2009-11-23

(WASHINGTON) – The American Society of Hematology (ASH) and Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education, and media company, are launching “Explore the Mystery of Blood,” a dynamic science curriculum designed to spark interest in the fields of science and medicine, in addition to exposing students to exciting career opportunities in hematology.

“Many hematologists may remember watching a cartoon in grade school about Hemo the Magnificent, which made learning about blood really fun,” stated Nancy Berliner, MD, ASH President. “Now ASH has the opportunity to convey this excitement to a new generation of high school students. We are really excited to have developed this quality program with Scholastic.”

This hands-on, interactive learning experience will engage students in learning about blood functions as well as common disorders through colorful imagery and the examination of actual blood smears under a microscope. The program aligns with national education standards for science, technology, and life skills. It includes lesson plans built on themes from the hematology documentary “Blood Detectives” and information from www.BloodTheVitalConnection.org, a Web site designed to educate the public about the importance of healthy blood. As part of the program, students will watch “Blood Detectives” (a DVD is included with the materials) where they will see real-life hematologists at work in clinical and research settings helping to treat and cure hematology patients with life-threatening blood diseases. Follow-up activities allow students to see what it is like to be a hematologist by observing blood from an unhealthy patient and learning about how this information helps doctors draw conclusions and determine accurate diagnoses.

“Scholastic is pleased to be working with The American Society of Hematology to provide resources to help high school teachers foster core scientific investigation skills in their students." said Ann Amstutz-Hayes, Vice President of Scholastic InSchool.

This curriculum is being distributed to 50,000 high school science teachers and science club advisors nationwide, reaching more than 4 million students. It will also be available for download at www.Scholastic.com/hematology.

“Explore the Mystery of Blood” was made possible in part by the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation.

Reporters who wish to learn more about the “Explore Mystery of Blood” program may contact Patrick C. Irelan, ASH Communications Assistant, at 202-776-0544 or pirelan@hematology.org.

About the American Society of Hematology
The American Society of Hematology is the world’s largest professional society concerned with the causes and treatment of blood disorders. Its mission is to further the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting blood, bone marrow, and the immunologic, hemostatic, and vascular systems, by promoting research, clinical care, education, training, and advocacy in hematology. ASH provides Blood: The Vital Connection, a credible online resource addressing bleeding and clotting disorders, anemia, and cancer. The official journal of ASH is Blood, the most cited peer-reviewed publication in the field, which is available weekly in print and online.

About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books and a leader in educational technology and children’s media. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs and school-based book fairs, retail stores, schools, libraries, television networks and the Company’s Internet Site.

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