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DISCOVERY EDUCATION PRESENTS FIRST LIVE, GLOBAL VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP FROM THE TOWER OF LONDON IN COMMEMORATION OF REMEMBRANCE DAY

– Open to Classrooms Worldwide, Live Virtual Event Will Transport Learners Across the Globe to Reflect on the Anniversary of WWI and to Honor the Armed Forces –

November 3, 2014

Contact - Elizabeth Hillman
SVP, Communications
240.662.2664

 

Silver Spring, Md. (November 3, 2014) - On Monday, November 10 at 9:30 AM EST, Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital content and professional development for K-12 classrooms, will host a live, global virtual field trip from the moat of the historic Tower of London. Offered in partnership with the Historic Royal Palaces, this unique learning experience will commemorate Remembrance Day, a national day of tribute in the UK to honor members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty. The event is part of Discovery Education's global efforts to support educators and students in honoring those who have served in the armed forces, in conjunction with Remembrance Day in the UK and Canada, and Veterans Day in the United States.

Remembrance: A National School Assembly will offer students in the US and Canada the opportunity to reflect on the meaning of the 100-year anniversary of the First World War, and experience a close-up view of the breath-taking poppy installation which marks the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. During the 30-minute virtual tour, British guides will lead students into the Tower of London and the moat to teach students about the history of Remembrance Day, the significance of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance, and the historical importance of the war that started 100 years ago.

During one component of the virtual event, students from Pakeman Primary School in London will connect virtually with a Canadian classroom in Hamilton, Ontario. Guided by Discovery Education's Senior Director of Global Learning Initiatives Hall Davidson, the students in the UK and Canada will collaborate and explore the three essential questions around Remembrance Day - Why should we remember? Why is 100 years significant? How do you want to remember?

"Discovery Education's virtual field trips are an exciting tool to use in the classroom. They allow students to be transported to locations where they wouldn't otherwise be able to go, and connect with experts who provide valuable information and perspective on important events," said Pia Merolli, an educator at Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board's Memorial City Elementary School in Hamilton, Ontario. "Remembrance Day is a significant occasion in both the UK and Canada. Discovery Education is giving us the opportunity to talk and learn about those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our countries, and the different ways we remember them. I'm looking forward to utilizing this virtual event to connect my students to the global community."

Geared toward 7-14 year olds, but suitable for all ages, this live school assembly will take students through the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, the stunning artwork comprising 888,246 ceramic poppies - each one representing a British military fatality during the war - tumbling down the walls and filling the moat at the Tower of London. Discovery Education is offering participating educators a lesson plan with resources and activities to help students understand the significance of Remembrance Day, Veterans Day, and the creation of memorials and ceremonies to honor those who serve. To further support educators in teaching this critical topic, Discovery Education is also providing an informative video interview with Alex Drago, historian and educational lead from Tower of London, who will discuss the themes of reflection and engagement, as well as their classroom application.

The assembly will be hosted by Tim Vincent, NBC's Access Hollywood correspondent, produced by Lewis Bronze, Director of Content at Discovery Education, and directed by Oliver MacFarlane, series editor for Blue Peter and the BBC Proms.

"Discovery Education is proud to support Veterans Day and Remembrance Day with a virtual learning opportunity for students and teachers that offers a global perspective on honoring veterans," said Kelli Campbell, Senior Vice President, Discovery Education. "We are thrilled to support educators by providing resources that teachers can utilize to remember those who have served us, foster global awareness in their students, and participate in a different culture's tradition."

The event will be streamed live on Discovery Education's website, and classrooms can register at no cost by visiting http://www.discoveryeducationuk.com/remembrance. An archive of the event will be available for viewing at 1:00 PM EST.

For more information about Discovery Education, visit www.discoveryeducation.com.

 

About Discovery Education

Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital content and professional development for K-12, transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content, professional development, assessment tools, and the largest professional learning community of its kind. Available in over half of all U.S. schools and primary schools in England, community colleges and in 50 countries around the world, Discovery Education partners with districts, states and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that accelerate academic achievement. Discovery Education is powered by Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the number one nonfiction media company in the world. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.