Silver Spring, Md. (December 1, 2008) – The Siemens Foundation and Discovery Education recently launched a new website continuing both organizations’ missions of empowering and engaging teachers and students in science education. Hosting a wide variety of free, high-quality science tools and resources, Siemens Science Day provides the standards-based videos, tools and hands-on activities for earth, life and physical science that educators need to turn 4th - 6th grade students into aspiring scientists.

Each activity on the website includes complete how-to information, step-by-step directions for in-class use, materials lists, at-home extensions that promote learning beyond the classroom, and related video clips. More activities will be added to the website in the coming months, creating a rich database of science experiments and demonstrations that help students learn by doing.

“This digital expansion in partnership with Discovery Education represents a natural evolution in our grassroots, volunteer driven Siemens Science Day program,” said James Whaley, president of the Siemens Foundation. “The program has reached more than 47,000 students in 36 states since its inception in 2005. This new platform will provide more resources to educators and parents, and an even broader reach to students who are just beginning to learn the joys of science and math. The new website allows us to reach every 4th, 5th, and 6th grader in the U.S.”

“Educators are often challenged to find new ways within existing curriculum to interest students in science education,” explained Dale Fulton, Discovery Education’s Senior Vice President of Curriculum Development. “Siemens Science Day provides many new and creative ways to present lessons on a variety of science topics, all tied to national science standards. In addition, each activity invites student involvement, engaging students in the learning process.”

Educators visiting Siemens Science Day also are encouraged to enter the Ultimate Cool School Science Day Sweepstakes. The winning teacher will win a spellbinding assembly for his/her school that is not only fun and interactive, but also underscores the importance of science literacy and the need for science resources in schools. Discovery Networks will present the assembly, which will consist of videos, mind benders and interactive demonstrations. Entries will be accepted through March 2, 2009.

Earlier this year, the Siemens Foundation, Discovery and the National Science Teachers Association partnered to launch the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. The first and only national K-12 sustainability education initiative aligned to education standards, the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge empowers teams of two to three middle school students to identify an environmental issue in their community, research the issue using scientific investigation, and create a replicable green solution using web-based curriculum tools powered by Discovery Education.

The mentors of the first 100 teams to register and ultimately complete a project for the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge will receive an award-winning Planet Earth series DVD set. Submissions from middle school students will be accepted through March 15, 2009. The initiative will expand to elementary schools in 2009 and to high schools in 2010.

Visit the Siemens Science Day website at www.siemensscienceday.com and the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge at www.wecanchange.com.

About the Siemens Foundation
The Siemens Foundation provides more than $7 million annually in support of educational initiatives in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math in the United States. Its signature programs, the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology and Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement, reward exceptional achievement in science, math and technology. The newest program, the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, encourages K12 students to develop innovative green solutions for environmental issues. By supporting outstanding students today, and recognizing the teachers and schools that inspire their excellence, the Foundation helps nurture tomorrow’s scientists and engineers. The Foundation’s mission is based on the culture of innovation, research and educational support that is the hallmark of Siemens’ U.S. companies and its parent company, Siemens AG. For more information, visit www.siemens-foundation.org.

About Discovery Education
Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) revolutionized television with Discovery Channel and is now transforming classrooms through Discovery Education. Powered by the number one nonfiction media company in the world, Discovery Education combines scientifically proven, standards-based digital media and a dynamic user community in order to empower teachers to improve student achievement. Already, more than half of all U.S. schools access Discovery Education digital services. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.