HOST: Tennessee State Parks
WHEN: Saturday, October 25th 2025, 9:30am-12:00pm
REGION: East Tennessee
WHERE: Harrison Bay Recreation Hall
7855 Bay Marina Circle, Harrison TN 37341
WHAT: Join TN State Parks as we celebrate Science, Technology, Engineering and Math during the TN STEAM Festival! Participants will have the opportunity to paddle on Chickamauga Lake with a Park Ranger and learn the science of waves. This event will be organized into three parts: the science of waves, water safety, and the paddle experience. We will cover fourth grade science standards before our paddle on the lake, learning about amplitude, wavelength, refraction, the types of waves, and how waves travel. We will then discuss how to stay safe during our paddle; Park Rangers will demonstrate proper water safety techniques and how to paddle the canoe or kayak. We will paddle along Chickamauga Lake, observing the wildlife and natural scenery and connecting our earlier lessons to the recreational activity of water sports. You can come prepared for this event by bringing a notebook and writing utensil, wearing weather appropriate clothing, and bringing a reusable water bottle and snacks. Enthusiasm for science and recreation is also appreciated. Registration is required to participate. Life jackets are required while on the water; you may bring your own life jacket or borrow one from the park. Please, no pets. "
AUDIENCE: Youth/Teens
Chickamauga Lake is a navigable waterway along the Tennessee River, therefore, vessels including recreational boats, paddleboats, powerboats, and large ships use the lake. We will not be paddling in the open water area, instead we will use the cove area near Harrison Bay State Park to minimize the risk of interacting with large vessels. Water safety protocols will be demonstrated for all park guests before entering the water. Park Rangers will ask participants to demonstrate that they understand the safety protocols by reciting the protocols or physically demonstrating how to use the park equipment properly.
To use the paddle boats (canoes and/or kayaks) a person must be able to maneuver themselves inside of the boat and sit in an upright position for a period of time from 1-1.5 hours. Paddling a boat requires the use of upper body muscles and joints as well as core muscles. People with limited mobility in their hands, wrists, shoulders, or hips may find it difficult to use a paddle boat.
The portion of this event which includes the STEAM lesson and the Water Safety lesson will take place indoors at the Rec Hall. This space is covered and has heat and AC. The lesson will cover the fourth grade science standards for waves (4.PS4: Waves and their Application in Technologies for Information Transfer) through interactive mediums and a PowerPoint presentation. The lesson will last approximately 30-40 minutes. Participants may be asked to sit, stand, kneel, or walk at different points of the lesson.
If you have any questions about accessibility for this program please direct questions to Leigh.Gardner@tn.gov.
COST: Free (donations accepted)
Pre-registration is required
