- Challenge Kicks off in September with National Middle School Competition
   to Develop Innovative Green Solutions for Local Environmental Issues -

    NEW YORK, July 28 /eMediaWorld/ -- The Siemens Foundation, Discovery
Communications and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) have
joined together to inspire student achievement in sustainability through a
comprehensive education initiative, the Siemens We Can Change the World
Challenge. Announced today, the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge
is an unprecedented partnership between three industry leading
organizations that are committed to educating, empowering and engaging
students, teachers and communities in environmental sustainability.

    Kicking off the 2008 school year in September, the Siemens We Can
Change the World Challenge is the first and only national K-12
sustainability education initiative aligned to state education standards
and uniquely tailored to match students' growing comprehension abilities
throughout their school-aged years. By partnering with Discovery Education,
a division of Discovery Communications, which provides scientifically
proven, standards-based digital media tools and resources to classrooms
nationwide, and the NSTA, the largest science teacher organization in the
world dedicated to improving science education and increasing student
learning by engaging all teachers of science, the Siemens Foundation will
serve as a pioneer in recognizing sustainability efforts within the K-12
education system.

    "As a leader in environmentally relevant businesses, Siemens knows the
answers to tomorrow's critical environmental questions are in the minds of
today's students," said James Whaley, President, Siemens Foundation.
"Uniting with Discovery Education and NSTA complements Siemens' commitment
to the future and to those who are going to create it. We look forward to
unleashing this tremendous reservoir of potential through the Siemens We
Can Change the World Challenge."

    "Education and the environment have always been part of Discovery's
core mission and we are proud to be a partner in encouraging students to
learn about and create sustainable solutions through the Siemens We Can
Change the World Challenge," said David Zaslav, President and CEO,
Discovery Communications.

    "The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge will engage science
teachers and allow students the opportunity to think like scientists, learn
more about key environmental issues, and to develop critical-thinking
skills that will help them to make informed decisions regarding stewardship
of the planet," said Dr. Gerry Wheeler, Executive Director, NSTA.

    Designed to equip students in every grade level with the tools and
inspiration to develop innovative green solutions for schools, homes and
communities, the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge will transform
participants into active citizens for a greener tomorrow. The program
begins by helping young students understand the basic concepts of
sustainability and why it's important to protect the environment. At each
subsequent stage, the concepts expand to engage students beyond their
classrooms, into their communities and to the global world.

    -- K-2: My Classroom: Introduce students to the importance of "being
green" and provide opportunities for active learning and engagement.

    -- 3-5: My School: Inspire students to think beyond their classroom --
using science and math skills to take their school "green."

    -- 6-8: My Community: Empower students with tools to apply the
Scientific Method to real-world "green issues" in their local communities.

    -- 9-12: My World: Connect students with real-world scientists as they
tackle today's "green challenges" -- moving from insight to global action.

    In September, the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge launches
with a national middle school competition where teams of students will
identify an environmental problem in their community and will research and
recommend a reproducible environmental improvement program. Teams will then
provide an explanation about how other communities across the country can
launch similar environmental improvement programs.

    The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge will expand to
kindergarten and elementary school students in 2009 and to high school
students in 2010, complete with standards-based lesson plans and teacher
materials, student projects and prizing to foster learning, team work and
problem solving around sustainability.

    For more information about the Siemens We Can Change the World
Challenge, visit http://www.wecanchangetheworldchallenge.com.

    About the Siemens Foundation

    The Siemens Foundation provides over $4.5 million towards science,
technology, and engineering and math initiatives annually. Its signature
programs, the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology and the
Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement, reward exceptional achievement in
science, math and technology. 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. operating
companies and its parent company, Siemens AG. For more information, visit
http://www.siemens-foundation.org.

    About Discovery Communications

    Discovery Communications is the world's number-one nonfiction media
company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170
countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy
their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery
Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Planet Green, Investigation
Discovery and HD Theater, as well as leading consumer and educational
products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media
services including HowStuffWorks. Discovery Communications is owned by
Discovery Holding Company (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB), Advance/Newhouse
Communications and John S. Hendricks, Discovery's founder and chairman. For
more information, please visit http://www.discoverycommunications.com.

    About the National Science Teachers Association

    The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is the largest
organization in the world dedicated to promoting excellence and innovation
in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA works to improve science
education and increase student learning by providing resources and training
that support and enhance quality teaching. The Association advocates for
the importance of science and science learning and works to enhance science
education through research-based policy and practice. NSTA's current
membership includes more than 57,000 science teachers, science supervisors,
administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and
others involved in science education. For more information, please visit
http://www.nsta.org.