Thanks to hard work from a team of educators, PBI has added a comprehensive teacher's curriculum to its Web site. The curriculum engages upper elementary age students in critical thinking by having them examine the issue of whether eco-tourism should be allowed in the town of Churchill, the famous polar-bear gathering spot on the shores of Hudson Bay. As part of the decision-makig process, students learn about the Arctic and polar bears while sharpening their reading, writing, math, and social studies skills.

The project was a joint effort by the the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, the Maryland State Department of Education, and PBI.

Division of Instruction Environmental Education Specialist Rebecca Bell brought together a team of teachers to create the lessons. Peter Martin from the Maryland Zoo worked closely with them and is writing additional lessons that will be uploaded soon. Dr. Jane Waterman, who serves on PBI's Scientific Advisory Council, provided background material that lets young students get as close into the science as possible.

Finally, Barbara Nielsen of PBI patiently edited the curriculum and PBI Art Director Connie McLeod created a beautiful, but functional design, utilizing photographs and Web site links provided by National Geographic photographer Daniel J. Cox of www.naturalexposures.com.