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Toyota
gift helps JASON Project at WSU
By
Lynette Murphy
The
Toyota USA Foundation has pledged $375,000 to WSU over three years
to help implement the JASON Project for middle school students across
Kansas. It is the first Kansas program Toyota has funded.
Founded
by oceanographer Robert Ballard, the JASON Project aims to excite
and engage students in science and technology through a yearlong,
expedition-based, multimedia science education program. It’s
named for the Jason in Greek mythology who, with his Argonauts,
sailed the seas in an adventurous quest for the Golden Fleece.
WSU’s
Fairmount Center for Science and Mathematics Education joins such
heavy hitters as Johns Hopkins University, Purdue University and
California State University Northridge in receiving Toyota grants
to enhance the teaching of K-12 math and science nationwide.
As
part of the JASON Project, WSU will show live broadcasts when a
team of scientists, teachers and students make a two-week expedition
to Alaska this month. Teachers and students are preparing for the
experience with curriculum, videotapes and experiments developed
by the JASON Project. Hands-on activities for students model the
work of the expedition researchers.
Within
five years, JASON could reach 15,000 fourth- through ninth-graders
annually. In addition to the Wichita school system, ultimately all
Kansas schools, public, private and in homes, would be invited to
take part.
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