LyondellBasell's Earthwatch Environmental Awards for Educators provide an opportunity for school teachers and other educators to participate with international teams of volunteers and scientists in long-term research projects throughout the world. The awards are a motivation for teachers of any discipline and a reward for work well done. They aim to enhance teaching methods and strengthen interest in, and commitment to, the environment.
The expeditions are organized by Earthwatch Institute, a non-profit environmental organization concerned with promoting conservation of the world's natural resources and cultural heritage. LyondellBasell funds this program to enrich the teaching experience for educators as part of their emphasis on education and promoting a sustainable environment.
In 2008, LyondellBasell will award 14 fellowships to educators in our plant communities -- 10 in the United States and four in Europe. The deadline to apply for the 2008 program was March 14.
Award recipients receive the following funded by LyondellBasell: placement on an Earthwatch scientific field research project lasting between one and two weeks in the summer, travel expenses including flights, transfers, food and lodging, an advance of $200 to help cover out-of-pocket expenses and a one year membership to Earthwatch. Returning educators are expected to demonstrate the value of participation in a project by designing a personal action plan describing how the award will be used to benefit the community and environment in their local area.
Recipients of the Environmental Awards participate in one of six environmental research projects selected by the company and Earthwatch Institute. The projects span numerous scientific areas, from the study of tidal forests in Kenya to dolphins in Greece and fossil histories in Mexico. Projects are designed to strengthen the educators' interest and commitment to science, and enable them to pass their newfound knowledge to their students and colleagues.