Discovery Press Web United States

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SILVER SPRING, Md. [September 17, 2014] - The White House and Discovery Education announced today the expansion of the popular "Of the People: Live from the White House" virtual field trip series. Offering upper elementary, middle and high school students unique access to White House and government officials as well as subject matter experts, Of the People will bring a series of 30-minute virtual events hosted by a student and broadcast live from the White House and other special locations to classrooms nationwide. The series, which launched last year, will build upon its success for the 2014-2015 school year with topics such as civics, history, STEM and more. The first virtual field trip will commemorate Constitution Day today at 1pm ET/10 am PT.

As part of the Constitution Day observance, students will take a virtual journey through the National Archives with student host Adalia Jimenez, an 11th grader from James Hubert Blake High School in Maryland's Montgomery County Public Schools.  During this one-of-a-kind experience, Miss Jimenez will interview the Archivist of the United States, David S. Ferriero, and ask him questions (both her own and those submitted by students) about the National Archives and its contents, as well as his role. Students will investigate how our nation's important documents have shaped the American government and impacted the lives of millions of people.  Students will also hear from a historian at the National Archives who will model a document analysis strategy with the Constitution, demonstrating the skills needed to read, write and think like a scholar.  This virtual field trip allows students to experience history and explore how important documents have shaped the country, their communities and their own families.

These unique virtual field trips take students beyond the walls of their classroom to places that they would not normally get to experience. Each installment of the virtual field trip series reinforces critical learning concepts outlined in their subject curriculum.

All installments in this series and archives will be available on Discovery Education's website at DiscoveryEducation.com and will be supported with digital video and other learning tools to support student engagement.

"The expansion of Discovery Education's White House webinar series provides students in our district and nationwide unique classroom experiences," said Dr. Heath Morrison, Superintendent, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. "Through engaging and relevant content, this series reinforces the connection between students' education and real-world careers and opportunities, while strengthening the everyday critical-thinking skills needed for success inside and outside the classroom."

"We're so thrilled that the White House is able to work with Discovery Education on this project," said Eric Waldo, Executive Director of First Lady Michelle Obama's Reach Higher initiative to inspire every student in America to complete their education past high school. "The 'Of the People' series gives students the chance to engage directly with challenging and exciting material. And it's a wonderful opportunity to use technology to connect directly with young people around the country and share the rich history of the White House."

"It is an honor to extend and expand our relationship with the White House to deliver an even greater range of topics in the 'Of the People' virtual field trip series to classrooms across America," said Bill Goodwyn, President and CEO, Discovery Education.  "Through these one-of-a-kind virtual events, we are able to take students beyond the classroom and provide them with experiential learning opportunities that are curriculum-aligned and help broaden students' understanding of highlighted topics."

Last year's "Of the People" series provided students and educators with a behind-the-scenes look at the White House, its administration and events. Virtual field trip webinars addressed the history of the White House and its art, coverage of the Science Fair and the importance of mentorships, and a cultural exchange featuring First Lady Michelle Obama in China.

For more information on this webinar series and other services and learning initiatives from Discovery Education, visit www.discoveryeducation.com/webinars. 

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 that supports the implementation of Common Core, 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.