WEST HARTFORD – Hebrew High School of New England (HHNE) in West Hartford is one of four pilot schools selected from throughout North America to be part of a unique science partnership with Pearson, the world’s largest education company, World ORT, the world’s largest Jewish education and vocational training non-governmental organization, and Israel’s Ministry of Education.

HHNE physics teacher Patrick Collins and 15 freshman students in his physical science class are part of an international team that will focus on a scientific problem-solving activity. The ninth graders will work in pairs with teams at the Nesher School in Northern Israel, on an environmental eco-system project that incorporates an interdisciplinary approach and involves both independent classroom work and direct Skype video communication with the students overseas. Scheduled to commence mid-January, the six-week program will focus on the wildlife of a river, and the causes and effects of changes in its eco-system.

“It is a really unique way to enhance our science curriculum and we are proud that our students have this opportunity. We are also grateful to the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford who connected us with the program,” says Rabbi Daniel Loew, HHNE head of school.

Pearson has been dedicated to promoting global awareness and the latest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education.

“As we embark on our STEM initiative, this opportunity to be involved in an international, cutting edge science project fits beautifully into our plans to make HHNE a regional leader in STEM education,” says Dr. Richard Nabel, HHNE’s head of general studies at HHNE.