Bringing the Tools of Big Science to Bear on Local Environmental Challenges

We describe an interactive collaborative environmental education project that makes advanced laboratory facilities at Brookhaven National Laboratory accessible for one-year or multi-year science projects for the high school level. Cyber-enabled Environmental Science (CEES) utilizes web conferencing software to bring multi-disciplinary, inquiry-based research opportunities to Districts who wish to participate. CEES serves as a model to show how students involved in distance learning and experimentation can engage in exciting, state-of-the-art research that enhances their skills for future Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers. High school research opportunities through CEES support all seven New York State Standards for mathematics, science and technology (MST), Common Core and 12 of the National Geography Standards.