolina University has been named the Top Adventure School in the Southeast. What makes WCU such a great school? Could it be the place for you to start your life’s adventures after high school? Why should you consider becoming a Catamount?
This Thinglink could be used in conjunction with a Scavenger Hunt about colleges. The ultimate goal is for students to create their own Thinglink about a college/university of their choice.
More from the Teacher.
Western, NC
Explorers will visit several locations related to work completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps as part of Roosevelt’s New Deal. Featured locations include: The Blue Ridge Parkway, Wayah Bald Fire Tower, Wilson Lick Ranger Station, and CCC Camp F-12 one of a few camps in North Carolina staffed by African American Workers.
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Western, NC
More NC VR Adventures coming soon.