The gift will endow Battelle's Zoo Science Quest, a 3-year program specifically designed to reinforce science and conservation knowledge that students need to know for state proficiency tests.

Every child who takes a school field trip to the zoo will have a chance to participate in the interactive program. While details are not finalized yet, the "quests" will likely have students figuring out a scientific mystery based on clues throughout the zoo, or have them take part in a scavenger hunt based on questions they would need to know on proficiency tests.

Battelle's Zoo Science Quest is being modeled after another science-oriented program called the Urban Systemic Initiative Trail Bag. The successful program, offered to Columbus Public Schools students in the mid 1990s, saw more than 15,000 students participate. Battelle's Zoo Science Quest will be open to students from all school districts.

"Our long-standing partnership with Battelle has resulted in a nationally recognized distance learning program. This new funding will expand our science education program at the zoo," said Zoo Director Jerry Borin. "Battelle's Zoo Science Quest will take full advantage of the Columbus Zoo's animals, exhibits, and staff and be an effective teaching resource for teachers and students."

Battelle serves industry and government in the areas of technology development, laboratory management, and technology commercialization. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Battelle has annual revenues of $1 billion, has operations at more than 70 locations and clients in 30 countries. It counts as its successes the development of the office copier machine (Xerox), pioneering work on the compact disc, medical technology breakthroughs, and fiber optic advancements for telecommunications.

For more information contact Battelle Media Relations Manager Katy Delaney at (614) 424-5544 or Columbus Zoo Marketing Associate Alison Swank at (614) 645-3519.