WHEELING, WV, JAN. 23, 2004 - Funded by grants from the prestigious Richard King Mellon Foundation and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, Oglebay Institute's science program for 7th and 8th grade students continues to receive accolades from both teachers and students.

MISSION GROUND TRUTH:21, a hands-on science program that uses an interdisciplinary approach to determine the ecological health of forests and streams found in student's home communities, was developed by teachers, professors, and regional experts three years ago.

Taking students into the woods and streams for collection of data and allowing them to make decisions that require them to personally weigh the trade-offs inherent in any ecology versus humanity business decision, MISSION GROUND TRUTH:21 is like a scientific reality show.

Attempting to answer the BIG question: Can the Earth support the full diversity of life and the economies of nations under the continuing use and degradation of our global ecosystems? - the team-based program addresses the urgency of global eco-questions.

MISSION GROUND TRUTH:21 attracted record numbers of students since its inception in 2001. A total of 5,500 students from West Virginia and Pennsylvania school districts have experienced first hand this scientific program held at the Schrader Environmental Education Center. 54 teachers have participated in the two-day workshop that goes along with the student program and learned new ways to teach environmental science and MISSION GROUND TRUTH:21 lessons.

Currently there are 33 schools participating in MISSION GROUND TRUTH:21 and the interest from educators keeps growing.

"Educators like the fact that students work as a team to develop a working hypothesis, test the chemical and biological health of a stream and actually complete a survey of the forest behind our center or in their community,"explained Schrader Center director Eriks Janelsins. A biologist and environmental advocate who formerly worked with the EPA, Janelsins adds that the program is inquiry-based and "minds-on" education.

Other aspects of the program include analyzing bird population using sight and sound and using problem-solving and critical thinking skills to reach a conclusion. Ultimately these young people come up with solutions to environmental problems that not only helps with their personal educational goals but with the larger goal of raising responsible citizens for a global community.

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