Keith Smith is in his 23rd year of teaching science and his 18th year of teaching Environmental Science at Freedom High School in Morganton, North Carolina. He received his undergraduate degree from Ohio Universityin Earth Science Education. In 1995 Keith started his master's degree work at Appalachian State University, where in 1996 he began a research study with the USFWS to help create home ranges using GPS data for released Red Wolves in Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in Dare County North Carolina.
Keith's teaching philosophy is built on inquiry based, hands-on, practical science laboratory experiences. He believes that a strong foundation of knowledge in science and critical thinking skills will allow his students to better understand the world around them. Instilling in his students a wanderlust for, and a stewardship of the environment, is an important aspect often lost in the technology and social media based world in which we live.
Living in North Carolina allows Keith the opportunity to passionately pursue outdoor activities in rock and ice climbing as well as mountain biking. Whenever possible, Keith spends his summers and other free time traveling and experiencing the world around him. Antarctica will be his final continent to visit and he will use his research experience there to bring back to his students the opportunity to participate in the meaningful process of real world science.
Nebo, NC
United States