National Geographic Emerging Explorer, Luke Dollar, Introduces Collier County Fourth Graders to a Rare Predator from Madagascar at the Naples Zoo

Naples, FL – Dr. Luke Dollar, a Conservation Scientist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer, in partnership with National Geographic Learning (NGL), part of Cengage Learning, the Naples Zoo and Collier County Public Schools (CCPS), will be speaking with fourth grade students about his extensive work studying the fosa, a rare, carnivorous predator species native to the island of Madagascar. The event will be taking place at the Naples Zoo, one of the few zoos in the nation where the public can view this endangered species.

As part of the National Geographic Emerging Explorer program, Dr. Luke Dollar is recognized and supported by the National Geographic Society as a uniquely gifted and inspiring young scientist and storyteller. He began researching the fosa more than 15 years ago. Through his many visits to the island and his thorough studies and accounts, Dollar has generated widespread, worldwide interest in this rare animal.

Collier County Public Schools have adopted NGL’s National Geographic Science – Florida Edition for K-5 science instruction. This program incorporates videos and images from National Geographic and real-world accounts from National Geographic’s famous explorers and scientists, such as Dr. Luke Dollar. NGL sponsors events, such as this one at the Naples Zoo, as a way to engage students and bring learning to life. Students are granted the ability to apply what they learn in the classroom and meet the explorers that they read about in their science studies.

What: National Geographic Emerging Explorer, Dr. Luke Dollar, speaking to fourth graders about his work studying the fosa. The event will be attended by two fourth grade classes and will be made available via live webcast to all other fourth grade students from CCPS. Following the event, Dollar will visit several of the schools that viewed the webcast to meet and greet students.

When: Thursday, August 29, 2013 at 10:00am – Any media wishing to attend should arrive early to allow for set-up, as the event will begin promptly at the stated time. Interviews with Dr. Luke Dollar will be possible following the presentation at 11:00am.

Where: The Fosa: Madagascar’s Legendary Carnivore Exhibit at the Naples Zoo – 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples, FL 34102-5260

Why: To engage and motivate CCPS’s fourth grade students in science and bring learning materials to life via the real-world accounts of a world-renowned National Geographic Emerging Explorer.

Details: For more information, or if you would like to attend the event as a member of the media, please contact Lauren Eddy at lauren.eddy@cengage.com or Joe Landon at landonjo@collierschools.com.

About Cengage Learning and National Geographic Learning
Cengage Learning is a leading educational content, software and services company, empowering educators and driving learner engagement through personalized services and course-driven digital solutions that bridge from the library to the classroom. National Geographic Learning, part of Cengage Learning, is a provider of quality core and supplemental educational materials for the PreK‐12, higher education and adult education markets. Cengage Learning and National Geographic Learning also distribute a variety of content from the National Geographic Society, including images, maps, videos and articles, to the academic and library markets worldwide. For more information, visit www.cengage.com.

About the Naples Zoo
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization cooperating in conservation programs both in and outside the wild for endangered species including planting over 100,000 trees a year. Guests enjoy both the nationally accredited zoo and historic garden along with a full day of fun presentations, giraffe feeding, and wild cruise through islands of monkeys, lemurs, and apes. To learn more, visit www.napleszoo.org or call (239) 262-5409.

About Collier County Public Schools
The mission and vision of Collier County Public Schools is that by providing exceptional educational opportunities that motivate and engage each student, all students will complete school prepared for ongoing learning as well as community and global responsibilities.