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THE JASON PROJECT LAUNCHES ENERGY CURRICULUM
New Distribution Model Adds Free Downloading and Printing to Free Online Curricula
ASHBURN, Va. (Oct. 1, 2009)--A new science curriculum unit from The JASON Project is enabling students to explore one of society's most riveting and important issues -- energy -- in a new distribution format featuring print-on-demand and other solutions for 21st-century classrooms.
"Operation: Infinite Potential" is the third unit in JASON's new line of science curricula, following the award-winning ecology and weather units. Each unit fully integrates digital and print content into inquiry-based instruction. Using "Operation: Infinite Potential"'s research articles, hands-on labs, field assignments, videos, computer games and other multimedia, students work side-by-side with leading scientists to investigate and analyze emerging technologies designed to meet the needs of an energy-hungry planet.
For the first time, JASON is offering users the flexibility of free downloading and printing of all online Student and Teacher Editions in the new curriculum line. Individual chapters of PDF-formatted pages or the entire books may be printed in color or black and white. JASON is continuing to offer complete curriculum units, with all interactives and multimedia, free online. Print editions, including a DVD with up to two hours of video, are available for purchase.
"Teachers are faced with the need to become even more innovative, especially in these economic times, and JASON is helping them keep pace by providing world-class resources free online," said Caleb M. Schutz, president of The JASON Project. "This is important to educators, administrators and parents as well as our partners. Now every student, regardless of circumstances, has access to free science curriculum that is nationally recognized for excellence."
"Operation: Infinite Potential" was developed in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Shell, the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), and the National Geographic Society. The unit provides five to nine weeks of classroom material with suggested lesson plans, extensions, interdisciplinary connections and teacher resources.
"NOAA is pleased to be partnering with The JASON Project to introduce students and teachers to real-world examples of the science taught in this new science curriculum," said Louisa Koch, director of education for NOAA. "Space weather and tsunamis are exciting ways to learn about energy. NOAA's vision is 'an informed society that uses a comprehensive understanding of the role of the ocean, coasts and atmosphere in the global ecosystem to make the best social and economic decisions.' Our ongoing partnership with The JASON Project helps us make progress toward achieving that vision."
"Shell is very excited to partner with The JASON Project to provide such a powerful tool to teachers and students," said Serge Giacomo, head of Shell International Corporate Identity. "Today we are challenged with diminishing conventional oil and gas supplies, increasing demand for energy and growing levels of CO2. Shell recognizes that the 'Operation: Infinite Potential' project exemplifies the types of critical technologies that teachers and students must rely upon to help transition to a new energy future."
"For the United States to remain technologically competitive in the 21st century, it is essential that scientists and engineers team with educators to inspire youth, provide tools and materials for K-12 science and math programs, and create a learning environment that prepares today's students to be tomorrow's researchers," said NETL director Carl Bauer. "NETL is delighted to work with The JASON Project to meet these important goals."
"Oak Ridge National Laboratory's participation in the JASON energy curriculum unit was a tremendous success for everyone involved," said Thomas Zacharia, ORNL deputy laboratory director for science and technology. "'Operation: Infinite Potential' offers students a valuable and innovative educational experience. We look forward to working again soon with JASON and the other partners on this project."
JASON's digital and print resources are designed for grades 5-8 and used by teachers throughout K-12 for differentiated instruction or individual learning plans. All student resources are aligned to state science standards and designed for use with JASON's online assessment tools. When combined with teacher resources for lesson planning and classroom management -- and comprehensive professional development -- JASON provides a complete instructional solution that couples the power of digital learning with the ease-of-use of textbooks.
JASON's theory of education is based on lighting the spark of inspiration through sustained connections with "great explorers and great events" in rigorous curricula. Its new curriculum line -- launched in 2007 -- brings compelling scientists and cutting-edge research to life, and has garnered multiple awards:
-CODiE Award: Best Science Instructional Solution (2009) for "Operation: Resilient Planet," JASON's ecology unit, presented by the Software & Information Industry Association
-CODiE Finalist: Best Education Solution and Best Online Instructional Solution (2009) for "Operation: Resilient Planet"
-Distinguished Achievement Award in the category of Best Educational Toys and Games (2009) for "Operation: Resilient Planet" video game from the Association of Educational Publishers
-Award of Excellence (2008) for "Operation: Monster Storms" weather curriculum from Tech & Learning magazine
-CODiE Award: Best Online Instructional Solution (2008) for "Operation: Monster Storms"
-CODiE Finalist: Best Science Instructional Solution (2008) for "Operation: Monster Storms"
Visit www.jason.org to access JASON's free online science curricula.
About The JASON Project
A nonprofit subsidiary of National Geographic Society, JASON works with NOAA, NASA, the U.S. Department of Energy and other leading organizations to develop inquiry-based science curricula and professional development. JASON was founded in 1989 by Dr. Robert Ballard, the oceanographer and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence best known for his discovery of RMS Titanic and who today serves as JASON's chairman and chief scientist.
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Contacts:
Chandra Teitscheid
National Geographic Society
(202) 828-6678
cteitsch@ngs.org
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