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The Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) is an international partnership of scientists and research institutions organized to explore the evolution and structure of the Earth. The Ocean Drilling Distance Learning Program (OD-DLP) at Texas A&M University builds on the exciting scientific research achieved by the Ocean Drilling Program to enhance middle school science education.The OD-DLP is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the College of Geosciences and the Ocean Drilling Program, and the eEducation Group in the College of Education at Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University, the Texas Rural Systematic Initiative (TRSI) of the Texas A&M University System and the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) also support this program.

The objectives of the program include: (1) increasing the technology hardware available in rural middle school science classrooms, (2) providing professional development on technology integration into classroom instruction for middle school science teachers, and (3) providing earth science instructional materials electronically to rural middle school science classrooms.  These objectives have been met by securing and delivering the essential hardware to participating schools.  Professional development was provided through a Distance Learning Program (DLP) Intensive held at the Texas A&M campus between June 12-16, 2000.  Instructional materials are currently available which include web-based curriculum modules, Ship-to-Shore streaming broadcasts between scientists on the JOIDES Resolution and the participating classrooms, and student activities that compliment the broadcasts.

The program is funded by the Telecommunications Infrastructure Board (TIFB), the College of Education at Texas A&M University, the Ocean Drilling Program, and the College of Geosciences at Texas A&M University.  Dr. Jon Denton serves as the Principal Investigator for the project, and Dr. Jack Baldauf serves as the Co-Principal Investigator.  Trina Davis is the Project Director.

Participating School Districts:
 

Menard ISD Junior High Campus	Happy ISD
North Zulch ISD	Beeville ISD
San Isidro ISD	Charlotte ISD
Motley County ISD	Crystal City ISD
Pittsburg ISD	Navasota ISD
Marlin ISD	Poteet ISD
Carrizo Springs Consolidated ISD	Rocksprings ISD
Houston ISD	College Station ISD
Jefferson ISD	St. Petersburg, Florida (John Hopkins Middle School)