WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) will debut the Northrop Grumman Foundation Earthwatch Educator program, an innovative environmental education program for teachers at the 2008 National Conference on Aviation and Space Education (NCASE). The company is one of the sponsors of the conference, "Today's Students: Tomorrow's Aerospace Workforce," which will be held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Va., on Oct. 16-18.
In partnership with the Earthwatch Institute, the Northrop Grumman Foundation will offer educators across the country the opportunity to participate in expeditions focused on climate change or oceans preservation.
"Through this unique partnership, Northrop Grumman aims to help reverse the national trend of declining student interest in science, technology, engineering and math," said Carleen Beste, manager of Northrop Grumman Foundation and Corporate Citizenship. "Teachers will be able gain a hands-on experience and share their knowledge with their students. We are excited to introduce this program at the NCASE conference, which addresses the ways in which teachers can make science and math curriculum fun and innovative in the classroom."
The climate change expeditions will examine the growing impact of climate change on natural habitats, species and humans. Projects examine adaptation and coping strategies employed by wildlife and promote management strategies for maintaining functional ecosystems during climatic shifts. The oceans expedition involves seeking solutions to preserving critical species in habitats such as coral reefs, sea grass beds and mangrove forests.
The Northrop Grumman Foundation Earthwatch Educator program is one way the company is addressing the declining number of American students entering science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers. Through this program, the company hopes to provide educators with a hands-on professional development opportunity that will be transferred to the classroom and shared with students.
Teachers can learn about the program and pick up an application at the Northrop Grumman and Earthwatch exhibition booth at the NCASE conference. For those unable to attend the conference, program information and applications are also available for download at http://www.northropgrumman.com/earthwatch/.
The NCASE will address various topics, including the science of aviation and space; teaching and learning methodologies and technologies in aerospace education; outreach in aviation education; and the importance of educating youth for aerospace careers. Two NASA astronauts, Bonnie J. Dunbar and Janice Voss, will be among the many influential aviation and space leaders at the conference.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.