25 Teachers from Six States Awarded

MAYNARD. MA -- 25 teachers from six states - California, Florida, Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, and Washington - will venture to the vast wetlands of Brazil's Pantanal, the USA's North Cascades, and the Canadian Rockies during July and August to work with leading scientists on Earthwatch conservation research projects. The educators will map and monitor endangered ecosystems. Upon return home teachers will share "lessons-learned" locally through activities with students and workshops with colleagues.

The program "Strengthening Geography through Conservation Field Work" is part of a nationwide partnership developed by Earthwatch Institute (www.earthwatch.org) with a grant from National Geographic Education Foundation (http://www.nationalgeographic.com/foundation/) and matching funds for fellowships from foundations and educational organizations in partner states. The program promotes collaboration among science and geography educators and provides applied research experience using a variety of research tools including Geographic Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

"This is precisely the academic ‘hands-on' field training that raises the flat map to life," says Stephen Cunha, Professor of Geography and Coordinator of the California Geographic Alliance. "This initiative tackles the dire need to advance standards-based teacher content proficiency in geography and the geosciences."

Participating educators, ranging from elementary to high school level were selected through a competitive application process publicized in collaboration with state geographic alliances in California, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Washington, and with state science and technology organizations.

Sue Richman, a high school science teacher from Portland, Maine says that one of the reasons that she applied was because "there is no better way to encourage students to become involved in science and stewardship than through example. When students see their teachers seeking knowledge and challenge they want to do the same. Students want to know what ‘real' scientists do, and they prefer to work with actual data."

Half of the fellows including Richman will travel to the Pantanal in southwestern Brazil. The Pantanal is the world's largest wetlands, 24 times the size of the Everglades with some of the most diverse tropical wildlife in South America. The team of scientists, geographers, and teachers will conduct baseline studies of flora and fauna, including behavioral studies of the endangered giant river otter.

Carolyn Hine, a middle school social studies teacher from Framingham, Massachusetts, says that the research in Brazil is especially interesting to her because many of her students are from Brazil. "Using regions of the world where my students are from in geography lessons will help me connect to my students and boost their motivation and self-esteem."

While Richman and Hine head south for the wetlands of Brazil, other teachers will travel north and west to the mountain ranges of the North Cascades and the Canadian Rockies. Based in the high country they will survey and map human impacts on wildlife and the interrelationships of plants and animals.

"The stereotype of a geography teacher" says James Curtis, a high school geography teacher from Eustis, Florida "is one that teaches the capitals of countries. How much more interesting if we help students examine the places people live and their impact on the natural world and other cultures." Curtis is active in the Florida Geographic Alliance and plans upon return home to use his experience to engage his students in local land use studies.

Rose Corso, an elementary teacher from Tonasket, Washington hopes to design "a science unit integrated across the curriculum that "will use our community and its wildlife as an outdoor laboratory."

Mary Barden, a geography teacher from North Kingstown, Rhode Island says "by bringing the field research experience back into the classroom, my students will be able to see a connection between their own community and other communities in the world and develop a sense of global responsibility."

"Strengthening Geography in Schools through Conservation Field Work" is based on Earthwatch's thirty years of experience and successful model of experiential education through field science. Earthwatch conservation projects in Brazil, the Pacific Northwest, and the Canadian Rockies provide ideal settings for teachers to integrate science and geography and learn new technologies to share their findings with the educational community.

For more information on how you or your school can be involved, contact Meg Warren, Project Director at mwarren@earthwatch.org or 1-800-776-0188 x117. The complete list of fellowship winners includes:

Earthwatch Institute is an international nonprofit organization which supports scientific field research worldwide by offering members of the public unique opportunities to work alongside leading field scientists and researchers. The Institute's mission is to engage people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.