The award recognizes "commitment and creativity of publishers, producers, manufacturers and suppliers who are making significant contributions to excellence in K-12 schools nationwide," Media & Methods Magazine. In selecting AirWatch/ School Weather Network judges' criteria included, clarity of educational purpose, support materials, interest level, and strengths of the product. The Media & Methods judges proclaim that with the School Weather Network, "students can truly understand how weather relates to the global environment." Adding, "The strengths being great lessons and activities that are designed to expand and enrich other curricular areas".

"The Media & Methods Award is well deserved recognition for the AWS AirWatch WeatherNet Program. AWS AirWatch is one of the best examples available of a hands-on teaching tool for use at all grade levels," said Dr. Judy Kalish, Director of Education at AWS.

Designed by educators for educators, the School Weather Network is an education technology tool that brings real-world problem solving and meaning to science, math and geography classroom applications for K -12 levels, while integrating TV and the Internet. AWS and the National Association for Partners in Education have an alliance based on the quality of technology for schools provided by AWS' School Weather Network - bringing classrooms a living laboratory. Through the installation of a weather station and interactive software students are given applied learning opportunities.

Go to http://aws.com to see more on how the program integrates the excitement of live television, the Internet and educational technology. The site was also most recently voted one of the hot websites from Teaching K-8 magazine. For further information and a free product video on how a school can join the AWS School Weather Network, contact the AWS Educational Department at 800-544-4429. For a live demonstration of current weather conditions from around the globe, visit AWS in April (dates) at NSTA booth #964 at the Orlando County Convention Center.

For over 35 years, Media & Methods Magazine has maintained its focus on multimedia education technology for classrooms. The company reaches its target audience of 72,000 educational decision-makers, who control the purchasing of instructional materials for entire school districts. The award identifies and highlights exceptional instructional materials, products and services. The national announcement of the award will be featured in the upcoming May/June '00 issue of Media & Methods or go to http://www.media-methods.com/awards.html to see the listing of other portfolio 2000 winners.

Established in January 1993, AWS, Inc. (formerly Automated Weather Source) is the parent corporation of AWS School Weather Network and InstaSports. AWS is a leader in innovative web applications and is a content provider for both local weather and sports. AWS, Inc. has become a first-in-class, best-in-class high tech and publishing enterprise known around the globe.