Bedford County Students Explore Smith Mountain Lake's Ecosystem

Ninth graders trade classroom for hands-on science at the lake

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:50pm

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Ninth graders in Bedford County, Virginia, swapped their desks for docks as Smith Mountain Lake became their science classroom for a day. The students rotated through interactive stations exploring topics like hydropower, invertebrates, and water quality testing, giving them a firsthand look at the lake's ecosystem.

Why it matters

This hands-on learning experience aims to build long-term awareness and appreciation among students for protecting the local environment and natural resources. By engaging directly with the lake, students can better understand the complex factors that impact water quality and the overall health of the ecosystem.

The details

Bedford County Public Schools partnered with the Smith Mountain Lake Association and Bedford Water to provide students with this unique learning opportunity. The goal was to give the ninth graders a 'full picture of the lake and everything that goes into it,' according to Allison Kappler, the supervisor for science and computer science at Bedford County Public Schools. Students rotated through stations covering topics like hydropower, invertebrates, and water quality testing, using microscopes and other tools to directly observe and analyze the lake's environment.

  • The hands-on learning day took place on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.
  • This is the second year the program has been offered to Bedford County students.

The players

Bedford County Public Schools

The public school district in Bedford County, Virginia, that organized the hands-on science learning experience at Smith Mountain Lake.

Smith Mountain Lake Association

A non-profit organization that partnered with the school district to provide resources and expertise for the learning program focused on the local lake ecosystem.

Allison Kappler

The supervisor for science and computer science at Bedford County Public Schools, who oversaw the development of the hands-on learning day.

Tye Campbell

A representative from the Smith Mountain Lake Association who helped facilitate the interactive stations and activities for the students.

Keri Green

The vice president of the Smith Mountain Lake Association, who provided insights on the organization's recent water quality testing and algae bloom monitoring efforts.

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What they’re saying

“We're just hoping to create some sparks with these young adults.”

— Tye Campbell, Smith Mountain Lake Association

“Hopefully we're making some strong connections to the environment and the quality of the water and the utility of life, the beauty around us.”

— Tye Campbell, Smith Mountain Lake Association

“There's nothing really we can do to stop a bloom once it starts. But what we can do is be prepared to react quickly and to understand the conditions that lead to a bloom.”

— Keri Green, Vice President, Smith Mountain Lake Association

What’s next

The Smith Mountain Lake Association plans to continue offering this hands-on learning experience for Bedford County students in the coming years, with the goal of fostering long-term environmental stewardship.

The takeaway

This innovative science learning program at Smith Mountain Lake provides Bedford County students with a unique opportunity to directly engage with and understand their local ecosystem. By experiencing the lake firsthand, the students gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of protecting natural resources and the complex factors that impact water quality and environmental health.