Association of Zoos and Aquariums

BROOKFIELD ZOO RECEIVES HONORS FOR EDUCATION PROGRAM

CONTACT: Jane Ballentine, (301)562-0777, x 252

CHICAGO, IL, September 18, 2005 – The American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) today honored the Brookfield Zoo with a Significant Achievement Award for the "Every Student is a Scientist: Using Technology to Foster Inclusive Learning" program Zoo officials accepted the award at the AZA's 81st Annual Conference, meeting here this week.

Brookfield Zoo and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) partnered on a project to develop wireless technology-based educational opportunities at the zoo for students with disabilities. Every Student is a Scientist: Using Technology to Foster Inclusive Learning (ESS) builds upon the award-winning Access Program for people with disabilities and it's expertise in developing technology-based curricula. Every Student is a Scientist focuses on creating and testing a process for "repurposing" zoo/museum curricula for use with wireless tablet PCs that improve accessibility and learning gains.

The new technology-enhanced programs address the needs of students with disabilities with a focus on inclusion classrooms consisting of students with visual, auditory or physical impairments. ESS allows them to learn alongside classmates who are not disabled. Over the past two and a half years this has been beta tested with over 70 teachers and 1700 students from Chicago Public Schools.

Each year, AZA recognizes achievement in the area of education by offering competition among its Institution, Related Organization and Society members. Judging is conducted by a panel of individuals selected by the Conservation Education Committee.

Note: For more information contact Sondra Katzen at 708-485-0263 x351.

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