National Geographic Emerging Explorer, Luke Dollar, to Bring Science Education to Life for Collier County Students at the Naples Zoo
Explorer featured on the cover of National Geographic Learning fourth grade science textbooks to introduce students to a rare predator from Madagascar
NAPLES, Fla., Aug. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- To engage students and bring science education to life, Dr. Luke Dollar, a Conservation Scientist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer will be speaking with fourth graders about his extensive work studying the fosa, a rare, carnivorous predator species native to the island of Madagascar. The event, made possible through a partnership between the Naples Zoo, Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) and National Geographic Learning (NGL), will take place at the Naples Zoo, one of the few zoos in the nation where the public can view this endangered species.
As part of the National Geographic Emerging Explorer program, Dr. Dollar is recognized and supported by the National Geographic Society as a uniquely gifted and inspiring young scientist and storyteller. He began researching the fosa more than 15 years ago. Through his many visits to Madagascar and his thorough studies and accounts, Dollar has generated widespread, worldwide interest in this rare animal. Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens has helped financially support Dr. Dollar's conservation projects in Madagascar for nearly a decade. In addition, the endangered fosas have successfully bred at this nationally accredited zoo.
Collier County Public Schools have adopted NGL's National Geographic Science - Florida Edition for K-5 science instruction. This program incorporates videos and images from National Geographic and real-world accounts from National Geographic's famous explorers and scientists, such as Dr. Luke Dollar, who is featured on the cover of the fourth grade texts. NGL sponsors events, such as this one at the Naples Zoo, as a way to engage students and bring learning to life. Students are granted the ability to apply what they learn in the classroom and meet the explorers that they read about in their science studies.
What: |
National Geographic Emerging Explorer, Dr. Luke Dollar, speaking to students about his work studying the fosa. The event will be attended by approximately 45 fourth graders and will be made available via live webcast to all fourth grade classrooms in the district's 30 elementary schools. Following the event, Dollar will visit several of the classes that viewed the webcast to meet and greet students. |
When: |
Thursday, September 4, 2014 at 10:00am - Media wishing to attend should arrive early to allow for set-up, as the event will begin promptly at the stated time. Interviews with Dr. Luke Dollar will be possible following the presentation at 11:00am. |
Where: |
The Fosa: Madagascar's Legendary Carnivore Exhibit at the Naples Zoo |
Why: |
To engage and inspire CCPS's fourth grade students, and bring science to life via the real-world accounts of a world-renowned National Geographic Emerging Explorer – who is featured in their National Geographic Science textbooks. |
Details: |
For additional information or if you would like to attend the event as a member of the media, please contact Lauren Medina at [email protected] or Maribel De Armas at [email protected]. |
About Collier County Public Schools
By providing exceptional educational opportunities that motivate and engage each student, Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) has a vision that all students will complete school prepared for ongoing learning as well as community and global responsibilities. CCPS serves nearly 45,000 total students in 30 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, 8 high schools, and 1 PreK-thru-12 school. There are also 12 Alternative School Programs. The district's two career/technical centers and adult education programs offer students both short- and long-term programs. To learn more, visit www.collierschools.com.
About Cengage Learning and National Geographic Learning
Cengage Learning is a leading educational content, technology, and services company for the higher education and K-12, professional and library markets worldwide. National Geographic Learning, part of Cengage Learning, is a provider of quality core and supplemental educational materials for the PreK‐12, adult education and ELT markets. Cengage Learning and National Geographic Learning distribute a variety of content from the National Geographic Society to the academic and library markets worldwide. www.cengage.com.
About the Naples Zoo
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization cooperating in conservation programs both in and outside the wild for endangered species including planting thousands of trees a year. Guests enjoy both the nationally accredited zoo and historic garden along with a full day of fun presentations, giraffe feeding, and wild cruise through islands of monkeys, lemurs, and apes. To learn more, visit www.napleszoo.org or call (239) 262-5409.
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SOURCE Cengage Learning
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