September 30, 2009. Two groups of New York City high school students will use the CCNMTL-developed Brownfield Action simulation this fall.

The nationally recognized online simulation was first created in 1999 in partnership with Professor Peter Bower and has since become a central component of Professor Bower's Introduction to Environmental Science course at Barnard College. In the simulation, students are presented with maps, documents, videos, and an extensive network of scientific data to investigate a suspected contaminated land site. They assume the roles of environmental consulting firms contracting with a real estate developer to study the condition of the site and report on the feasibility of commercial construction

As part of the College-Community Connections Program, 15 Harlem high school students will employ the Brownfield Action simulation in an environmental science course held at Barnard this fall. The course is funded by a TEAGLE Grant awarded to Professor Bower and the Harlem Educational Activities Fund (HEAF). Students will meet every Tuesday evening at Barnard to learn about environmental science and interact with the simulation.

Eight 10th grade students and their science teachers at the NYC iSchool are also using Brownfield Action. The student and teachers are exploring ways to modify Professor Bower's Introduction to Environmental Science course and incorporate Brownfield Action in a new class open to 25 students at the iSchool. The NYC iSchool, located on the 5th floor of Chelsea High School in Tribeca, is an alternative high school that blends innovative technology with a project-based curriculum.