MILLBROOK, NY — December 11, 2008 — The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is playing a leadership role in a new $12.5 million education grant awarded by the National Science Foundation's Math and Science Partnership Program. Working with Colorado State University and 10 other universities and school districts across the nation, Cary Institute staff will work to create lesson plans and training opportunities that foster ecological literacy in students and teachers.

Dr. Alan R. Berkowitz, Head of the Cary Institute's Education Program, comments, "By bringing together top thinkers in science and science education, the collaboration promises to produce gold standard techniques for infusing ecology into our nation's middle and high school classrooms. Now, more than ever, society needs environmentally literate citizens; schools can provide this foundation. We are thrilled to be part of this vital new effort."

Aimed at increasing student interest in STEM disciplines-science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-the partnership will focus on training teachers and creating an environmental literacy framework for grades 6-12. Learning progressions will allow students to strengthen core science and math concepts while exploring interactions between humans and ecosystems. Whenever possible, lessons will be culturally-relevant and citizenship-oriented.

At the Cary Institute, funding will support summer institutes and workshops for teachers in New York State and Baltimore, Maryland, where the Cary Institute spearheads the Baltimore Ecosystem Study. It will also enhance current research into how students learn about key environmental concepts, such as carbon and energy; water and nutrients; and biodiversity and evolution.

A post-doctoral researcher will be hired to help assess the effectiveness of learning progression lessons currently being piloted in Dutchess County schools. The end goal: a comprehensive curriculum that supports state standards while imparting high school graduates with the skills and knowledge needed for environmental citizenship.

Grant partners include: Colorado State University (lead organization), Greeley-Evans School District No. 6; Poudre School District; Michigan State University; Plainwell Community Schools; University of California, Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara School District; Towson University; Baltimore City and County Public Schools; University of Northern Colorado; University of Wyoming; and the LTER Network Office at the University of New Mexico.

The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is a private, not-for-profit environmental research and education organization in Millbrook, NY. For over twenty five years, Cary Institute scientists have been investigating the complex interactions that govern the natural world. Their objective findings lead to more effective policy decisions and increased environmental literacy. Focal areas include air and water pollution, climate change, invasive species, and the ecological dimensions of infectious disease. Learn more at www.ecostudies.org.