"We are delighted with

the generous gift received from the Ford Motor Company Fund," said

Sheila Burke, undersecretary for American Museums and National Programs

at the Smithsonian Institution.

"This support enables

us to increase our national outreach program offerings, which focus on

expanding how the Smithsonian engages the interest and involvement of

the American public in the places where they live. Scholars in the Schools

is an integral part of that focus."

The Fulton County School System

was selected to host the Atlanta tour based on recommendations from education

departments at local museums and the success of past collaboratives.

"The selection of our

school system by the Smithsonian and our recommendation by local agencies

is yet another recognition of the excellence in education we offer students,"

said Associate Superintendent for Instructional Services, Dr. Barbara

Hill. "The schedule we have developed with the Smithsonian holds

the promise of exciting educational opportunities for our students."

Three Smithsonian Scholars

will participate in three days of teaching and lectures. Dr. David Pawson

is a senior research scientist for the Smithsonian's National Museum of

Natural History. Dr. Pawson specializes in marine biology, specifically

the ecology and systematics of echinoderms. He has published over 200

scientific papers and co-authored several books. He earned his Bachelor

of Science, Masters of Science and PhD degrees at the Victoria University

of Wellington, New Zealand.

Evelyn Figueroa is a Project

Director for the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.

She has organized collaborative

partnerships between the Smithsonian Institution and many Latino organizations

to develop outreach programs and initiatives for diverse Latino audiences.

Figueroa holds degrees from the University of Puerto Rico, The Washington

Sate University, and George Washington University.

Gwendolyn Everett is former

collections research coordinator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

She has authored numerous educational materials and publications. Dr.

Everett holds degrees from Spelman College, Howard University and George

Mason University.

The three Smithsonian Scholars

will share their expertise with students and faculty members at seven

schools in Fulton CountyRiverwood High, Milton High, Tri-Cities

High, Westlake High, Sandy Springs Middle, Taylor Road Middle, and Bear

Creek Middle.

Presentations also will be

given to students at Spelman College and Agnes Scott College, as well

as a public lecture at Fernbank Museum of Natural History

where Dr. Pawson will present "The Most Prickly Animals in

the Sea" on Tuesday, January 28, 7 p.m. His lecture will focus on

echinoderms, such as sea stars, sea urchins, and sand dollars.

Fulton County high school students

will learn from Dr. Pawson's presentation, "The great ocean depths:

what do we know about them, and what do they mean to us." Students

in the middle schools will enjoy "The Most Prickly Animals in the

SeaSea Stars, Sea Urchins, and Their Allies."

Gwendolyn Everett will conduct

presentations on "Art and Artists of the Harlem Renaissance,"

while Evelyn Figueroa addresses "Diversity within Diversity"

and "Latino Cultures in the United States: Assimilation Versus Acculturation"

The presentations and lectures

are part of the "Smithsonian Scholars in the Schools" program

coordinated by the Regional Programs department of

The Smithsonian Associates.

Regional Programs presents educational and cultural events that highlight

and complement the work of the Smithsonian Institution to audiences outside

the Washington, DC area.

For more information, call

202-786-3286 or visit www.smithsonianassociates.org.