Science Channel And Discovery Education Partner To Launch The SUPPORT OUR SCIENCE Initiative

SILVER SPRING, Md., March 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In an announcement made today by the White House, Science Channel, the network that dares to question everything, and Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital content and professional development for K-12 classrooms, announce the launch of SUPPORT OUR SCIENCE (S.O.S.).  Through a unique combination of digital content, customized educator support and professional development, student engagement activities, Science Channel content and hands-on digital tools and resources, this on-going effort is designed to ignite students' curiosity while providing educators with the means to build skills and knowledge in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).  

In partnership with The Planetary Society, Girls Inc., and Maker Ed, SUPPORT OUR SCIENCE's first initiative will offer two deserving elementary or middle schools in Houston, Texas, and Atlanta, Ga., areas the opportunity of a lifetime with a comprehensive STEM program for their school communities.  Additionally, a third school will be awarded a high-octane STEM assembly through a nationwide sweepstakes that kicks off May 1. Parents, teachers, and community members have an opportunity to enter a school of their choice by submitting an entry via www.ScienceChannel.com/SupportOurScience.  

"Children possess a natural curiosity about the world around them--how things work and why things happen. Science Channel is excited to help students ignite that natural curiosity into a passion for science and technology for the future," says Rita Mullin, general manager of Science Channel.

"Discovery Education is pleased to collaborate with Science Channel and our other partners on this very important effort," said Bill Goodwyn, President and CEO of Discovery Education. "Initiatives like SUPPORT OUR SCIENCE help educators engage students in STEM subjects, accelerate student achievement, and build the problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration skills needed for success in the workplace of tomorrow."  

In collaboration with the Houston Independent School District and Fulton County Schools, Science Channel and Discovery Education will provide one school in each city with a customized STEM education program.  Each STEM program will be customized to meet the goals and needs of the schools, and could include:  

• Access to thought-provoking, engaging Science Channel programming for use as a learning catalyst for educators and schools to start their own science 'conversation.'
• Robust professional development provided by Discovery Education experts to support educators' integration of digital STEM resources into classroom instruction.
• Dynamic, digital resources like Discovery Education Streaming, Discovery Education Science Techbook and recently introduced, Discovery Education Math Techbook.
• Hands-on science activities, like Discovery Education STEM Camp – a dynamic series of standards-aligned curricula that engages students in STEM lessons and which can be used as part of summer camps, after-school STEM programs or wherever support is needed.
• State-of-the-art STEM lab with science and technology resources including computers, tablets, science tools, etc.
• A STEM attitudinal study to measure program impact.

"Thank you Science Channel and Discovery Education for developing this innovative program for our educators and students," said Dr. Scott Muri, Deputy Superintendent of Academics at Fulton County Schools.  "Creative partnerships like this add real value to the education process and we look forward to working with Discovery Education's expert team to create dynamic digital learning environments that will engage my students in STEM."

Science Channel continues to provide smart and entertaining programming that highlights the idea that science is everywhere.  From the everyday and hypnotic processes of HOW IT'S MADE, to programs that ask the big questions such as THROUGH THE WORMHOLE WITH MORGAN FREEMAN.  The programming slate focuses on STEM content all the while trying to inspire the next generation of dreamers, doers and disrupters.

About Science Channel

Science Channel, a division of Discovery Communications, Inc, is home for the thought provocateur, the individual who is unafraid to ask the killer questions of "how" and "why not." The network is a playground for those with audacious intellects and features programming willing to go beyond imagination to explore the unknown. Guided by curiosity, Science Channel looks for innovation in mysterious new worlds as well as in its own backyard. Science Channel and the Science Channel HD simulcast reaches over 76 million U.S. households. The network also features high-traffic online and social media destinations, including ScienceChannel.com, facebook.com/Science Channel and twitter.com/ScienceChannel.

About Discovery Education

Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital content and professional development for K-12, transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content that supports the implementation of Common Core, professional development, assessment tools, and the largest professional learning community of its kind.  Available in over half of all U.S. schools and primary schools in England, community colleges and in 50 countries around the world, Discovery Education partners with districts, states and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that accelerate academic achievement. Discovery Education is powered by Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the number one nonfiction media company in the world. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's #1 pay-TV programmer reaching nearly 3 billion cumulative subscribers in more than 220 countries and territories. For 30 years Discovery has been dedicated to satisfying curiosity and entertaining viewers with high-quality content through its global television brands, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery and Science, as well as U.S. joint venture network OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. Discovery controls Eurosport, the leading pan-regional sports entertainment destination across Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools, including an award-winning series of K-12 digital textbooks, through Discovery Education, and a digital leader with a diversified online portfolio, including Discovery Digital Networks. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

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SOURCE Discovery Education; Science Channel

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