Honeywell and Audubon Partner to Provide Onondaga County Educators with Creative Ways to Teach Science and Environmental Studies
Honeywell, the Montezuma Audubon Center and the Onondaga Audubon Society announced the creation of Honeywell Institute for Ecosystems Education for Onondaga County middle school science teachers last night at the Sainte Marie Among the Iroquois Museum in Liverpool, N.Y.
 “It is amazing that this opportunity for Honeywell Institute for Ecosystems Education is here for Audubon to embrace Onondaga Lake as an Important Bird Area,” said Audubon New York Director of Bird Conservation Jillian Liner. “It’s very exciting and a chance for Onondaga Lake to embrace its habitat.” |
 Onondaga Audubon Society Vice President Niles Brown and Director Robert Long discuss the new educational initiative. |
The professional development program will take place in summer of 2010 and offer curriculum that promotes environmental stewardship, enhances habitat, supports birding and raises awareness of the Onondaga Lake Important Bird Area (IBA).
“Honeywell is proud to partner with Audubon to bring Honeywell Institute for Ecosystems Education to the Syracuse-area,” said Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe. “We are excited to work with Audubon to help restore the natural habitat of Onondaga Lake and to recognize it as an Important Bird Area.”
 Salina Town Supervisor Mark Nicotra, County Legislator-elect Judy Tassone and Liberty the Bald Eagle were in attendance for the announcement of Honeywell Institute for Ecosystems Education. |
 Montezuma Audubon Center Director Frank Moses addresses local elected officials, community members, members of Onondaga Audubon Society and Montezuma Audubon Center, and friends of Onondaga Lake who joined Honeywell and Audubon in celebrating their education partnership. |
“Audubon is looking forward to working with Honeywell and Onondaga County teachers to enhance educators’ and students’ knowledge of local ecosystems. The real-world science curriculum will create fun, thought-provoking experiences that will encourage students to take an active role in their own learning process,” said Director of Montezuma Audubon Center Frank Moses.
“The partnership between Honeywell and Audubon is extremely important to get more local kids focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said President of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) Cornelius (Neil) Murphy. “The more student interest we have now, the better our ecosystems will be in the future. Honeywell should be lauded for their efforts with Audubon.”
 Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe stressed the importance of creating enthusiasm for science among local students. |
 “Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST would benefit greatly from inspiring science teachers who get students excited and engaged in science,” said MOST Exhibits Project Manager Dr. Peter Plumley, director of Summer Science Week (left). “There is a definite synergy between our work with Honeywell at the MOST and Audubon’s partnership through Honeywell Institute for Ecosystems Education. “ |
Honeywell Institute for Ecosystems Education will offer hands-on lessons and inquiry-based techniques for students to learn about habitats and ecosystems, water quality, birds, native plants and sustainability. The program, which is designed to enhance student achievement in science and math, is aligned with the current New York State curriculum and is adaptable to classrooms.
 Onondaga County Legislator Jim Corbett |
 Eagle Scout candidate Will Hirsh, pictured with his father Bill Hirsh, will assist Frank Moses, Mike Allen and the F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company in building an eagle nesting structure to provide a potential nesting site for eagles returning to the Onondaga Lake area. |
Applications and eligibility criteria for Honeywell Institute for Ecosystems Education will be available to middle school science teachers beginning February 2010. The program includes a five-day August workshop with lessons that support New York State curriculum in math and science. Full scholarships as well as classroom support will be available. Participating teachers will gain new enthusiasm for both environmental and science education. The instructors’ interest will carry through to the classroom, enhancing students’ awareness and encouraging them to pursue careers in science, engineering and environmental studies.
“Working together is essential in ensuring the understanding of the environment and particularly Onondaga Lake for the decision makers of tomorrow,” said Vice President of Onondaga Audubon Society Niles Brown.
 Audubon Board Member Patricia Callahan fed Liberty the Bald Eagle during the eagle demonstration. |
 Mike Allen (center), Bald Eagle specialist and formerly of the NYSDEC, received a recognition plaque from Honeywell and Audubon for his work with Bald Eagles and their habitats. |
Speakers at the event included: Frank Moses, Director, Montezuma Audubon Center; John McAuliffe, Honeywell Syracuse Program Director; Niles Brown, Vice President, Onondaga Audubon Society; Jillian Liner, Director of Bird Conservation, Audubon New York; and, Mike Allen, Bald Eagle specialist, formerly of the NYSDEC.
For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.
For more information about the Montezuma Audubon Center, the Onondaga Audubon Society and the Audubon New York Important Bird Areas, please visit:
http://ny.audubon.org/montezuma.htm, http://www.onondagaaudubon.org and http://ny.audubon.org/BirdSci_IBAs.html.
For more information on the Onondaga Lake cleanup, please visit:
www.onondaga-lake-initiatives.com
