From the Dec. 9, 1996 Daily Report Card:
-> *3   JASON WINS:  COMBINING TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE
->    The JASON Project (www.jasonproject.org) wins kudos as the
-> best example of how integrated advanced technology enhances
-> education and students' learning experiences (JASON Project press
-> release, 12/3).  The project won the National Information
-> Infrastructure Award in the education category.
->    Dr. Robert Ballard began the JASON Project in 1989 after he
-> received thousands of letters from students asking him about his
-> discovery of the wreckage of the R.M.S. Titantic, writes the
-> release.  The annual JASON Project is administered by the JASON
-> Foundation for Education, whose mission is "to excite and engage
-> students in science and technology, and to motivate and provide
-> professional development for their teachers."  Teachers and
-> students are selected to participate as "Argonauts" and join
-> Ballard and his team of scientists on an annual expedition.
->    For example, the 1996-1997 topic is an investigation of
-> Earth's hottest spots -- Yellowstone and Iceland.  Both sites
-> will be explored during the Journey from the Center of the Earth, the
-> eighth annual JASON Project, running from 28 April to 9 May. Past
-> JASON trips had students, teachers and scientists explore
-> warships from the War of 1812 at the bottom of Lake Ontario and
-> follow Charles Darwin's steps in the Galapagos Islands.
->    Part of the JASON adventure is conveyed via the World Wide
-> Web.  From the release:  "During JASON Project VII, the world's first
-> and only underwater website lured students to the bottom of the sea
-> and virtually let them loose in a NOAA ocean floor
-> research facility called AQUARIUS."  NII judges were impressed
-> that "students and teachers can join in the scientific process
-> with an immediacy never before possible."
->    Winning entries were selected on three criteria:  capability
-> of the information infrastructure; practical results and
-> benefits; and innovation  Of nearly 900 entries, one winner was
-> selected in each of the ten categories:  arts and entertainment;
-> business; children; community; education;  government; health;
-> public access; and telecollaboration.  For more information and for
-> other category winners please see www.gii.awards.com.
->    "One of the most important benefits of the NII Awards
-> Program is its ability to bring together people from all parts of
-> society in an atmosphere of learning where they can exchange
-> ideas and knowledge," remarked Vice President Al Gore.
->    The JASON Project is supported by the National Geographic
-> Society, Bechtel, Sprint, SUN Microsystems, Eastman Kodak
-> Company, ICI Worldwide and the National Science Center
-> Foundation.
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