JCPS Live Video Conference from Canada

 

WHAT: Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS),superintendent Sheldon H. Berman, along with Louisville Zoo, director John Walczak, are currently on an expedition in Churchill, Manitoba, to study polar bears, to talk to scientists, and learn how we can make a difference in saving these iconic animals.

Students from four JCPS schools will get a first-hand lesson about Arctic wildlife as part of a live video-conference from Alaska. Berman and Walczak will broadcast live from the Tundra into JCPS classrooms where students can learn about polar bears and their rapidly changing habitat, as well as why environmental protection is important around the world.

WHO: Berman, Walczak, and students from Portland and Cane Run Elementary School. Also participating are scientists Dr. Donald Moore, associate director for animal care at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and founding vice-chair and advisor of animal welfare for the American Zoo and Aquarium; and Dr. Thomas S. Smith, associate professor and research wildlife biologist from the Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences at Brigham Young University.

WHERE: Media are invited to observe the video conference at the JCPS Gheens Academy, located at 4425 Preston Highway, along with students from Portland and Cane Run elementary schools—two new environmental magnet schools for the 2009 —10, school year.

WHEN: Friday, October 31, 2008.